Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The National Center for Wildlife (NCW) confirmed that bird migration is considered as one of the most important indicators of environmental health.

The NCW’s confirmation came in conjunction with the World Migratory Bird Day. It has indicated that the migration of birds is also one of the most important indicators of the biological diversity of the environment, in addition to being one of the most influential phenomena on the planet.

There are about 50 billion birds traveling thousands of kilometers in specific migratory paths, searching for food, reproduction and warm places, as well as safer places for their nests.

While there are about 300 species of birds that cross Saudi Arabia’s skies at different times and seasons, some of them settle for rest, and some settle for food or spend the mating and breeding season in the Kingdom.

The NCW said that the migration protects the birds from the spread of diseases and parasites, while explaining that the migration is divided into 4 paths, including: Eurasian; Central Asian-South Asian Flyway; East Asian–Australasian Flyway; Flyways of the Americas.

The bird migration provides economic returns and contributes to the recovery of eco-tourism, NCW confirmed, while adding that according to reports, the economic value of bird migration reaches SR600 billion annually.

It is worth mentioning that the NCW has set strict laws to protect birds during their migration from overhunting, in addition to protecting them from electric shock and other dangers.