Saudi Aramco has launched a mission to rescue the Aseer magpie (Pica asirensis), a bird at risk of extinction, as part of its commitment to preserving and protecting the natural environment. It collaborates in this effort with the National Center for Wildlife in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Smithsonian Institution.
The project to protect the Aseer magpie from extinction reflects Saudi Aramco's dedication to preserving and safeguarding the environment, serving as a cornerstone for maintaining the balance and health of the Kingdom's natural ecosystem.
The Aseer magpie is the only bird species endemic solely to the Kingdom, with its population dwindling to fewer than one hundred breeding pairs. This bird inhabits the Aseer Mountains, which provide the most suitable environment for it to live in, and this region is of global significance for biodiversity conservation. The Kingdom is also one of the key countries located along one of the world's longest migratory bird routes, where large numbers of birds gather during their journeys between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Due to the limited recorded information about the Aseer magpie, scientists launched a research project in 2018 to uncover the reasons behind the alarming decline in its population. The Environmental Protection Department at Saudi Aramco has given this bird high conservation priority.
The project began by capturing twelve Aseer magpies and attaching advanced tracking devices to monitor their behavior, habitats, and migratory routes. Afterward, they were released immediately. The data collected from these twelve birds represents the first known scientific observations of this species.
According to the first recorded biometric measurements, the average weight of the Aseer magpie is 240 g, and its length reaches forty-six cm. The DNA analysis from the blood samples of the twelve birds helps in assessing the genetic differences among its individuals.
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