RIYADH — The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve has announced the discovery of a new bat species, Vansonia rueppellii (Rüppell's bat), marking its first recorded presence in Saudi Arabia. This keystone species, known for its crucial role in pollination and pest control, adds to the Kingdom's rich biodiversity. The discovery, made in October 2023 in collaboration with KAUST's Al-Manara Development, was published in the scientific journal Zoology in the Middle East in November 2024. While Rüppell's bat has been documented in Egypt, Sudan, Yemen, and Iraq, this marks its inaugural record 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%," said Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of the reserve. He emphasized that bat diversity serves as an indicator of successful ecosystem restoration and reiterated the reserve's commitment to advancing global conservation knowledge. David Wells, Senior Associate Director of Environment at Al Manara Development, highlighted the significance 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 said. Bats play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. Insectivorous bats can consume up to 40% of their body weight in insects daily, making them effective natural pest controllers. Fruit-eating bats aid in pollination and seed dispersal, supporting wildlife restoration projects across Saudi Arabia. Spanning 24,500 square kilometers, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve encompasses diverse ecosystems ranging from volcanic plains to the Red Sea's depths. It connects with major projects like NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and AlUla, and hosts initiatives such as the Public Investment Fund's "Wadi Al Disah" and the Red Sea International Company's "Amaala" project. The reserve boasts 15 ecosystems that cover 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 areas in the Middle East. The reserve is dedicated to rehabilitating its natural and cultural environment, including the reintroduction of 23 historically extinct local species, such as the Arabian leopard, cheetah, Arabian oryx, and vultures.
