First confirmation of inland nesting for the Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor) in the AlUla region, Saudi Arabia: A new population revealed

This work provides the first confirmed evidence of successful inland breeding of the Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor) in the AlUla region of northwestern Saudi Arabia, significantly expanding the known breeding range and population size of this globally threatened (“Vulnerable”) species. Surveys conducted across six nature reserves and six areas rich in biodiversity between 2023 and 2024 documented at least 38 breeding pairs, primarily concentrated in the Sharaan National Park, with additional pairs observed in Gharameel Nature Reserve and Wadi Nakhlah Nature Reserve. Breeding behaviours, including courtship, copulation, territorial nest defence, hunting, and the successful fledging of juveniles, were predominantly observed either on top of small inselbergs or on steep sandstone cliffs and rocky escarpments, highlighting the suitability of these habitats, which are widespread throughout the AlUla region. This newly identified population represents nearly 2% of the estimated global breeding population of the species, underscoring the conservation significance of this discovery. The findings demonstrate the ecological adaptability of the Sooty Falcon to arid inland environments and emphasize the critical role of conservation areas, such as those established by the Royal Commission for AlUla, in safeguarding and enhancing core habitats and protecting populations of threatened raptors. Further research and long-term monitoring are essential to refine population estimates, understand species ecology, habitat suitability, and inform adaptive conservation strategies.