Keywords
Breeding Success
Mahazat
Protected Area
Maerua crassifolia
Acacia tortilis
Torgos tracheliotus.
How to Cite
Abstract
From 1992 to 2003, the number of Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus pairs nesting in Saudi Arabia’s Mahazat as-Sayd Protected Area, which was established in 1989, increased from 6 to 37. The distribution of nests concentrated in two small core areas in the east and south-east (1992 and 1995) changed to a more even pattern across the protected area (2003). Concomitantly, the tree species used for nesting changed from being almost exclusively Maerua crassifolia (1992-1998) to Acacia tortilis. The fence around the protected area reduces disturbance, which is a factor affecting the breeding success of these vultures; the increase in the number and distribution of nests is probably a response to effective protection of the area. Changes in nest-tree species probably reflect their general availability, as Acacia tortilis is the dominant species in Mahazat, whereas Maerua crassifolia is concentrated in the reserves’ eastern part.References
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