The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve stands as one of Saudi Arabia’s most significant ecological sanctuaries, serving as a strategic hub for avian biodiversity.
Hosting more than 290 bird species, the reserve accommodates approximately 88% migratory birds and 12% resident species, accounting for 58% of all bird species recorded in the Kingdom.
Spanning an impressive 130,700 square kilometers across the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, Tabuk, and Hail regions, the reserve acts as the Kingdom’s first autumnal landing site for flocks migrating from Asia and Europe, and their last stop before continuing to Africa in spring.
Legendary species such as the steppe eagle, eastern imperial eagle, and the houbara bustard—the latter listed as a threatened species—thrive within its varied landscape. In total, the reserve protects 26 bird species classified as threatened according to the IUCN Red List.
A dedicated network of monitoring programs ensures the safeguarding and enhancement of bird habitats, preserving biodiversity while reinforcing the reserve’s pivotal role in ecological conservation.
