Rafha, May 12, 2024, The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority marked yesterday the World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD), which was held this year under the slogan "Protect Insects, Protect Birds".
The nature reserve is situated in the northeastern part of the Kingdom and falls under the administrative purview of five regions: the Eastern Region, Northern Borders, Hail, Qassim, and Al-Jouf.
The authority, which manages the Kingdom's second-largest nature reserve, which spans 91,500 square kilometers, stressed that thousands of birds migrate annually to the reserve, driven by seasonal weather changes, food availability, mating rituals, breeding needs, and recovery from illness.
According to WMBD official website, “migratory birds hold vital roles in pollination and pest control. The absence of insects disrupts these ecosystem functions, adversely affecting plant health and agriculture. Overpopulation of certain insects, in the absence of natural predators from among birds, can lead to outbreaks that can cause considerable damage to the agricultural sector”.
WMBD is an annual awareness-raising occasion coinciding with peak global bird migration periods. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting these birds and the natural habitats they depend on.
