Red Sea Global Conducts Largest Ever Saudi Arabian Biodiversity Study

Red Sea Global, the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has published the findings of one of the most comprehensive terrestrial baseline survey ever undertaken by a development company, establishing a new standard for conservation-led development in the tourism industry while announcing several discoveries.

The report, “Terrestrial Spatial Habitats Assessment for Biodiversity Conservation,” was conducted in partnership with the Biodiversity and Genetic Resources Research Center (BIOPOLIS/CIBIO) from the University of Porto in Portugal and covered more than 120 terrestrial sites.

These included over 13,000km² of deserts, volcanic fields, wetlands, mangroves, and mountain ecosystems.

During the fieldwork, Red Sea Global’s team identified several species potentially new to science, meaning they have been identified as distinct and previously unrecorded by scientists.

Among the species discovered in the fieldwork were one scorpion (Trypanothacus sp.), two geckos (Hemidactylus sp. and Tropiocolotes sp.), and a small mammal (Gerbillus sp.).

A scientific finding of this scale is highly significant, especially as biological knowledge of this region has been historically limited.

Furthermore, with the discovery of these potential new species, Red Sea Global’s terrestrial team has demonstrated the ecological uniqueness and conservation value of deserts and arid environments, which are often perceived as low in biodiversity but, in reality, host specialized and highly adapted fauna.

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John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global said: “This survey marks yet another important step in our continued efforts to protect and enhance the region’s landscape and wildlife.

“We now know exactly where these habitats are, what species they support, and what steps we need to take to protect them.

"By embedding this kind of scientific research into planning, we’re showing that luxury tourism and environmental preservation are not only compatible, but they can also be brought together to deliver long-term benefits for both the environment and our visitors.”

In addition to the potentially newly discovered species, the report also identified 11 local Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), which are defined as specific sites recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for their significant contribution to the persistence of biodiversity, either globally, regionally or locally.

These local KBAs were newly identified through this baseline survey, using the IUCN’s methodology, and they support a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna, including locally threatened species and geographically restricted species and species only found in the Arabian Peninsula.

Informing Responsible Development

The wider findings of the survey form an ecological baseline that will guide Red Sea Global’s land-use, restoration, and conservation strategies, as well as inform development decisions as destinations continue to progress.

The fieldwork also supports RSG’s commitment to achieving a 30% net conservation gain by 2040, which means that by that year, the region will feature more or better-quality habitats than before development began.

Protecting Regionally Significant Fauna and Flora

The survey also highlights the ecological significance of the Red Sea zone, the combined terrestrial area encompassing The Red Sea and AMAALA. It documented:

41 locally threatened species, including the Arabian Woodpecker, classed locally as critically endangered and found in the Red Sea mountains: the endangered Nubian Ibex, facing habitat loss, as well as the vulnerable Egyptian Slit-faced Bat and Bonelli's Eagle.

88 locally geographically restricted species, including several species potentially new to science, such as Hemidactylus sp.  and Gerbillus sp. highlighting how little was known about this landscape.

19 species only found in the Arabian Peninsula, adding to the region's unique biodiversity, such as the Arabian Sunbird, the Hejaz black-collared snake, and Scott's Ground Beetle.

18 species displaying local demographic aggregations within the zone, meaning their populations in the area rely on specific sites for breeding, feeding or shelter.  

Among the 11 local KBAs identified are:  

Al-Wajh Bank (2,835 km²): A globally recognized Important Bird Area (IBA) that plays a crucial role in supporting populations of the Sooty Falcon and other marine birds like the Crab Plover and the Sooty Gull. It is also a major stopover for many globally and locally threatened migratory species.

Upper Wadi Al Hamd (976 km²): Recognized as an important area for several species, such as the Arabian Wolf. Identifying this KBA gives conservationists better insights into how the species is surviving and highlights the need for habitat restoration. Additionally, as the Arabian Wolf faces ongoing threats from persecution and hunting, the KBA designation also opens the door to working more closely with local communities inhabiting the area to encourage coexistence and shift prevailing perceptions.

In total, these KBAs provide habitat for 136 species of local conservation concern. This number represents 24% of the diversity identified in the Red Sea zone, highlighting the importance of these areas for ongoing conservation efforts within the area.

As a result of this fieldwork, which transformed the level of knowledge available, filling critical gaps in the scientific record, the species and habitats identified will now be better protected.

A foundation for regenerative tourism

This work highlights RSG’s commitment to regenerative tourism, which not only focuses on sustainability but also actively contributes to the restoration and enhancement of destinations, rather than just reducing negative impacts.

Additionally, it builds on RSG’s 2022 Environmental Baseline Survey, which examined the populations and habitats of species along the Red Sea coastline.

The findings also support Saudi Arabia’s national environmental goals under the Saudi Green Initiative and align with global biodiversity targets under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

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