Latest news with #Egyptianvulture
Mid East Info
17-06-2025
- Science
- Mid East Info
WATCH: Endangered Egyptian Vulture Spotted Feeding Chicks for the First Time in AlUla
AlUla, Saudi Arabia – June 2025: For the first time in the ancient oasis city of AlUla, conservationists have recorded a rare Egyptian vulture feeding its newborn chick in the dramatic cliffs of Sharaan National nest with a healthy two- to three-weeks old chick is the first recorded proof of breeding of this species in AlUla and a great symbol of recovery of Sharaan National Park. Once sacred to the Pharaohs and etched into ancient hieroglyphs, the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) is small with white and black plumage, a yellow face, and a distinctive wedge-shaped tail. As clever as it is striking, they are one of the few bird species known to use tools; known to use stones to break into eggs, they have also been observed using sticks to gather and roll wool which they use to line their nests. However, these majestic birds are now listed as Endangered by the IUCN. Fortunately, AlUla's protected canyons and cliffs, especially within the IUCN Green Listed Sharaan National Park, provide a much-needed sanctuary for this rare breed. This new successful nest – the first ever recorded in AlUla – signals a win for regional wildlife and a growing future for biodiversity and comprehensive regeneration in this extraordinary desert oasis destination. The breeding population of Egyptian vulture is estimated to be around 50 pairs in Saudi Arabia. In AlUla this year, at least three breeding territories were recorded while extensive research over the last two years indicates a potential population of up to around 10 breeding pairs. AlUla has emerged as a place where ancient heritage, dramatic geology and nature converge which visitors can experience first-hand by booking their next adventure at About AlUla: Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, in North-West Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. The vast area, covering 22,561km², includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years to when the Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms reigned. The most well-known and recognised site in AlUla is Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 52-hectare ancient city, Hegra was the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and is comprised of 111 well-preserved tombs, many with elaborate facades cut out of the sandstone outcrops surrounding the walled urban settlement. Current research also suggests Hegra was the most southern outpost of the Roman Empire after the Roman's conquered the Nabataeans in 106 CE. In addition to Hegra, AlUla is also home to ancient Dadan, the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms and considered to be one of the most developed 1st millennium BCE cities of the Arabian Peninsula, and Jabal Ikmah, an open-air library of hundreds of inscriptions and writings in many different languages, which has been recently listed on the UNESCO's memory of the World Register. Also, AlUla Old Town Village, a labyrinth of more than 900 mudbrick homes developed from at least the 12th century, which has been selected as one of the World's Best Tourism Villages in 2022 by the UNWTO.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
On a wing and a prayer: 9k animals treated for heat trauma in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad: The city's heat is not draining just humans — animals and birds are collapsing under the punishing sun and relentless humidity too. Between April 1 and May 18, 2025, Jivdaya Charitable Trust (JCT) treated 8,939 creatures — 5,125 animals and 3,814 birds — suffering from heatstroke, dehydration, and exhaustion. Rock pigeons topped the casualty list, with over 2,900 cases alone. Other species like black kites, rose-ringed parakeets, crows, doves and even vulnerable birds such as the Egyptian vulture, Indian roller, bittern, hornbill and greater spotted eagle were also treated for heat trauma. "With decreasing tree cover, temperatures rise rapidly. Natural water sources and shade for stray animals and birds are very few in urbanised colonies," said JCT trustee Gira Shah. "Dehydration, disorientation, and fainting are common symptoms in birds like like pigeons, parrots, mynahs, crows, and cuckoos. Many fall mid-flight or crash into buildings. Others simply struggle to breathe or lie lifeless, unable to move. These are classic symptoms of dehydrated birds," she added. "Similar signs are exhibited by stray dogs and cats who pant heavily, lick themselves often out of stress and heat, and often faint due to lack of water and high temperatures," she further said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bee Keepers of India Selling Pure Honey online to Indian consumers via Ecommerce Website Scrolling Bee India Read More Undo While this summer has seen a slight dip in total rescues compared to last year's 11,531 cases in April-May, the toll remains alarming. JCT attributes the modest decline to unseasonal May showers and increased public efforts to place water pots in open spaces. "We rehydrate the animals, administer medical care, and release them back into the wild once they recover," said Shrikant Pandey, operations manager at JCT. One of the more unusual cases this summer involved the rescue of a common cuckoo, found severely dehydrated and weak. "After intensive care and hydration, it bounced back and was released," Shah said. "But we're racing against the heat. We urge citizens to do their part — a water bowl can save a life."
The Citizen
18-05-2025
- Science
- The Citizen
Watch: Discover the wonders of the Durban Natural Science Museum
NESTLED in the heart of eThekwini and within the walls of City Hall, the Durban Natural Science Museum, which is home to some of Southern Africa's wonders and greatest discoveries, including the well preserved and near complete skeletal remains of the extinct Dodo bird, stands as a beacon of knowledge and discovery. Established in 1887 and located on Anton Lembede Street, the Durban Natural Science Museum attracts thousands of visitors, students, and curious minds throughout the year. As the only other museum – the other being in Mauritius – with the extremely rare complete skeletal remains of the Dodo on display, Durban's hidden gem has become the envy of scientists across the world with some even flying in to get a glance at the well-preserved specimen. As we celebrate International Museum Day today, May 18, we take look at the wonders that reside within the glass cabinets and jars of the Durban Natural Science Museum. This remarkable free to enter institution is a must-visit destination for locals and tourists, offering a fascinating glimpse into the natural world and the rich history of the region. As you enter the museum, you are greeted at reception by the majestic sight of a giraffe that stands tall next to the Dodo remains and behind the welcoming staff. On your left is the door that takes one into the PA Clancey Gallery that houses preserved specimens of birds that once roamed the southern parts of the continent. Among them are the flightless ostrich and stuffed owls, the extinct Egyptian vulture, storks and the list continues with their eggs and nests out on display. The aptly decorated gallery, with a large bird's nest hanging above and chirping sounds of birds, is only dwarfed by a life size Tyrannosaurus Rex (T-rex) model and crocodile that stand at the centre of the room which leads you into the geology and palaeontology section. There, you will find the origins of mankind and information on evolution. Aimed at furthering knowledge, research and conservation, the room documents fossils from how the world started, including the evolution of horses who have adapted to the warmer weather conditions. From there you are taken to an interchangeable room that is used for educational purposes and currently looks at the relationship between filthy urban places and how waste contributes to the rising number rodents and diseases. The display asks and answers the poignant question of 'What is eThekwini doing about rats?' Next to it is the KwaNunu, the insect and non-insect room that educates on the creepy crawlys that walk among us. The larger life mammals are in the next room with the endangered rhino and elephant taking centre stage. In there, you walk among wild dogs and hyenas. Realistic dioramas or habitats line the walls of the enclosures that depict different ecosystems and the animals that live in them. In one of the displays, named the Waterhole, life size preserved animals occupy the area and give you a sense of the wild, and the symbiosis of the circle of life as they work together and fight for survival. The Durban Natural Science Museum is free to enter and is open from Monday to Sunday, 08:30 to 15:45 (opens at 11:00 on Sunday). They offer guided tours for school groups and individuals. For more information and bookings, contact 031 311 2256 or For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
