Eurasian Black Vulture Spotted in Imam Turki bin Abdullah Reserve

The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority participated today in the celebration of World Migratory Bird Day 2025, held this year under the theme “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities.” The event was conducted through the authority’s various social media platforms.

 The authority reported the sighting of a Eurasian black vulture (Aegypius monachus), one of the rarest and most endangered birds of prey, near the historic village of Linah, located 105 kilometers south of Rafha Governorate, within the reserve’s boundaries. The vulture had originated its migratory journey from the Republic of Armenia, underscoring the reserve’s significant environmental role as a safe haven for migratory birds.

 The Eurasian black vulture is one of the largest Old World vultures, with a wingspan of approximately 3.1 meters, a body length of up to 1.2 meters, and a weight of approximately 14 kilograms. It is characterized by dark brown feathers and broad wings. The species is classified as endangered due to a sharp decline in population numbers over the past two centuries.