Discovery of Rüppell’s Bat Marks New Milestone for Saudi Arabia's Biodiversity Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Expands Its Ecological Significance

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The discovery, made in October 2023 in partnership with KAUST’s Al-Manara Development, was documented in the scientific journal Zoology in the Middle East in November 2024. While Rüppell’s bat has been previously recorded in Egypt, Sudan, Yemen, and Iraq, this is its inaugural sighting in Saudi Arabia.

“Adding Rüppell’s bat to the rich biodiversity of Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve is a remarkable scientific achievement, as the reserve now contains 18 of Saudi Arabia’s 32 bat species, or 56%,” stated Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of the reserve. He noted that bat diversity is a key indicator of successful ecosystem restoration and reaffirmed the reserve's commitment to advancing global conservation knowledge.

David Wells, Senior Associate Director of Environment at Al Manara Development, emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in achieving conservation goals. “This fieldwork has increased our knowledge of bat diversity in the Kingdom and proven the great value of such surveys,” he remarked.

Bats play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Insectivorous bats can consume up to 40% of their body weight in insects daily, serving as effective natural pest controllers. Fruit-eating bats contribute to pollination and seed dispersal, essential for wildlife restoration projects across Saudi Arabia.

Spanning 24,500 square kilometers, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve features diverse ecosystems, including volcanic plains and the depths of the Red Sea. It connects with major projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and AlUla, and hosts initiatives like the Public Investment Fund’s “Wadi Al Disah” and the Red Sea International Company’s “Amaala” project.

The reserve encompasses 15 ecosystems, covering 1% of Saudi Arabia’s land area and 1.8% of its marine environment, yet it harbors over 50% of the Kingdom’s wildlife species, making it one of the most biodiverse regions in the Middle East.

Dedicated to rehabilitating its natural and cultural environments, the reserve is also focused on the reintroduction of 23 historically extinct local species, including the Arabian leopard, cheetah, Arabian oryx, and vultures. This discovery of Rüppell’s bat further underscores the reserve's role in promoting biodiversity and ecological health in the region.