King Salman Royal Reserve Records Over 2,850 Rare Birds of Prey in Winter Survey

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has recorded over 2,850 rare birds of prey wintering within the reserve, underscoring its importance as a key habitat for endangered species.

 The authority is participating in a national program to monitor the endangered steppe eagle, collaborating with the local entities and BirdLife International to document its population and wintering sites across the Kingdom.

 Nationwide survey operations were conducted from January 16 to 26, ensuring accurate results and preventing double-counting. Monitoring was conducted in the early morning and late afternoon, optimal times for tracking raptor activity.

 Field teams identified over 1,600 steppe eagles, alongside more than 1,200 black kites, 35 cinereous vultures, and 25 eastern imperial eagles, highlighting the reserve's ecological significance as a raptor gathering area.

 In support of these efforts, medium-voltage power towers and transmission lines within the reserve were insulated in 2024 in collaboration with the National Center for Wildlife. This initiative successfully mitigated electrocution risks, as confirmed by the survey, which recorded no bird fatalities beneath the lines.

 The reserve includes five internationally recognized Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and one globally acknowledged Key Biodiversity Area (KBA). Migratory birds represent approximately 88% of the recorded species, while resident birds make up the remaining 12%.