The Unfenced Desert Towards a strategy for eco ... - Nwrc.gov.sa

Key animals : The following mammals are likely to be present, wolf (Canis
lupus), striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), Rueppell's fox (Vulpes rueppelli), red fox
(Vulpes vulpes), caracal (Felis caracal), wild cat (F. silvestris), ratel (Mellivora
capensis), aethiopicus), lesser jerboa (Jaculus jaculus). Plans have been put forward
for the reintroduction of gazelle, but these have been suspended until the boundary
dispute is settled.
There is no current bird list for the area but a number of resident breeding
species have been recorded. There is also a diversity of migrants, notably raptors,
but also waterbirds which utilise ephemeral water pools after heavy rainfall.
Probability of seeing top six key animals :
General rating 3
Key sites : Wadi junctions and regions of numerous graniite domes in the
north.
Key seasons : Spring.
Cultural Features
Traditional uses : Tribal grazing lands and regionally important wells.
Cultural importance : As above.
Historical features : None known.
PA Infrastructure
Border demarcation : Currently not clearly defined. A recent re-drafting of
the borders by the NCWCD Legal Department aimed to address the well dispute,
rather than incorporate significant biological or habitat features.
Rangers/other staff : Up to six NCWCD rangers have been assigned to the
area.
Responsibilities of rangers : NCWCD rangers primarily undertake patrols of the
reserve's boundaries and interior, and were intended to prepare for the now-delayed
release of gazelles.
Ranger chain of command : Day-to-day management of rangers is carried out by
the head ranger under authority of NCWCD head office staff in Riyadh.
Camps and other buildings : There are two camps, both consisting of tents.
Tracks and roads : The reserve has no sealed roads.
Other facilities : None.
Maintenance of facilities : On-site maintenance is the responsibility of the
rangers and their support staff, with support from local contractors and NCWCD in
Riyadh.
Other patrols : None.
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