REVIEW OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONVENTION. National Reports Submitted by Contracting Parties. Report of: Saudi Arabia (received:

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1 CONVENTION ON MIGRATORY SPECIES Distr: General CMS UNEP/CMS/Inf September 2008 Original: English NINTH MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES Rome, 1-5 December 2008 Agenda Item 10a REVIEW OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONVENTION National Reports Submitted by Contracting Parties Report of: Saudi Arabia (received: ) The Secretariat is making available, for the information of participants in the Ninth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species, the national reports provided by Contracting Parties. For the most part, the national reports have been reproduced in the form in which they were received, apart from minor formatting changes. REVUE DE L'APPLICATION DE LA CONVENTION Rapports nationaux soumis aux parties contractantes Rapport de: Arabie saudite (reçu: ) Pour l'information des participants à la Neuvième Réunion de la Conférence des Parties à la Convention sur les Espèces migratrices, le Secrétariat met à leur disposition des rapports nationaux fournis par les parties contractantes. Dans la plupart des cas, les rapports nationaux ont été reproduits dans la forme même sous laquelle nous les avons reçus, abstraction faite de formatages mineurs. REVISION DE LA APLICACION DE LA CONVENCION Reportes Nacionales Enviados por los Miembros del Acuerdo Reporte de: Arabia Saudita (recibido: ) Los reportes nacionales enviados por los Miembros del Acuerdo están a disposición de los participantes del Novena Reunión de la Conferencia de los Miembros de la Convención sobre Especies Migratorias en la Secretaría. La mayoría de ellos se encuentran en la versión original en la que se enviaron, con excepción de pequeños ajustes de formato. For reasons of economy, documents are printed in a limited number, and will not be distributed at the meeting. Delegates are kindly requested to bring their copy to the meeting and not to request additional copies.

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3 Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals FORMAT FOR NATIONAL REPORT OF PARTIES ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONVENTION ON THE CONSERVATION OF MIGRATORY SPECIES OF WILD ANIMALS Reporting format agreed by the Standing Committee at its 32nd Meeting (Bonn, November 2007) for mandatory use by Parties, for reports submitted to the Ninth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP9) (Rome, 2008). The questions below combine elements of Resolution 4.1 (Party Reports) adopted by the Fourth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (Nairobi, June 1994) and Resolution 6.4 (Strategic Plan for the Convention on Migratory Species ), adopted by the Sixth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (Cape Town, November 1999), the COP8 Strategic Plan and Resolution 8.24 adopted by the Conference of the Parties (Nairobi 2005), as well as commitments arising from other operational Resolutions and Recommendations of the Conference of the Parties. Parties are encouraged to respond to all questions. Parties are also requested to provide comprehensive answers, including, where appropriate, a summary of activities, information on factors limiting action and details of any assistance required. This document has been designed with semi-automated text-form fields. Please double click on the grey boxes to enter the field. You can then enter the required information. Continue to do so with each text-field or jump to the next field directly by using the tab key. Where checkboxes are available you might check these with a single click. Please enter here the name of your country: SAUDI ARABIA Which agency has been primarily responsible for the preparation of this report? The National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD) Please list any other agencies that have provided input: Saudi Arabia, CMS Report, 2008

4 Please enter the required information in the table below: I(a). General Information Party Date of entry into force of the Convention in [Saudi Arabia] 1 March 1991 Period covered Nov 2005 to May 2008 Territories to which the Convention applies Full name of the institution Name and title of designated Focal Point Mailing address Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its territories and territorial waters DESIGNATED NATIONAL FOCAL POINT Telephone (+966 1) Fax (+966 1) National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD) H.H Prince Bandar Bin Saud Bin Mohammad, Secretary General P.O. Box Riyadh 11575, Saudi Arabia info@ncwcd.gov.sa APPOINTMENT TO THE SCIENTIFIC COUNCIL Full name of the institution Name and title of contact officer Mailing address Telephone Fax Name and Signature of officer responsible for submitting national report Date of submission Membership of the Standing Committee (if applicable): SUBMISSION Name: Mohammad Saud Sulayem, International Relations Advisor Address: The National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD) P.O. Box Riyadh 11575, Saudi arabia Tel.: (+966 1) Fax: (+966 1) msulayem2@yahoo.com Name: Mohammad Saud Sulayem, International Relations Advisor Address: The National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD) P.O. Box Riyadh 11575, Saudi arabia Tel.: (+966 1) Fax: (+966 1) msulayem2@yahoo.com Competent Authority: National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD) Relevant implemented legislation: The Forest and Rangelands Act (1979) The Hunting Law: Royal Decree no. M/26 dated 25/5/1398 H equivalent to 2/5/1978 G Ministerial Decision no. 457 dated 13/3/1399 H equivalent to 10/2/1979 G The Wild Animals and Birds Hunting Act (1999) The Fishing Law: Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,

5 Royal Decree no. M/9 dated 27/3/1408 H equivalent to 18/11/1987 G Ministerial Decision no dated 27/3/1409 H equivalent to 6/11/1988 G Marine Scientific Research Regulation: Ministerial Decision no. 103 dated 10/8/1413 H equivalent to 1/2/1993 G Royal Decree no. M/12 dated 11/8/1413 H equivalent to 2/2/1993 G The Wildlife Protected Areas Act (1995) The Act on Trade in Endangered Wildlife Species and their Products (2000) Agriculture and Veterinary Quarantine Regulations (1975) Other relevant Conventions/ Agreements (apart from CMS) to which Saudi Arabia is a Party: National policy instruments (e.g. national biodiversity conservation strategy, etc.): Convention on Biological Diversity; UNCCD; UNFCCC; CITES; GCC Convention on Conservation of Wildlife and their Natural Habitats National Biodiversity Strategy (approved) and National System Plan for Protected Areas. Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,

6 Please indicate whether your country is part of the following Agreements/MoU. If so, please indicate the competent national institution Wadden Sea Seals: Party Signed but not yet entered force Non-party Non National Focal Point/Competent authority Name: Address: Tel: Fax: Eurobats Party Membership of the Trilateral Seal Expert Group Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: Non-party Signed but not yet entered force Non Competent authority Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: ASCOBANS Party Appointed member of the Advisory Committee Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: Non-party Signed but not yet entered force Non Co-ordinating authority Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: Appointed member of the Advisory Committee Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: Membership of other committees or working groups: AEWA: Party Signed but not yet entered force Non-party Non Admin istrative Authority Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: ACCOBAMS Party Appointed member of the Technical Committee Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: Non-party Signed but not yet entered force Non National Focal Point Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: Appointed member of the Scientific Committee Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: Membership of committees or working groups: Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,

7 ACAP Designated Authority Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: Membership of Advisory Committee Party Signed but not yet entered force National Contact Point Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: Non-party Non Siberian Crane MoU: Signatory Non-signatory Non Competent authority Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: Slender-billed Curlew MoU: Signatory Non-signatory Non Competent Authority Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: Marine Turtle Africa MoU: Signatory Non-signatory Non National Contact Point Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: Great Bustard MoU: Signatory Non-signatory Non Competent Authority Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: National Contact Point Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: Marine Turtle MoU - IOSEA: Signatory Non-signatory Non Competent national authority Name: National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD) Address: P.O. Box Riyadh 11575, Saudi Arabia Tel.: (+966 1) Fax: (+966 1) info@ncwcd.gov.sa Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,

8 Bukhara Deer MoU: Signatory Non-signatory Non Competent national authority Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: Aquatic Warbler MoU: Signatory Non-signatory Non Competent national authority Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: National Contact Point Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: African Elephant MoU: Signatory Non-signatory Non Competent national authority Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: National Contact Point Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: Pacific Islands Cetaceans MoU: Signatory Non-signatory Non Competent national authority Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: National Contact Point Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: Mediterranean Monk Seal MoU: Signatory Non-signatory Non Competent national authority Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: National Contact Point Name: Address: Tel.: Fax: Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,

9 1 Which other government departments are involved in activities/initiatives for the conservation of migratory species in your country? (Please list.) Ministry of Agriculture(MoA); Ministry of water(mow), National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) of the NCWCD (research on migratory and globally threatened birds, particularly on Houbra bustard captive breeding and reintroduction), University of Al-Taif (consultation on migratory birds) and the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJ Y). 2 If more than one government department is involved, describe the interaction/relationship between these government departments: PAs are managed by NCWCD. The NCWCD/NWRC help in identifying IBAs in Saudi Arabia in collaboration with Birdlife International ; some National Parks are managed by MoA, ;irrigation dams, which serve as wintering/stop over sites, are manged by the MoW. two coastal PAs, important for m. birds, manged by RCJY. Close coordination exist between these agencies. 3 Has a national liaison system or committee been established in your country? Please provide contact information Yes the National Biodiversity Committee, Yousif Al-Wetaid (Coordinator), NCWCD 4 List the main non-governmental organizations actively involved in activities/initiatives for the conservation of migratory species in your country, and describe their involvement: 4a Saudi Aramco, which has an environmental department and conducts marine studies. Please provide detail on any devolved government/overseas territory authorities involved. PERSGA and ROPME 5 Describe any involvement of the private sector in the conservation of migratory species in your country: Saudi Biological Society publishes some papers on migratory species. BirdLife International is helpful as it involved in identifying IBAs in Saudi Arabia. 6 Note any interactions between these sectors in the conservation of migratory species in your country: there are frequent interactions between these sectors. Several meetings were organized with the BirdLife International and discussed regional conservation programs for resident and migratory species. No Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,

10 I(b). Information about involved Authorities Identify the ministry, agency/department or organization that is responsible for leading actions relating to Appendix I species 1 Birds NCWCD 2 Marine Mammals NCWCD 3 Marine Turtles NCWCD 4 Terrestrial Mammals NCWCD 5 Bats 6 Other Taxa NCWCD Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,

11 II. Appendix I species 1. BIRDS 1.1 General questions on Appendix I bird species 1 Is the taking of all Appendix I bird species prohibited by the national implementing Yes No legislation cited in Table I(a) (General Information)? If other legislation is relevant, please provide details: 1a If the taking of Appendix I bird species is prohibited by law, have any exceptions Yes No been granted to the prohibition? If Yes, please provide details (Include the date on which the exception was notified to the CMS Secretariat pursuant to CMS Article III(7): 2 Identify any obstacles to migration that exist in relation to Appendix I bird species: 2a 2b 2c By-catch Habitat destruction Pollution Other (please provide details) Electrocution Wind turbines What actions are being undertaken to overcome these obstacles? Efforts are being made to increase public awareness on these obstacles e.g. information signs were placed in local anima l markets, border villages and towns. Other relevant legislations are implemented (see Ia: General Information) Please report on the progress / success of the actions taken. Brochure and posters on conservation have been developed by the NCWCD/NWRC. Two governmntal agencies have been responsible for research on wetlands and their flora and fauna: Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) and the NCWCD. Conservation objectives for migratory species have been considered in the National System Plan for Protected Areas. What assistance, if any, does your country require in order to overcome these obstacles? provision of relevant information, training and research assistance. 3 What are the major threats to Appendix I bird species (transcending mere obstacles to migration)? 3a 3b 3c Illegal trade Poaching Other (please specify) Some birds sites face a multitude of threats. Pollution by oil, sewage effluent and rubbish and extensive land reclamation for further urbanization all threaten some sites along the Red Sea coast, the later reduces the area of inter-tidal flats available for feeding water birds. What actions have been taken to prevent, reduce or control factors that are endangering or are likely to further endanger bird species beyond actions to prevent disruption to migrating behaviour? introduction of exotic species is strictly controlled. Tourism is developed significantly and more industrial development on coastal area. Actions taken: Sustainable tourism policy was adopted& Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan was developed. Please report on the progress / success of the actions taken. Integrated Coastal Zone Managemnt Plan was approved for Jizan Province in the Red Sea, which considers the breeding habitats of Seabirds. Describe any factors that may limit action being taken in this regard: 3d What assistance, if any, does your country require to overcome these factors? provision of training and information. More collaborative conservation activities and programmes should be initiated by governmental agencies and private sector as well as international organizations to conduct basic research and conservation programmes. Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,

12 1.2 Questions on specific Appendix I bird species In the following section, using the table format below, please fill in each Appendix I bird spe cies for which your country is considered to be a. Please complete each table as appropriate, providing information in summary form. Where appropriate, please cross-reference to information already provided in national reports that have been submitted under other conventions (e.g. Convention on Biological Diversity, Ramsar Convention, CITES). (Attach annexes as necessary.) Species Aquila clanga Common Name(s) Greater Spotted Eagle 1 Please provide published distribution reference: 2a 2b Bundy, G., Connor, R. J. and Harrison, C. J. 1989: Birds of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. H. F. & G. Witherby Ltd in association with ARAMCO. Jennings, M. C. 1982: The birds of Saudi Arabia, Check-list, Jennings. Cambridge. Meyburg, B-U, Meyburg, C. and Mizera, T. 2000: Migration strategies of greater spotted eagles Aquila clanga tracked by satellite. Raptor at Risk. Ed. Chancellor, R. D. & B. U. Meyburg eds. WWGBO/Hanccock house. Porter, R. F., Christensen, S., & Schiermacker-Hansen, P. :1996 Birds of the Middle East. London, Rahmani, A. Shobrak, M, and Newton, S. 1994: Birds of the Tihamah coastal plane of Saudi Arabia. OSME Bull. 32: Shobrak, M 2000: The role of avian scavengers in locating and exploiting carcasses in central Saudi Arabia. Raptor at Risk. Ed. Chancellor, R. D. & B. U. Meyburg eds. WWGBO/Hanccock house Stagg, A. 1987: Birds of Riyadh Region. NCWCD. Riyadh. Islam, M. Z. (2007) Globally threatened species in the Middle East: Is it really necessary to prevent their extinction? Pp NWRC Annual report, Taif. BirdLife International (2001) Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife International Red Data Book. Cambridge. BirdLife International (2006) Species factsheet: Aquila clanga Summarise information on population size (if known): Passage or wintering birds occur in small numbers over a vast area in the Arabian peninsula. Numbers appear to have declined of its range. However, long-term trends are difficult to assess as no proper monitoring has been taken place. Summarise information on distribution (if known): Since no monitoring programme in place, it is difficult to provide updated information but the distribution in its range has been declining as result of key threats like disturbance, habitat destruction and also suitable habitat have been lost as a result of wetland drainage. 3 Indicate (with an X ) and briefly describe any activities that have been carried out in favour of this species in the reporting period. (Please provide the title of the project and contact details, where available): Research Identification and establishment of protected areas Monitoring Protected Area and at NWRC enclosures. Education/awareness rising Species protection Control hunting / poaching Species restoration Habitat protection NWRC has been monitoring in Mahzat as-sayd Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,

13 Habitat restoration Other 4 If no activities have been carried out for this species in the reporting period, what has prevented such action being taken? 5 Describe any future activities that are planned for this species: Species Aquila heliaca Common Name(s) Eastern Imperial Eagle 1 Please provide published distribution reference: Bundy, G., Connor, R. J. and Harrison, C. J. 1989: Birds of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. H. F. & G. Witherby Ltd in association with ARAMCO. Jennings, M. C. 1982: The birds of Saudi Arabia, Check-list, Jennings. Cambridge. Meyburg, B-U, Patrick, P. and Meyburg, C. 2000: Migration strategies of 15 steppe eagle Aguila nipalensis tracked by satellite. Porter, R. F., Christensen, S., & Schiermacker-Hansen, P. :1996 Birds of the Middle East. London, Rahmani, A. Shobrak, M, and Newton, S. 1994: Birds of the Tihamah coastal plane of Saudi Arabia. OSME Bull. 32: International Action Plan for the Imperial Eagle. (1996) BirdLife International and European Commission Paillat, P. (2003) Raptors migration in Saudi Arabia. Annual Report. Pp (Satellite telemetry was attached on male Imperial Eagle to study migration with Raptor Research Group). Islam, M. Z. (2007) Globally threatened species in the Middle East: Is it really necessary to prevent their extinction? Pp NWRC Annual report, Taif. 2a Summarise information on population size (if known): 2b Summarise information on distribution (if known): Wintering birds occur in small numbers over a vast area in the country. Numbers appear to have declined of its range. However, long-term trends and population sizes are difficult to assess as no proper monitoring system in place. 3 Indicate (with an X ) and briefly describe any activities that have been carried out in favour of this species in the reporting period. (Please provide the title of the project and contact details, where available): Research Identification and establishment of protected areas Monitoring In 2003 a male Imperial Eagle was capture in western-central Saudi Arabia in winter and fitted with the Satellite transmiter to study the migration and habitat use. Education/awareness rising Species protection Control hunting / poaching Species restoration Habitat protection Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,

14 Habitat restoration Other 4 If no activities have been carried out for this species in the reporting period, what has prevented such action being taken? 5 Describe any future activities that are planned for this species: Species Falco naumanni Common Name(s) Lesser Kestrel 1 Please provide published distribution reference: Bundy, G., Connor, R. J. and Harrison, C. J. 1989: Birds of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. H. F. & G. Witherby Ltd in association with ARAMCO. Evans, M. I. (1994) Important Bird Areas in the Middle East. Cambridge, U.K.: BirdLife International (BirdLife Conservation Series no. 2). Islam, M. Z. (2007) Globally threatened species in the Middle East: Is it really necessary to prevent their extinction? Pp NWRC Annual report, Taif. Islam, M. Z. and Shobrak, M. (2006) Birds of Mahazat as-sayd Protected Area and NWRC. NWRC Annual Report Jennings, M. C. 1982: The birds of Saudi Arabia, Check-list, Jennings. Cambridge. Jennings, M. C. 1995: An Interim Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Arabia. Riyadh: NCWCD. Porter, R. F., Christensen, S., & Schiermacker-Hansen, P. :1996 Birds of the Middle East. London, Rahmani, A. Shobrak, M, and Newton, S. 1994: Birds of the Tihamah coastal plane of Saudi Arabia. OSME Bull. 32: Stagg, A. 1987: Birds of Riyadh Region. NCWCD. Riyadh. 2a Summarise information on population size (if known): 2b Summarise information on distribution (if known): One breeding record in the Northern part of Saudi Arabia (Jennings 1995). Passage Migrants almost in all part of Saudi Arabia (Bundy et al. 1989; Rahmani et al. 1994; Stagg 1987).It is also recorded in Mahazat as-sayd Protected Area and at NWRC (Islam and Shobrak, 2006). 3 Indicate (with an X ) and briefly describe any activities that have been carried out in favour of this species in the reporting period. (Please provide the title of the project and contact details, where available): Research Identification and establishment of protected areas Monitoring Monitoring of birds in Mahazat as-sayd Protected Area and at NWRC in western-centeral Saudi Arabia is in place since last two years, but no specific project on Lesser Kestrel. Education/awareness rising Species protection Control hunting / poaching Species restoration Habitat protection Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,

15 Habitat restoration Other 4 If no activities have been carried out for this species in the reporting period, what has prevented such action being taken? 5 Describe any future activities that are planned for this species: In Saudi Arabia the only possible method is to carry out surveys in pilot areas and then extrapolate to the remainder of the suitable habitat. A standard methodology for Lesser Kestrel survey should be developed Species name Geronticus eremita Common Name(s) Northern Bald Ibis, Waldrapp, Hermit Ibis (Passage Migrants) 1 Please provide published distribution reference: BirdLife International 2004: Threatened birds of the world. Barcelona and Cambridge, UK: Lynx Edition and BirdLife International. 2a 2b Jennings, M. C. 1982: The birds of Saudi Arabia, Check-list, Jennings. Cambridge. Serra, G. and L. Peske 2006: Coordinating protection efforts of breeding N. Bald Ibises Geronticus eremite in Palmyra (Syria) and trapping / Satellite tagging 3 individuals Internal report, BirdLife International & Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Sand. Cambridge. Serra, G., L. Peske, and M. Wondafrash 2007: Preliminary survey of Middle Eastern N. Bald Ibises at their recently discovered wintering grounds in Ethiopian highlands. Internal report, BirdLife International & Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Sand. Cambridge. Summarise information on population size (if known): In 1993, 14 individuals were observed near Taif, close to National Wildlife Research Centre. No birds were observed in this stopover area after it has been protected. However, in 2007 Satellite tracking of Syrian population showed less birds than before Summarise information on distribution (if known): Passage Migrants. The tagged birds were stopped near Madinah and on the back migration they were recorded 200km from Jizan on the hilly areas in There might be more birds migrating through Saudi Arabia but no information is available. 3 Indicate (with an X ) and briefly describe any activities that have been carried out in favour of this species in the reporting period. (Please provide the title of the project and contact details, where available): Research Identification and establishment of protected areas Monitoring A survey was carried in 2007 for satellite tracked birds in collaboration with Bird Life International' Middle East Office. Education/awareness rising Species protection Control hunting / poaching Species restoration Habitat protection Habitat restoration Other 4 If no activities have been carried out for this species in the reporting period, what has prevented such action being taken? Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,

16 5 Describe any future activities that are planned for this species: Monitoring during migration in collaboration with BirdLife International, Middle East Office Species Aythya nyroca Common Name(s) Ferruginous Pochard, Ferruginous Duck 1 Please provide published distribution reference: Bundy, G., Connor, R. J. and Harrison, C. J. 1989: Birds of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. H. F. & G. Witherby Ltd in association with ARAMCO. Evans, M. 1994: Important Bird Areas in the Middle East. Cambridge: BirdLife International, BirdLife Conservation series No. 2. Green, 1984: The avifauna of the Al Jawf region, northwest Saudi Arabia, Sandgrouse 6, Jennings 1995: An Interim Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Arabia. Riyadh: NCWCD, Lepage, D. (2008) Checklist of Birds of Saudi Arabia, Avibase, the World Bird Database Rahmani, A. Shobrak, M, and Newton, S. 1994: Birds of the Tihamah coastal plane of Saudi Arabia. OSME Bull. 32: Stagg, A. 1987: Birds of the Riyadh Region. NCWCD, Riyadh. BirdLife International (2001) Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife International Red Data Book. Cambridge. BirdLife International (2006) Species factsheet: Aythya nyroca. 2a Summarise information on population size (if known): 2b Summarise information on distribution (if known): Passage Migrant in the central, Eastern and Coastal plain of the Western wetlands of Saudi Arabia (Stagg 1987, Bundy et al. 1989; Rahmani et al. 1989). Opportunistic breeder in the Eastern Province wetlands (Bundy et al. 1989; Jennings 1995) 3 Indicate (with an X ) and briefly describe any activities that have been carried out in favour of this species in the reporting period. (Please provide the title of the project and contact details, where available): Research Identification and establishment of protected areas Monitoring Education/awareness rising Species protection Control hunting / poaching Species restoration Habitat protection Habitat restoration Other 4 If no activities have been carried out for this species in the reporting period, what has prevented such action being taken? 5 Describe any future activities that are planned for this species: Monitoring IBAs Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,

17 Species name Oxyura leucocephala Common Name(s) White-headed Duck 1 Please provide published distribution reference: BirdLife International (2001) Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife International Red Data Book. Cambridge. BirdLife International (2006) Species factsheet: Oxyura leucocephala Green, 1984: The avifauna of the Al Jawf region, northwest Saudi Arabia, Sandgrouse 6, Evans, M. 1994: Important Bird Areas in the Middle East. Cambridge: BirdLife International, BirdLife Conservation series No. 2. Lepage, D. (2008) Checklist of Birds of Saudi Arabia, Avibase, the World Bird Database Porter, R. F., Christensen, S., & Schiermacker-Hansen, P. :1996 Birds of the Middle East. London, Wikipedia (2007) List of Birds of Saudi Arabia, 2a Summarise information on population size (if known): 2b Summarise information on distribution (if known): Only one record from a wetland located in the North Central of Saudi Arabia in 1983 (Green 1984) 3 Indicate (with an X ) and briefly describe any activities that have been carried out in favour of this species in the reporting period. (Please provide the title of the project and contact details, where available): Research Identification and establishment of protected areas Monitoring Education/awareness rising Species protection Control hunting / poaching Species restoration Habitat protection Habitat restoration Other 4 If no activities have been carried out for this species in the reporting period, what has prevented such action being taken? 5 Describe any future activities that are planned for this species: Monitoring IBA Species name Marmaronetta angustirostris Common Name(s) Marbled Teal 1 Please provide published distribution reference: Bundy, G., Connor, R. J. and Harrison, C. J. 1989: Birds of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. H. F. & G. Witherby Ltd in association with ARAMCO. Evans, M. 1994: Important Bird Areas in the Middle East. Cambridge: BirdLife International, BirdLife Conservation series No. 2. Green, 1984: The avifauna of the Al Jawf region, northwest Saudi Arabia, Sandgrouse 6, Lepage, D. (2008) Checklist of Birds of Saudi Arabia, Avibase, the World Bird Database Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,

18 Rahmani, A. Shobrak, M, and Newton, S. 1994: Birds of the Tihamah coastal plane of Saudi Arabia. OSME Bull. 32: Stagg, A. 1987: Birds of the Riyadh Region. NCWCD, Riyadh. 2a Summarise information on population size (if known): 2b Summarise information on distribution (if known): Passage migrants to wetlands in the central, Eastern, South west of Saudi Arabia (Bundy et al. 1989, Stagg 1987; Rahmani et al. 1994). 3 Indicate (with an X ) and briefly describe any activities that have been carried out in favour of this species in the reporting period. (Please provide the title of the project and contact details, where available): Research Identification and establishment of protected areas Monitoring Education/awareness rising Species protection Control hunting / poaching Species restoration Habitat protection Habitat restoration Other 4 If no activities have been carried out for this species in the reporting period, what has prevented such action being taken? 5 Describe any future activities that are planned for this species: As the species is rare and adapted to temporary wetlands, monitoring would be concentrated on those sites where it was recorded before. Species Pelicans crispus Common Name(s) Dalmatian Pelican 1 Please provide published distribution reference: Lepage, D. (2008) Checklist of Birds of Saudi Arabia, Avibase, the World Bird Database BirdLife International (2001) Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife International Red Data Book. Cambridge. BirdLife International (2006) Species factsheet: Pelicans crispus Species International Action Plan by the BirdLife International. 2a Summarise information on population size (if known): 2b Summarise information on distribution (if known): Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,

19 3 Indicate (with an X ) and briefly describe any activities that have been carried out in favour of this species in the reporting period. (Please provide the title of the project and contact details, where available): Research Identification and establishment of protected areas Monitoring Education/awareness rising Species protection Control hunting / poaching Species restoration Habitat protection Habitat restoration Other 4 If no activities have been carried out for this species in the reporting period, what has prevented such action being taken? 5 Describe any future activities that are planned for this species: Monitoring IBAs (inlands, freshwater wetlands and coastal lagoons) Species Pelecanus onocrotalus Common Name(s) White Pelican 1 Please provide published distribution reference: Stagg, A. 1987: Birds of the Riyadh Region. NCWCD, Riyadh. Evans, M. 1994: Important Bird Areas in the Middle East. Cambridge: BirdLife International, BirdLife Conservation series No. 2. Bundy, G., Connor, R. J. and Harrison, C. J. 1989: Birds of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. H. F. & G. Witherby Ltd in association with ARAMCO. BirdLife International (2001) Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife International Red Data Book. Cambridge. Lepage, D. (2008) Checklist of Birds of Saudi Arabia, Avibase, the Would Bird Database 2a Summarise information on population size (if known): 2b Summarise information on distribution (if known): Rare Migrants in the central and Eastern wetlands (Stagg, 1987; Bundy et al. 1989) 3 Indicate (with an X ) and briefly describe any activities that have been carried out in favour of this species in the reporting period. (Please provide the title of the project and contact details, where available): Research Identification and establishment of protected areas Monitoring Education/awareness rising Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,

20 Species protection Control hunting / poaching Species restoration Habitat protection Habitat restoration Other 4 If no activities have been carried out for this species in the reporting period, what has prevented such action being taken? 5 Describe any future activities that are planned for this species: Monitoring IBAs (inlands, freshwater wetlands and coastal lagoons) Species name Ciconia boyciana Common Name(s) Oriental White Stork 1 Please provide published distribution reference: 2a BirdLife International (2001) Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife International Red Data Book. Cambridge. Wikipedia (2007) List of Birds of Saudi Arabia, Lepage, D. (2008) Checklist of Birds of Saudi Arabia, Avibase, the World Bird Database Summarise information on population size (if known): 2b Summarise information on distribution (if known): Vagrant 3 Indicate (with an X ) and briefly describe any activities that have been carried out in favour of this species in the reporting period. (Please provide the title of the project and contact details, where available): Research Identification and establishment of protected areas Monitoring Education/awareness rising Species protection Control hunting / poaching Species restoration Habitat protection Habitat restoration Other 4 If no activities have been carried out for this species in the reporting period, what has prevented such action being taken? 5 Describe any future activities that are planned for this species: Monitoring IBA Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,

21 Species Numenius tenuirostris Common Name(s) Slender-billed Curlew 1 Please provide published distribution reference: BirdLife International (2001) Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife International Red Data Book. Cambridge. Lepage, D. (2008) Checklist of Birds of Saudi Arabia, Avibase, the Would Bird Database 2a Summarise information on population size (if known): 2b Summarise information on distribution (if known): vagrant 3 Indicate (with an X ) and briefly describe any activities that have been carried out in favour of this species in the reporting period. (Please provide the title of the project and contact details, where available): Research Identification and establishment of protected areas Monitoring Education/awareness rising Species protection Control hunting / poaching Species restoration Habitat protection Habitat restoration Other 4 If no activities have been carried out for this species in the reporting period, what has prevented such action being taken? 5 Describe any future activities that are planned for this species: Monitoring IBA Species Larus leucophthalmus Common Name(s) White-eyed Gull 1 Please provide published distribution reference: Islam, M. Z. (2007) Globally threatened species in the Middle East: Is it really necessary to prevent their extinction? Pp NWRC Annual report, Taif. Jennings, M. C. 1982: The birds of Saudi Arabia, Check-list, Jennings. Cambridge. Jennings, M. C. 1995: An Interim Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Arabia. Riyadh: NCWCD. PERSGA 2003: Status of the breeding Seabirds in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden Porter, R. F., Christensen, S., & Schiermacker-Hansen, P. :1996 Birds of the Middle East. London, Rahmani, A. Shobrak, M, and Newton, S. 1994: Birds of the Tihamah coastal plane of Saudi Arabia. OSME Bull. 32: Shobrak, M., Al Suhaibani, A. and Newton, S. 2002: Breeding Seabirds in the Saudi Arabia' Red Sea. PERSGA 2a Summarise information on population size (if known): Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,

22 2b Summarise information on distribution (if known): 3 Indicate (with an X ) and briefly describe any activities that have been carried out in favour of this species in the reporting period. (Please provide the title of the project and contact details, where available): Research Identification and establishment of protected areas Monitoring Education/awareness rising Species protection Control hunting / poaching Species restoration Habitat protection Habitat restoration Other 4 If no activities have been carried out for this species in the reporting period, what has prevented such action being taken? 5 Describe any future activities that are planned for this species: Monitoring and Research Miscellaneous information or comments on Appendix I birds in general: The NCWCD suffers from a shortage of adequately trained and experienced field staff members, thus some activities, including regular monitoring, have not been carried out Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,

23 2. MARINE MAMMALS 2.1 General questions on Appendix I marine mammals 1 Is the taking of all Appendix I marine mammals prohibited by the national Yes No implementing legislation cited in Table I(a) (General Information)? If other legislation is relevant, please provide details: 1a If the taking of Appendix I marine mammals is prohibited by law, have any exceptions Yes No been granted to the prohibition? If Yes, please provide details (Include the date on which the exception was notified to the CMS Secretariat pursuant to CMS Article III(7)): 2 Identify any obstacles to migration that exist in relation to Appendix I marine mammals: 2a 2b By-catch Pollution Collision with fishing traffic Illegal hunting Other threats to migration (please provide details) What actions are being undertaken to overcome these obstacles? The General Environment Law has been issued (Royal Decree M/34 28/ 7/1422H). The regulations of the law include, inter alia, a plan to control marine environment pollution. Please report on the progress / success of the actions taken. 2c What assistance, if any, does your country require in order to overcome these obstacles? assistance in research is required 3 What are the major pressures on Appendix I marine mammal species (transcending mere obstacles to migration)? Pollution By-catch Other (please specify) 3a 3b What actions have been taken to prevent, reduce or control factors that are endangering or are likely to further endanger species of marine mammal beyond actions to prevent disruption to migrating behaviour? the ban on the taking of these species is being enforced; in addition, the number of marine protected areas will be increased Please report on the progress / success of the actions taken. 3c Describe any factors that may limit action being taken in this regard: 3d What assistance, if any, does your country require to overcome these factors? there isa shortage of marine experts; however, NCWCD is addressing this issue. Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,

24 2.2 Questions on specific Appendix I marine mammals In the following section, using the table format below, please fill in each Appendix I marine mammal species for which your country is considered to be a. Please complete each table as appropriate, providing information in summary form. Where appropriate, please cross-reference to information already provided in national reports that have been submitted under other conventions (e.g. Convention on Biological Diversity, Ramsar Convention, CITES). (Attach annexes as necessary.) Balaenoptera musculus Common Name(s) Blue Whale 1 Please provide published distribution reference: 2a Summarise information on population size (if known): 2b Summarise information on distribution (if known): 3 Indicate (with an X ) and briefly describe any activities that have been carried out in favour of this species in the reporting period. (Please provide the title of the project and contact details, where available): Research Identification and establishment of protected areas Monitoring Education / awareness rising Species protection Control hunting / poaching Species restoration Habitat protection Habitat restoration Other 4 If no activities have been carried out for this species in the reporting period, what has prevented such action being taken? 5 Describe any future activities that are planned for this species: Balaenoptera physalus Common Name(s) Fin Whale 1 Please provide published distribution reference: 2a Summarise information on population size (if known): 2b Summarise information on distribution (if known): Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,

25 3 Indicate (with an X ) and briefly describe any activities that have been carried out in favour of this species in the reporting period. (Please provide the title of the project and contact details, where available): Research Identification and establishment of protected areas Monitoring Education / awareness rising Species protection Control hunting / poaching Species restoration Habitat protection Habitat restoration Other 4 If no activities have been carried out for this species in the reporting period, what has prevented such action being taken? 5 Describe any future activities that are planned for this species: some efforts will be exerted to estimate population size and to study population distribution Megaptera novaeangliae Common Name(s) Humpback Whale 1 Please provide published distribution reference: 2a Summarise information on population size (if known): 2b Summarise information on distribution (if known): 3 Indicate (with an X ) and briefly describe any activities that have been carried out in favour of this species in the reporting period. (Please provide the title of the project and contact details, where available): Research Farasan Research Project, a comprehensive ecological survey of the Farasan Islands Marine Protected Area in the south-central Red Sea, was conducted in partnership with the Khalid Bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation and PERSGA Identification and establishment of protected areas Monitoring Education / awareness rising Species protection Control hunting / poaching Species restoration Habitat protection Habitat restoration Other 4 If no activities have been carried out for this species in the reporting period, what has prevented such action being taken? 5 Describe any future activities that are planned for this species: some efforts will be exerted to estimate population size and to study population distribution Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,

26 Delphinus delphis Common Name(s) Common Dolphin? 1 Please provide published distribution reference: 2a Summarise information on population size (if known): 2b Summarise information on distribution (if known): 3 Indicate (with an X ) and briefly describe any activities that have been carried out in favour of this species in the reporting period. (Please provide the title of the project and contact details, where available): Research Farasan Research Project, a comprehensive ecological survey of the Farasan Islands Marine Protected Area in the south-central Red Sea, conducted in May 2006 in partnership with Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation and PERSGA, more than 100 individuals of the species were observed. Identification and establishment of protected areas Monitoring Education / awareness rising Species protection Control hunting / poaching Species restoration Habitat protection Habitat restoration Other 4 If no activities have been carried out for this species in the reporting period, what has prevented such action being taken? 5 Describe any future activities that are planned for this species: some efforts will be exerted to estimate population size and to study population distribution Miscellaneous information or comments on Appendix I marine mammals in general: Further detailed research studies on marine mammals will be conducted. Environmental awareness and educational progammes, for all groups, will also be developed. However, the NCWCD suffers fro m a shortage of adequately trained and experienced field staff Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,

27 3 MARINE TURTLES 3.1 General questions on Appendix I marine turtles 1 Is the taking of all Appendix I marine turtles prohibited by the national implementing Yes No legislation cited in Table I(a) (General Information)? If other legislation is relevant, please provide details: 1a If the taking of Appendix I marine turtles is prohibited by law, have any exceptions Yes No been granted to the prohibition? If Yes, please provide details (Include the date on which the exception was notified to the CMS Secretariat pursuant to CMS Article III(7)): 2 Identify any obstacles to migration that exist in relation to Appendix I marine turtles: 2a 2b 2c By-catch Pollution Other threats to migration (please provide details) What actions are being undertaken to overcome these obstacles? environmental awareness of public, particularly hunters as well as patrolling regarding use of specific nets that allow escape of by-catched turtles. Regional Cooperation through PERSGA is enhaned, including habitat survey. Nationaly,turtles are tagged Please report on the progress / success of the actions taken. some progress is observed What assistance, if any, does your country require in order to overcome these obstacles? information support is needed 3 What are the major pressures on Appendix I marine turtles (transcending mere obstacles to migration)? 3a 3b 3c 3d Collection of eggs Destruction of nesting beaches Other (please specify) Predation of eggs What actions have been taken to prevent, reduce or control factors that are endangering or are likely to further endanger species of marine turtles beyond actions to prevent disruption to migrating behaviour? taking of turtles and eggs is banned. the nesting areas are protected during nesting season Please report on the progress / success of the actions taken. some progress is observed Describe any factors that may limit action being taken in this regard: lack of adequate experts What assistance, if any, does your country require to overcome these factors? training is required Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,

28 3.2 Questions on specific Appendix I marine turtles In the following section, using the table format below, please fill in each Appendix I marine turtle species for which your country is considered to be a. Please complete each table as appropriate, providing information in summary form. Where appropriate, please cross-reference to information already provided in national reports that have been submitted under other conventions (e.g. Convention on Biological Diversity, Ramsar Convention, CITES). (Attach annexes as necessary.) Chelonia mydas Common Name(s) Green Turtle 1 Please provide published distribution reference: 2a Summarise information on population size (if known): 2b Summarise information on distribution (if known): 3 Indicate (with an X ) and briefly describe any activities that have been carried out in favour of this species in the reporting period. (Please provide the title of the project and contact details, where available): Research Identification and establishment of protected areas Monitoring Education / awareness rising Species protection Control hunting / poaching Species restoration Habitat protection Habitat restoration Other 4 If no activities have been carried out for this species in the reporting period, what has prevented such action being taken? NA 5 Describe any future activities that are planned for this species: Some nesting areas in red sea (inside Farasan Marine Protected Area) were recommended as biological reserves. Satellite trackng will be used to study the migration patterns. Caretta caretta Common Name(s) Loggerhead Turtle 1 Please provide published distribution reference: 2a Summarise information on population size (if known): 2b Summarise information on dis tribution (if known): Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,

29 3 Indicate (with an X ) and briefly describe any activities that have been carried out in favour of this species in the reporting period. (Please provide the title of the project and contact details, where available): Research Identification and establishment of protected areas Monitoring Education / awareness rising Species protection Control hunting / poaching Species restoration Habitat protection Habitat restoration Other 4 If no activities have been carried out for this species in the reporting period, what has prevented such action being taken? NA 5 Describe any future activities that are planned for this species: Eretmochelys imbricata Common Name(s) Hawksbill Turtle 1 Please provide published distribution reference: 2a Summarise information on population size (if known): 2b Summarise information on distribution (if known): 3 Indicate (with an X ) and briefly describe any activities that have been carried out in favour of this species in the reporting period. (Please provide the title of the project and contact details, where available): Research Identification and establishment of protected areas Monitoring Education / awareness rising Species protection Control hunting / poaching Species restoration Habitat protection Habitat restoration Other 4 If no activities have been carried out for this species in the reporting period, what has prevented such action being taken? NA 5 Describe any future activities that are planned for this species: Some nesting areas in red sea (inside Farasan Marine Protected Area) were recommended as biological reserves. Satellite trackng will be used to study the migration patterns. Saudi Arabia, CMS Report,