Vulture Tracking & Conservation Efforts Expands in AlUla

Environmental teams in AlUla are expanding monitoring of endangered vultures through field surveys and GPS tracking, with studies focused on their movements, behaviour, breeding activity and habitat needs.

Sharaan Nature Reserve, which covers more than 1,500 sq km, is one of the main areas being monitored. Teams there recently recorded an endangered Ruppell’s vulture, believed to be only the second official sighting of the species in AlUla.

Surveys have also regularly recorded between 20 and 30 lappet-faced vultures in the area, accounting for around 2.5% of the species’ population in Saudi Arabia. Four breeding pairs were observed during the current season.

The Royal Commission for AlUla is working with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology to track lappet-faced vultures using GPS devices. The data is being used to study migration patterns, habitats and potential threats, helping shape targeted conservation measures.

Fieldwork also includes habitat restoration and efforts to reduce risks along migratory routes. Vultures play an important ecological role by disposing of carcasses and recycling nutrients, while their presence and breeding success can also serve as indicators of environmental health.

Wider conservation measures in Saudi Arabia include insulating power lines along migration routes, regulating hunting seasons and conducting monitoring programmes through the National Centre for Wildlife.