KAUST and the National Center for Wildlife (NCW) are collaborating on research to protect Saudi Arabia's coastal ecosystems and marine economy from invasive species. They are conducting biodiversity surveys along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coasts, having surveyed 34 sites and collected over 10,000 samples. So far, 200 species with potential marine invasive traits have been identified, expanding the national knowledge base of marine life. Why it matters: The partnership aims to develop early detection and monitoring systems, fortifying Saudi Arabia's marine biosecurity efforts and supporting its Vision 2030 blue economy goals.
A study co-authored by KAUST researchers and published in Science analyzes the intertwined climate and biodiversity crises, noting that human activities have altered roughly 75% of land and 66% of marine waters. Greenhouse-gas emissions amount to over 55 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, with global mean temperature increased by over 1.1 degrees Celsius since the preindustrial era. The study proposes an ambitious approach including emissions reduction, restoration, and cross-institutional alliances. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's contribution to global research on pressing environmental challenges and informs strategies for regional sustainable development initiatives.
A KAUST-led study identified 15 large mammal species that inhabited the Arabian Peninsula in the last 10,000 years, tripling previous estimates. Researchers analyzed thousands of petroglyphs from scientific expeditions, publications, and social media. The study identified two species never known to live in the region before: the greater kudu and the Somali wild ass. Why it matters: The findings provide a benchmark for rewilding efforts and inform decisions on which mammals to reintroduce to the region.
A KAUST-led study in *Nature Ecology & Evolution* finds that plant species diversity is the strongest predictor of dryland ecosystem resistance to grazing pressure, outperforming climate and soil factors. Analyzing 73 sites across 25 countries, researchers found that diverse plant communities better maintain vegetation cover under grazing. This is attributed to varied species responses distributing grazing pressure and buffering vegetation loss. Why it matters: The findings highlight the importance of biodiversity in maintaining the productivity and stability of dryland ecosystems, which support half of global livestock production and a billion people's livelihoods.
A KAUST-led study across 25 countries found livestock management as critical as climate in explaining woody species coverage in arid zones. The BIODESERT research network analyzed livestock management, fire, climate, and soil, finding that grazing pressure and herbivore type significantly impact arid ecosystems. Researchers are identifying conditions where grazing pressure can be optimized for sustainable production. Why it matters: The findings enable targeted interventions through livestock management and policies, offering localized solutions for sustainable production in arid regions crucial for 2 billion people.
KAUST and The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) have launched an Experimental Station and Ecological Observatory in Wadi Qudaid National Park. The station aims to test environmental improvement interventions and desert afforestation methods, supporting the Saudi Green Initiative through research on the local plant environment via the KSA native genome project. KAUST Professor Rod Wing has led the project since 2022, hoping the station will contribute to the national revegetation project. Why it matters: The station represents a significant collaboration to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices in line with Saudi Arabia's green initiatives.
A group of KAUST students visited the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) in Taif as part of the University's 2015 Winter Enrichment Program. The NWRC, established in 1986, focuses on preserving and reintroducing species like the houbara bustard, Arabian oryx, red-necked ostrich, and Arabian leopard. Researchers at the center track released bustards via radio transmitters, collaborating internationally to preserve their habitats. Why it matters: This highlights Saudi Arabia's commitment to wildlife conservation and international collaboration in ecological research, showcasing KAUST's engagement with regional environmental initiatives.
A KAUST-led study reveals unexpectedly high functional diversity in arid and grazed dryland plants globally, examining traits like mineral element concentration in over 300 species across six continents. The research indicates that plants employ diverse adaptation strategies to aridity and grazing, with trait diversity increasing beyond a certain aridity threshold. More than half of the trait diversity was found in the most arid and grazed drylands, challenging the view that harsh conditions reduce plant diversity. Why it matters: This study highlights the ecological value of drylands and suggests plants possess unappreciated resilience to climate change, with implications for conservation and greening programs in regions like Saudi Arabia.