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Questions and Answers
What term refers to the constant presence of a disease within a specific geographic area?
What term refers to the constant presence of a disease within a specific geographic area?
What geographical area does the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia primarily occupy?
What geographical area does the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia primarily occupy?
Which term describes a disease that occurs in an unusually high number of cases in a short period of time?
Which term describes a disease that occurs in an unusually high number of cases in a short period of time?
Which desert region extends from Morocco to western China?
Which desert region extends from Morocco to western China?
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What is the term for a disease that spreads across multiple countries or continents?
What is the term for a disease that spreads across multiple countries or continents?
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The Eremian zone is also referred to by which of the following names?
The Eremian zone is also referred to by which of the following names?
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Which of these terms best describes a scenario where a disease is constantly present but fluctuates in intensity?
Which of these terms best describes a scenario where a disease is constantly present but fluctuates in intensity?
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Which term refers to a sudden increase in disease incidence that exceeds normal expectations?
Which term refers to a sudden increase in disease incidence that exceeds normal expectations?
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Which statement accurately describes the location of Saudi Arabia?
Which statement accurately describes the location of Saudi Arabia?
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Which of the following best describes the characteristics of the Eremian zone?
Which of the following best describes the characteristics of the Eremian zone?
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In what time period were the last Asiatic lions known to have been killed?
In what time period were the last Asiatic lions known to have been killed?
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Which species was killed in the early 1950s in the north of the Kingdom?
Which species was killed in the early 1950s in the north of the Kingdom?
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What geographical area is mentioned related to the last survival of the Asiatic cheetah?
What geographical area is mentioned related to the last survival of the Asiatic cheetah?
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Which scientific name refers to the Asiatic cheetah?
Which scientific name refers to the Asiatic cheetah?
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What event occurred in the Kingdom regarding Asiatic cheetahs and lions?
What event occurred in the Kingdom regarding Asiatic cheetahs and lions?
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What is the total number of areas identified by NCWCD in the Protected Area System Plan?
What is the total number of areas identified by NCWCD in the Protected Area System Plan?
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On what basis were the areas in the Protected Area System Plan selected?
On what basis were the areas in the Protected Area System Plan selected?
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What is the main purpose of the Protected Area System Plan developed by NCWCD?
What is the main purpose of the Protected Area System Plan developed by NCWCD?
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How were the areas deemed significant in the Protected Area System Plan?
How were the areas deemed significant in the Protected Area System Plan?
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Which organization developed the Protected Area System Plan?
Which organization developed the Protected Area System Plan?
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What does the term 'endemic' refer to in ecology?
What does the term 'endemic' refer to in ecology?
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Which of the following best illustrates an endemic species?
Which of the following best illustrates an endemic species?
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What is a common misconception about endemic species?
What is a common misconception about endemic species?
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Why are endemic species important for biodiversity?
Why are endemic species important for biodiversity?
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Which of the following factors can threaten endemic species?
Which of the following factors can threaten endemic species?
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How many forest fenced areas are maintained in the regions mentioned?
How many forest fenced areas are maintained in the regions mentioned?
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Which area is NOT listed among the forest fenced areas?
Which area is NOT listed among the forest fenced areas?
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Which aspect of the Bi’r Hima is emphasized in the content?
Which aspect of the Bi’r Hima is emphasized in the content?
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What type of heritage is specifically associated with the old Bi’r Hima?
What type of heritage is specifically associated with the old Bi’r Hima?
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Which of these references focuses on the biological diversity in Saudi Arabia?
Which of these references focuses on the biological diversity in Saudi Arabia?
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Study Notes
Fauna of Saudi Arabia - Lecture 1
- Fauna is the animals of a particular region, habitat, or geological period.
- Saudi Arabia's biodiversity is due to its location between Africa and Eurasia, allowing elements from both regions to mix.
- The Eremian (Saharo-Sindian) desert zone encompasses Saudi Arabia, extending from Morocco to western China.
- Saudi Arabia is at the crossroads of three major zoogeographical realms: Palaearctic, Afro-tropical, and Indo-Malayan.
Habitats in Saudi Arabia
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Aquatic habitats:
- Marine water: Red Sea, Arabian Gulf
- Fresh water: Wadi al-Rumma River (longest in Saudi Arabia), Al Asfar Lake
- Deserts: Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter), Nefud, Dahna
- Mountains: Sarawat, Sawda, Asir
- Grasslands: Tihama, Al-Hassa
- Other Habitats: Deciduous forests, coniferous forests, tropical rain forests, temperate grasslands, polar ice, and Mediterranean habitats.
Geological Periods
- The Arabian Peninsula has gone through geological periods affecting wildlife.
- Palaeocene Period (70 million years ago): Forests flourished along coastal areas with land connections to Africa, Asia. Historical studies support these connections based on palaeofauna.
- Eocene Period: Global climate changes led to the formation of the Red Sea, isolating the Arabian Peninsula from Africa, reducing gene exchange between African and Arabian animal species.
Migration and Emigration/Immigration
- Migration: The regular/seasonal movement of all or part of an animal population to and from an area
- Examples: Birds, hoofed animals, bats, whales, seals, and fish (like salmon)
- Emigration/Immigration: Movement that involves a change in location and NOT return.
Animal Types in a Habitat
- Native: Animal species that live and reproduce naturally in an area without human intervention
- Endemic: Animal species unique to a specific area, found nowhere else
- Introduced: Animal species brought to an area by humans (intentionally or accidentally).
Endemic Animals
- Endemic species exist only in a specific geographic region.
- Endemic species can be found in small areas (islands) or larger regions (continents).
- Areas containing endemic species are often isolated or have unusual environmental characteristics
Wildlife in Saudi Arabia
- Saudi Arabia has a diverse wildlife adapted to harsh conditions.
- Human population growth impacts wildlife habitats, leading to endangered and extinct species.
- Four species (Asiatic lions, Asiatic cheetah, Saudi gazelle, and onager) became extinct within the last 500 years.
Hunting and Falconry
- Traditional hunting with falcons is a cultural heritage in Saudi Arabia and other countries, regulated by the "Wild Animals and Birds Hunting Act."
- Excessive hunting, particularly with 4x4 vehicles, has impacted larger animals like Arabian oryx and sand gazelles
- Falconry may pose a threat to the target species due to increasing human populations.
Status of Protected Areas
- The National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD) and the Ministry of Agriculture manage conservation areas.
- 10% of Saudi Arabia is under management and conservation with coastal and marine areas being included.
- 103 areas recognized as significant for biodiversity conservation
- 15 protected areas cover about 4% of the country and safeguard endemic, endangered, and key plant & animal populations.
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Description
Explore the diverse fauna of Saudi Arabia in this introductory lecture. Learn about the unique habitats like deserts, mountains, and aquatic ecosystems that support an array of wildlife. Understand the geographical significance of Saudi Arabia and its connection to major zoogeographical realms.
