Reptile richness and topographic heterogeneity in the 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid Protected Area, southern Saudi Arabia

A survey of reptiles in the 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid Protected Area, southern Saudi Arabia, revealed that species richness and occupancy are positively linked to topographic heterogeneity. Eighteen reptile species were detected, with higher diversity found in areas combining rocky and sandy habitats. This finding suggests that topographic complexity could be a key factor influencing reptile distribution in arid environments. The study employed a robust survey design and multi-species occupancy modeling, providing preliminary evidence that satellite-derived topographic data may aid in identifying potential protected sites for reptiles. Further research is needed to validate these patterns across broader arid landscapes.

Al Mutairi, M., Smith, M., Alqahtani, A. R., Mir, Z. R., Ahmed, R., & Alsubaie, S. (2024). Reptile richness and topographic heterogeneity in the ’Uruq Bani Ma’arid Protected Area, southern Saudi Arabia. Reptiles & Amphibians, 31(1), e21181. https://doi.org/10.17161/randa.v31i1.21181