Riyadh, January 19, 2023, SPA -- A significant site for the congregation of a large number of resident and winter visitor birds of prey, nearly 3,000, have been observed by King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve’s (KSRNR) ecological team of experts during the autumn migration survey. These birds are utilizing KSRNR’s habitats as a safe haven during winter, most notably the Steppe Eagle (Aquila Nipalensis) and Imperial Eagle (Aquila Heliaca), which are globally endangered according to the classification of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. (IUCN). The presence of these birds is important for the integrity of the ecosystem as they feed on tons of organic waste of dead animals during their seasonal migration journeys; It is thus working to reduce the spread of diseases and infections in the environment and among the local community. Biodiversity protection and conservation are one of the main objectives of KSRNR, especially endangered and endemic species, as well as natural habitats. The reserve conservation team is working on action plans to protect wild species and their habitats to ensure their sustainable presence in optimum numbers, as well as protect the species from threats such as hunting, collision, poisoning, and electrocution, and this is through the adoption of ongoing baseline surveys, monitoring, and conservation programs. As the largest reserve in the Asian continent, KSRNR embraces a spectacular geographical and biological diversity, including threatened species such as Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx), Nubian Ibex (Capra nubiana), Arabian Sand Gazelle (Gazella Marica), Asian Houbara (Chlamydotis Macqueenii) and Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) as well as a unique cultural heritage including a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site. --SPA 13:36 LOCAL TIME 10:36 GMT 0010 www.spa.gov.sa/w1841706