ISLAMABAD: Researchers have unveiled the first detailed list of reptile species in Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the study was conducted by the reserve’s development authority.
It was published in the Amphibian & Reptiles Conservation journal.
Altogether, 31 species — 25 lizards and six snakes — were documented by researchers.
The researcher went on 1,551 field observations within the reserve.
New species
Three species were also newly documented, raising the reserve’s known total to 34.
The research highlighted two endangered species, the Egyptian monitor lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia) and the Wolfgangboehmei gecko (Tropicolotes wolfgangboehmei)
According to the study, both face threats from climate change and human activity.
Spanning from November 2022 to October 2023, the study employed tools such as genetic barcoding and highlighted the reserve’s ecological diversity.
Recommendation
The study is part of efforts to protect endangered species and sustain wildlife in Saudi Arabia.
Researchers recommended enhanced monitoring and adaptive conservation strategies to mitigate environmental challenges.
