Breeding distribution of the Vulnerable Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor) in northwestern Saudi Arabia, the NEOM region

Abstract The Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor) is a high conservation priority species in Saudi Arabia. The species is classified as Vulnerable globally but is considered Endangered in the Arabian region. A significant portion of the global Sooty Falcon population is thought to breed within Saudi Arabia, but national population estimates have been inconsistent and disputed, complicating population trend assessments. To address this, standardized methods for consistent temporal analysis are essential, particularly as the country continues to expand its tourism development and conservation initiatives. While most publicly available studies on the life history and distribution of the Sooty Falcon have been conducted in Oman and the United Arab Emirates, extensive research is currently underway across Saudi Arabia. This paper presents the most recent and comprehensive breeding distribution data for the Sooty Falcon population within the NEOM region, in northwestern Saudi Arabia. While this species was thought to prefer coastal habitats in Saudi Arabia, surveys conducted in the landlocked Hisma desert revealed several previously undescribed inland colonies. These findings highlight limitations in our current understanding of Sooty Falcon distribution and population dynamics. This two-year baseline study marks a first step toward standardizing local population monitoring, enabling repeated assessments to evaluate population trends over time. Ultimately, these fine-scale distribution data will inform conservation management at the local and regional levels.