Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Reveals Five Species New to Global Science

The latest discoveries bring the total number of terrestrial species identified in the reserve to 791 - SPA

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve has announced groundbreaking discoveries, including five species new to global science, three species previously unrecorded in Saudi Arabia, and 34 new global range extensions.
These discoveries bring the total number of terrestrial species identified in the reserve to 791. Although the reserve encompasses just 1% of Saudi Arabia’s terrestrial area, it is home to more than 50% of the Kingdom’s terrestrial species. The findings are the culmination of four years of intensive ecological baseline studies led by Saudi and international experts, SPA reported.
Chief Executive Officer of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Andrew Zaloumis highlighted the global significance of these discoveries, stating: “At a time when the IUCN has warned that 28% of species globally are at risk of extinction, these discoveries underscore the importance of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve as a bioclimatic refugium. As climate change increasingly impacts traditional habitats, the reserve serves as a sanctuary for species. The iconic Wadi Al-Disah, with over 200 documented species, is a key site on UNESCO’s tentative list for the World Heritage Bioclimatic Refugia of Western Arabia. These achievements were made possible through strong collaboration between natural scientists from Saudi Arabia and 14 other countries over the past four years.”
Among the five species new to science are two reptiles and three plants, each with ecological and cultural significance. The gecko (Hemidactylus sp.) features distinctive brown horizontal stripes from neck to tail and white nodules along its back. This gecko preys on small invertebrates, such as mosquitoes, playing a vital role in pest control within desert ecosystems. The Hejaz black-collared snake (Rhynchocalamus hejazicus), a small, non-venomous species, is bright red with a striking black collar.
The three plants include the globe thistle (Echinops sp. aff. glaberrimus) from the Asteraceae family, which supports pollinators with its vibrant blooms and has historically been used medicinally for infections and inflammation. The mignonette (Reseda sp. aff. muricata), valued for its herbal properties, is commonly used in teas and perfumery. The hogbean (Hyoscyamus sp.) from the Nightshade family has a complex history, having been utilized as both a poison and in early anesthesiology and palliative care.
Since 2021, the reserve has partnered with organizations such as KAUST to conduct seasonal ecological surveys that document biodiversity and seasonal variations across taxonomical groups. To date, these efforts have recorded 461 plant species, including three new to science, one new to Saudi Arabia, and 11 global range extensions.
The surveys have also documented 240 bird species, including seven global range extensions, along with 39 reptile species, 18 bat species, 31 rodent and large mammal species, one amphibian, and one freshwater fish.
Senior Restoration and Wildlife Ecologist at Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority Josh Smithson remarked on the challenges of surveying the reserve. He explained that its vast size and ecological diversity required a phased approach, starting with high-value ecological areas and progressively expanding study sites. Eco-monitoring programs now complement this baseline work, enhancing the understanding of ecological functionality and diversity while informing reserve management plans.
The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve has published four peer-reviewed academic papers on its biodiversity, with four additional papers awaiting publication. The reserve remains committed to sharing its findings with the local and global scientific and conservation community.