Sooty Falcons in AlUla

Sharaan Nature Reserve becomes a sanctuary for the vulnerable Sooty Falcon, marking a key milestone in the city’s conservation efforts

AlUla’s richly diverse ecosystem just welcomed a significant new discovery – the Sooty Falcon, a species classified as ‘Vulnerable’ by the IUCN Red List since 2017. With an estimated global population of only 2,298 to 3,194 mature individuals, the presence of this medium-sized bird of prey in AlUla marks an important milestone for conservation efforts.

On 3rd October, Sooty Falcons were confirmed to have been found in the Sharaan Nature Reserve, named one of the World's Greatest Places 2024 according to TIME Magazine. Following this confirmation, a comprehensive survey was conducted to estimate their numbers, revealing a population of 50 to 100 breeding pairs. 

This accounts for approximately 2.5% to 7% of the global population, highlighting the critical importance of Sharaan as a conservation area for this species and numerous others. As a result, Sharaan now meets the criteria for designation as a global Key Biodiversity Area, which are geographical regions contributing significantly to the global persistence of biodiversity.

Alongside the Sooty Falcon, Sharaan and AlUla’s other reserves are home to a variety of species, including the majestic Arabian ibex, Idmi gazelles, Cape hares, rock hyraxes and more.

The discovery of the species in Sharaan underscores AlUla’s commitment to ensuring a continuous cycle of preservation, regeneration and revitalisation of its magnificent landscapes. 

Regeneration efforts

AlUla has been at the forefront of reintroducing and protecting wildlife, working to regenerate its natural environment and restore it to its former ecological glory. The reintroduction of more than 1,400 species across three nature reserves in 2023 was a core part of this strategy, aimed at fostering a balanced ecosystem and ensuring the survival of endangered wildlife.

With its commitment to sustainable conservation practices, AlUla is becoming a model for biodiversity preservation, and the discovery of the Sooty Falcon in Sharaan highlights the region’s vital role in protecting threatened species.