Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority announced the rare discovery of three breeding colonies of Eurasian Griffon vultures on World Vulture Awareness Day. The Griffon vulture is listed as Endangered in the Middle East.

The Griffon vulture and vultures globally are facing a serious conservation crisis. Acting as nature’s clean-up crew, vultures are an essential part of maintaining healthy ecosystems and preventing disease outbreaks.

Andrew Zaloumis, CEO at Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority, stated: "The endangered Griffon vulture is an uncommon breeding resident in Saudi Arabia. Using drones four active nests with adults incubating eggs and raising chicks have been discovered by Reserve scientists and are being closely monitored."

"Griffon vultures are a significant indicator of the Reserve’s improving environmental health. These breeding colonies are a testament to the Reserve’s conservation work and role as a sanctuary for Saudi Arabia’s natural heritage."

Under the Reserve’s recently launched Integrated Development Management Plan vulture breeding colonies are afforded the highest level of protection.