Continuation of the Expedition: Northern Saudi Arabia
As part of the second phase of the expedition, the NABU team visited northern Saudi Arabia to explore the areas where signals from a cinereous vulture tagged in Armenia were detected. These regions are mostly pastures for sheep and goats, surrounded by rocky hills and sandy deserts. In the same area where our cinereous vulture is located, we observed 12 steppe eagles feeding at a dam site.
A key highlight of this phase was also the visit to the IMAM Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve. Here, we gained valuable insights into the reserve itself and its conservation projects.
Dr. Bilal Kabeer, Senior Fauna Specialist of the reserve, provided detailed information about the ongoing and completed initiatives focused on the recovery and preservation of flora and fauna. Over the past three years, these efforts have transformed deserted areas into vegetated landscapes once again.
We also met with Abdullah Alkhaldi, Head of the Rangers, who shared details about the conservation activities being carried out in this unique region.
An important part of our discussions was cooperation on studying and protecting migratory species, as well as preventing bird mortality on power lines. Initial agreements on these issues have been reached.
Today, we begin the third phase of our expedition, inspired by the knowledge and experience gained during this stage.
This expedition is organized of German Nature Protection Union (NABU) program “New Partnership for the Conservation of Birds of Prey in Eastern Europe”, funded by NABU International and VGP funds.
