The Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate announced the launch of a specialized program to track the Egyptian vulture, in collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), using the Global Positioning System (GPS), as part of its efforts to conserve wildlife and support scientific research and innovation in protecting endangered species.

The commission's statement explained that the program is part of a research partnership with KAUST aimed at employing advanced technologies and analyzing environmental data to enhance the protection of wildlife species and develop sustainable management methods for protected areas in AlUla.

Installing a tracking device on one of the vultures

The statement indicated that the program included installing a solar-powered tracking device on one of the Egyptian vultures after monitoring an active nest and following it in the field, conducting necessary veterinary examinations, before returning it to its nest.

It added that the program aims to collect field data on the movements and behavior of the Egyptian vulture after leaving its nest, contribute to identifying important habitats and its environmental needs, in addition to monitoring potential risk areas, thereby supporting efforts to protect natural habitats and develop protected area management.

Importance of field data

In the same context, the commission stated that the program provides data that helps understand the movements and environmental needs of the Egyptian vulture, supporting more accurate future decisions to protect this species and its natural habitats.

It is noted that the Egyptian vulture is one of the largest vulture species in its geographic range and is classified as an endangered species according to the IUCN Red List, and it is also an indicator of ecosystem health and natural habitat quality.

Results of field monitoring

The results of field monitoring reported the regular presence of between 20 and 30 individuals of the Egyptian vulture in AlUla, representing about 2.5% of the national population of this species, in addition to monitoring four breeding pairs in the area during the current season, including the pair that raised the vulture equipped with the tracking device.

For its part, the commission expected that the data resulting from the program would support studies related to nesting sites, food sources, movement paths, and areas less affected by human activities, in addition to supporting future research and long-term planning for the management of protected areas in AlUla.

Supporting Saudi Green Initiative goals

It is worth noting that the program falls within the commission's work in the field of environmental monitoring and biodiversity, which includes monitoring wildlife species, conducting environmental studies, restoring natural habitats, and employing modern technologies and research partnerships, in support of the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

Discuss the news with artificial intelligence