Publications
The conservation status of the threatened gazelles of Ar Rub’ al-Khālī, Saudi Arabia
A long-term conservation effort involving the reintroduction of 313 captive-bred gazelles—240 Arabian sand gazelles and 73 Arabian gazelles—into the Uruq Bani Ma'arid Protected Area in Saudi Arabia's Ar Rub’ al-Khālī desert has shown promising results. Two decades after release, both species established stable populations with distinct habitat preferences: Arabian gazelles thrived on the western side, while sand gazelles spread across the central protected area, exhibiting seasonal movements tied to temperature shifts. The study also revealed that these gazelles adapt their activity patterns seasonally, becoming more nocturnal during hot months and diurnal in cooler periods. This research demonstrates that strategic reintroduction of desert gazelles into protected habitats can lead to successful population establishment, even in complex environments where conventional monitoring is challenging.
Reptile richness and topographic heterogeneity in the 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid Protected Area, southern Saudi Arabia
A survey of reptiles in the 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid Protected Area, southern Saudi Arabia, revealed that species richness and occupancy are positively linked to topographic heterogeneity. Eighteen reptile species were detected, with higher diversity found in areas combining rocky and sandy habitats. This finding suggests that topographic complexity could be a key factor influencing reptile distribution in arid environments. The study employed a robust survey design and multi-species occupancy modeling, providing preliminary evidence that satellite-derived topographic data may aid in identifying potential protected sites for reptiles. Further research is needed to validate these patterns across broader arid landscapes.
A new distribution record of Arnold’s Gecko, Pristurus minimus (Arnold, 1977) (Squamata, Sphaerodactylidae), in Saudi Arabia
A new distribution record of Arnold’s Gecko, Pristurus minimus, expands the known range of this species within Saudi Arabia. Previously documented from Oman and Yemen, four individuals were confirmed through physical and genetic analysis in the Uruq Bani Ma’arid Protected Area (UBM), marking the first record for Saudi Arabia. This discovery increases the number of Pristurus species in the Kingdom to five, contributing critical data to the understanding of its reptile fauna. The study highlights the importance of comprehensive taxonomic and distributional research for effective conservation strategies, particularly in regions with understudied biodiversity.
The status and ecology of the sand cat in the Uruq Bani Ma’arid Protected Area, Empty Quarter of Saudi Arabia
A groundbreaking camera-trap survey in the Uruq Bani Ma’arid Protected Area, part of the Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia, has revealed a significantly larger and more widespread population of sand cats than previously believed. The study, one of the largest desert-based surveys of its kind, captured over 1500 images across 100 camera-traps spread over 2400 km². Sand cats were found in all major habitats—escarpment plateaus, sand dunes, and interdunal gravel valleys—but showed a preference for the interior parallel dune system with gravel valleys during hot seasons. Unlike larger predators like the Arabian red fox or honey badger, which favored escarpment plateaus, sand cats exhibited minimal spatial interaction with other carnivores, except for Rueppell’s fox in the main dune system. Their strictly nocturnal behavior was also marked by 14% higher activity during hot seasons compared to cooler periods.
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