Species discovery in habitat conservation survey

Rocky lunar-like desert landscape pictured glowing orange at sunrise.

One of the most comprehensive terrestrial baseline surveys ever undertaken by a developer has discovered several species potentially new to science, including a scorpion, two geckos, and a small mammal.

Focusing attention on critical ecological hotspots in Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea, this groundbreaking blueprint for conservation-led development also identified 11 new local Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs).

The study challenges common development perceptions by demonstrating the significant conservation value of deserts and arid environments. It reveals previously undiscovered ecological uniqueness and shows how these areas play host to specialised and highly adapted fauna, rather than being low in biodiversity.

Signposting a clear path to 30% net conservation gain by 2040, this pioneering survey is one of the most comprehensive of its kind ever undertaken by a development company, Red Sea Global (RSG).

RSG is the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations such as The Red Sea and AMAALA. Its focus on ecological factors is setting new standards for sustainable development in the tourism industry.

Species potentially new to science

The report Terrestrial Spatial Habitats Assessment for Biodiversity Conservation has been produced with the Biodiversity and Genetic Resources Research Centre (BIOPOLIS/CIBIO) at the University of Porto, Portugal.

All in all, this extensive and diverse body of work covers more than 120 terrestrial sites, including over 13,000sq km of deserts, volcanic fields, wetlands, mangroves, and mountain ecosystems.

During the fieldwork, RSG’s team identified several species potentially new to science — meaning they have been identified as distinct and previously unrecorded. Among the species discovered were one scorpion (Trypanothacus sp), two geckos (Hemidactylus sp and Tropiocolotes sp), and a small mammal (Gerbillus sp).

A scientific finding of this scale is highly significant, especially as biological knowledge of this region has been historically limited. Furthermore, the discovery of potential new species highlights the ecological uniqueness and conservation value of deserts and arid environments, often perceived as low in biodiversity.

The survey marks another vital step for conservation, says John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global:

“We now know exactly where these habitats are, what species they support, and what steps we need to take to protect them. By embedding scientific research into planning, we’re showing luxury tourism and environmental preservation are not only compatible, but can be brought together to deliver long-term benefits for the environment and visitors.”

Regionally significant fauna and flora

The survey highlights the ecological significance of the Red Sea zone — the combined terrestrial area encompassing The Red Sea and AMAALA. Taking all findings together, the report documents:

41 locally threatened species: including the Arabian Woodpecker, classed locally as critically endangered and found in the Red Sea mountains; the endangered Nubian Ibex, facing habitat loss, as well as the vulnerable Egyptian Slit-faced Bat and Bonelli’s Eagle.
88 locally geographically restricted species: including several species potentially new to science — such as Hemidactylus sp and Gerbillus sp — highlighting how little was known about this landscape.
19 species only found in the Arabian Peninsula: adding to the region’s unique biodiversity, these include such as the Arabian Sunbird, the Hejaz black-collared snake, and Scott’s Ground Beetle.
18 species displaying local demographic aggregations: within the zone, this means their populations in the area rely on specific sites for breeding, feeding or shelter.

Key Biodiversity Areas identified

In addition to the potential new species, the report also identified 11 local Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs). These are defined as specific sites recognised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for their significant contribution to the persistence of biodiversity, either globally, regionally or locally.

These local KBAs were newly identified through this baseline survey, using the IUCN’s methodology, and they support a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna, including locally threatened species and geographically restricted species and species only found in the Arabian Peninsula.

Al-Wajh Bank (2,835sq km): A globally recognised Important Bird Area (IBA), this archipelago and coastal region is a vital breeding ground and migratory stopover for seabirds. In particular, it supports populations of the Sooty Falcon and other marine birds like the Crab Plover and the Sooty Gull. Retaining 45% as Last of the Wild (areas minimally impacted by human activity) underscores its importance as a refuge for 3 flora and 21 fauna species of local conservation concern.
Harrat Lunayyir (1,211sq km): Defined by its volcanic landscapes, the area supports a variety of desert-adapted species and important bat roosts. With 45% of its area classified as Last of the Wild, it serves as a haven for 7 flora and 19 fauna species of local conservation concern, including the plant Hippocrepis constricta, Bonelli’s Eagle, and the Fan-tailed Raven.
Jabal Saykhaan (1,643sq km): Encompassing mountainous terrain and wadis, this area is home to 16 flora and 16 fauna species of local conservation concern, including the plant Anisosciadium lanatum, Arabian Woodpecker, and Peregrine Falcon.
Upper Wadi Alhamd (976sq km): Centred around a significant wadi system, this area supports a diverse range of species due to the presence of critical water resources in an arid environment. With a 33% Last of the Wild status, it provides refuge for 1 flora and 9 fauna species of local conservation concern, including the plant Morettia parviflora, Arabian Woodpecker, Arabian Wolf and Nubian Ibex. As the Arabian Wolf faces ongoing threats from persecution and hunting, KBA designation opens the door to working more closely with local communities to encourage coexistence and shift prevailing perceptions.
Wadi Khuff (38sq km): Notable for a series of small freshwater springs inside a mountain canyon which provides a critical water source for local fauna, the area supports 10 fauna species of local conservation concern, including Hemprich’s Desert Bat and Short-toed Snake-eagle.
Wadi Al Hamd (383sq km): Encompassing a wadi system and significant wetland areas, this area supports a variety of wetland-dependent species and migratory birds. 53% of the area remains as “Last of the Wild,” providing refuge for 7 flora and 16 fauna species of local conservation concern, including the plant Monsonia heliotropioides, Arabian Woodpecker, Eurasian Spoonbill and Killifish.
Jabal Qawwam (772sq km): Characterized by mountainous terrain and a permanent dam that serves as a critical water source, the area supports 7 flora and 13 fauna species of local conservation concern, including the plant Salvia deserti, Geoffroy’s Myotis, Pharaoh Eagle-owl, Arabian Serin, Desert Tawny Owl, Mount Elba snake-eyed lizard, and Oman toad.
Jabal Ral and Northern Areas (1,163sq km): Comprising a diverse landscape of mountains, wadis, and plains, this area supports a variety of plant and animal life, including threatened and endemic species. It is home to 14 flora and 25 fauna species of local conservation concern, including the plant Salvia deserti, Peregrine Falcon and Bonelli’s Eagle.
Triple Bay Mountains (692sq km): With mountainous terrain and ephemeral streams, this area provides habitat for a variety of mountain-adapted species and important bat roosts. With 26% classified as “Last of the Wild,” it supports 12 flora and 22 fauna species of local conservation concern, including the plant Cleome droserifolia, Arabian pupfish, Bonelli’s Eagle and Common Moorhen.
Amaala Coastal Mangroves (35sq km): A marine/terrestrial KBA encompassing coastal mangrove ecosystems, it is a critical habitat for a variety of marine and terrestrial species, including globally and/or locally threatened species. The area supports 4 flora and 7 fauna species of local conservation concern, including the plant species Cadaba farinosa, Indigofera coerulea, Atriplex farinosa and Mesembryanthemum cryptanthum, and Purple Heron and Crab Plover.
Amaala Northern Mountains (1,086 km): With 21% classified as “Last of the Wild,” this area supports a variety of mountain-adapted species, including 13 flora and 13 fauna species of local conservation concern, including the plant Cleome droserifolia, Geoffroy’s Myotis, Egyptian Slit-faced Bat, Pharaoh Eagle-owl, Short-toed Snake-eagle, and Desert Tawny Owl.

In total, these KBAs provide habitat for 136 species of local conservation concern. This number represents 24% of the diversity identified in the Red Sea zone, highlighting the importance of these areas for ongoing conservation efforts. The survey fieldwork helps transform the level of knowledge available, filling critical gaps in the scientific record. As a result, the species and habitats identified will now be better protected.

Foundation for regenerative tourism

This work highlights RSG’s commitment to regenerative tourism, which not only focuses on sustainability but also actively contributes to the restoration and enhancement of destinations, rather than just reducing negative impacts. Additionally, it builds on the 2022 Environmental Baseline Survey from RSG, which examined the populations and habitats of species along the Red Sea coastline.

The wider findings of this new survey form an ecological baseline that will guide RSG’s land-use, restoration, and conservation strategies, informing development decisions as destinations progress.

The fieldwork also supports RSG’s commitment to achieving 30% net conservation gain by 2040, meaning that by then the region will feature more or better-quality habitats than before development began.

In addition, the study supports Saudi Arabia’s national environmental goals under the Saudi Green Initiative and align with global biodiversity targets under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

Economies, communities, and environment

Red Sea Global (RSG) is a vertically integrated real estate developer with a diverse portfolio across tourism, residential, experiences, infrastructure, transport, healthcare, and services. This includes the luxury regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea, which began operating in 2023, and AMAALA, which is set to welcome its first guests later this year. A third destination, Thuwal Private Retreat opened in 2024.

RSG is wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. A cornerstone of the Vision 2030 ambition to diversify the Kingdom’s economy, RSG works towards a more sustainable future, showing how responsible development can uplift communities, drive economies, and enhance the environment.

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