Role of Agricultural Areas as Shelters for Carnivores in a Desert Ecosystem in Saudi Arabia
Role of Agricultural Areas as Shelters for Carnivores in a Desert Ecosystem in Saudi Arabia
Abdulaziz S. Alatawi*
ABSTRACT
Habitat loss and prey species shortages represent serious issues for many wild carnivores. Carnivores may expand their search for prey and suitable habitat to cover a wide area, seeking alternative sources of food at different localities, including human-modified land such as agricultural areas. Agricultural areas in Tabuk Province, north-western kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been expanded substantially over the last three decades. This research studied the potential role of large agricultural areas as supplementary habitats for wild carnivores in a desert ecosystem. Camera traps recorded three mammalian carnivores: golden jackal (Canis aureus), grey wolf (Canis lupus), and red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Although red foxes were highly abundant across the surveyed sites, an analysis showed that they avoided sites near highways. The golden jackal is rarely documented in Saudi Arabia and there is a significant lack of information about this species. All three detected wild carnivores are officially protected species in Saudi Arabia. It can be concluded that agricultural areas represent potential survival sites offering suitable conditions in a harsh desert ecosystem, especially under conditions of prey depletion and native habitat degradation. Further research is required to better understand how agricultural areas can be used to promote conservation actions for wild animals and improve their ecological status.
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