A wildlife guide to Saudi

Arabian oryx

The Arabian oryx, with its elegant, long, straight horns and snowy white coat, is an iconic symbol of Saudi. It was once considered extinct in the wild due to excessive hunting, but due to international efforts of captive breeding and reintroduction, an estimated 1000 oryxes now live throughout the Arabian peninsula. These striking antelopes are well-adapted to the harsh desert environment, boasting efficient water-conservation mechanisms such as a lowered metabolic rate in dry seasons, the ability to sustain a higher body temperature to avoid losing water through evaporation, and am innate skill to sense faraway rainfall and move in its direction to feed on fresh plant growth. 

The Arabian oryx holds deep cultural significance in Saudi as well as its neighboring countries on the Arabian peninsula, representing purity and grace in art and folklore. Its presence in the region has inspired numerous legends, making it a cherished national symbol as well as a subject of poetry and engravings. The Sharaan Nature Reserve in AlUla also run safaris where you can explore in an open-top Jeep and spy oryx roaming the wilderness.

Where can I spot them?

If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot the oryx in the Imam Saud bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve north of Taif, where dedicated conservation efforts have helped boost its population. Other species such as the reem gazelle and the red-necked ostrich have equally been introduced into this area where they thrive today in respectable numbers. The Mahazat is a desert sanctuary nestled in the heart of the Kingdom and provides a unique opportunity to witness these graceful creatures roam freely.

Arabian wolf

The Arabian wolf stands as a testament to nature's ability to adapt and thrive in even the harshest environments. It is a smaller and more slender cousin of the gray wolf, which is an evolutionary trait that allows it to better survive in the arid landscapes and scorching heat of the desert. Unlike other wolf species, the Arabian wolf lives in small packs of 3 members on average and it is mostly silent and seldomly howls. It bears a coat that seamlessly blends with the tawny hues of the Kingdom’s dry landscapes.

The Arabian wolf holds a place in the hearts of the Saudi people. It symbolizes resilience in the face of adversity, mirroring the enduring spirit of the desert's nomadic cultures. This elusive wolf has woven itself into the fabric of local lore, embodying the spirit of survival and adaptability that resonates deeply with the people who call these deserts home.

Where can I spot them?

Arabian wolves used to be common in most of the Arabian peninsula. Today, their range has shrunk to only include smaller pockets in the northern and wouthern parts of the peninsula, and they have become a rare sight. In Saudi, the best bet would be the southern regions close to the Yemen and Oman borders, such as Rub’ al Khali (The Empty Quarter), or the rugged terrain of the Asir Mountains.

The Arabian Wolf is not just known for its adaptability to extreme conditions, but also for its elusive and shy nature, and while sightings are rare, they are more common during the cooler hours of dawn and dusk, as well as footprint sightings if you're camping in the desert. Unlike their grey wolf cousins, the Arabian wolf actually tends to live near human settlements because of food availability, which might make sightings a bit easier.

Wild cats

Saudi is home to several wild cat species, including the enchanting sand cat with its large ears, compact physique, and nocturnal lifestyle. The caracal, another feline resident, is known for its stunning appearance, featuring tufted ears and a powerful build. Finally, the African Wildcat, which is thought by scientists to be the early ancestor of the domestic cat we know today, is also found in Saudi.

Saudi’s many felines are more than just desert dwellers; they are cultural icons, steeped in folklore and tradition. Their cunning and agility have inspired tales of desert wisdom, while their role in maintaining ecological balance showcases their importance in the delicate desert ecosystem.

In some Bedouin communities, caracals are believed to possess a mystical aura, and their tracks in the sand are sometimes seen as symbols of guidance and protection. It's not uncommon for tales to circulate about caracals being desert guides, leading lost travelers safely through the unforgiving dunes under the moonlit desert sky. Additionally, caracals and Saudi’s other wild cat species are frequently featured in traditional poetry and folklore, where they symbolize the resilience and adaptability of the people living in these arid regions.

Where can I spot them?

Exploring the remote desert regions and rocky landscapes is your best chance to encounter these elusive felines and the Asir province and the areas surrounding the capital of Riyadh are both known to host them. They are known for their stealth and elusive behaviour, so patience is key when searching for them.

Of the three species mentioned, you’re most likely to spot the African Wildcat, which is adapted to a wider range of environments than the Caracal and the Sand Cat, and while African Wildcats are shy, Caracals and especially Sand Cats are much more so!

Hamadryas baboon

The hamadryas baboon is a distinctive primate species known for its silver-gray fur and striking facial features. The males are almost twice the size of the females, and they have impressive silver-colored manes that adorn their necks and upper backs. Females are more brownish in color and without the mane. They live in complex social groups, or harems where one male usually bosses around 6-7 females, and they can be quite fascinating to observe.

While not as culturally significant as in ancient Egypt where the Hamadryas was seen as a deity, in some local Arabian folklore and traditions, these baboons are believed to be creatures with mystical or supernatural qualities. They may appear in stories and myths, often associated with the natural, rocky, landscape of the region where they spend the night.

Where can I spot them?

You can find hamadryas baboons in the southwestern region of Saudi, particularly around the Sarawat Mountains and in particular the Asir Mountains where they seek refuge in the rocky cliffs for sleeping and finding water. Their preferred terrain is rugged, and often difficult to access, which means that they’re a rare sight for most. In addition to this, they’re also very elusive animals, which means that they’re likely to disperse as soon as people come near them.

They can also be spotting on the mountain roads around Taif and along the mountains all the way to Jazan in the south. It's highly encouraged not to feed them if you encounter them and in settlements there are often signs warning you not to do so.

Arabian leopard

The Arabian leopard is an elusive and critically endangered big cat species with less than 200 individuals estimated in the wild. It has a tawny coat adorned with beautiful rosettes and is known to be the smallest leopard subspecies. Historically, the Arabian Leopard was often depicted in art and poetry of ancient Arabic civilizations and in Islamic folklore, it is sometimes associated with jinn and mystical beings.

Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these magnificent creatures and The Royal Commission for AlUla’s Breeding Centre in Taif has welcomed four Arabian Leopard cubs since 2021. Eventually it is hoped they will be released into the Sharaan Nature Reserve where they can live a safe protected life.

Where can I spot them?

While sighting an Arabian leopard is a rare and extraordinary event, they are known to inhabit the mountainous and vegetated regions of Saudi, including the Asir and Sarawat Mountains. They only seldomly move into open terrain.

Birdlife

Saudi boasts an impressive diversity of birds with well over 500 species, and quite a few endemic to the Arabian peninsula. The kingdom is important both for resident birds, but also migrants. While it’s difficult to pick just a few, some of the notable bird species in the kingdom include the saker and peregrine falcons, often used for falconry, a traditional pastime of Saudi nobility. Among countless others are the elegant Nubian bustard, and the graceful hoopoe lark known for its beautiful songs that consist of rising and falling notes and clicks.

Where can I spot them?

Birdwatchers can easily delight in the diverse birdlife found throughout Saudi. From the coastal wetlands along the Red Sea to the lush oases in the Empty Quarter, each region offers a unique opportunity to observe these birds in their natural habitats, and while some of the other wildlife mentioned in this article might be a rare sight to behold, someone with an interest in ornithology will most certainly be able to spot a wide range of birdlife in most regions of the Kingdom. Anywhere where there is water and shelter from trees you are likely to hear birds, especially at dawn and dusk. If you sit quietly and be patient, you will also see them.

In Saudi, a wildlife adventure awaits around every corner, from the vast desert landscapes to the verdant mountainous regions. Each species, whether big or small, contributes to the intricate tapestry of life in this remarkable country. Wildlife doesn’t have to be big to be enjoyed. Small black beatles leave the most amazing trails in the sand over night. When camping in desert areas, you often wake up to a wonderful collection of routes criss-crossing each other in the sand. At the coast, crabs live in holes next to the water’s edge and build little mounds to attract the opposite sex. As you approach, they run away back into their holes.

As you embark on your wildlife journey through Saudi, remember to respect and conserve the natural world that makes these encounters possible. It's a land of both tradition and wilderness, where the beauty of nature continues to inspire and captivate those who seek it.