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

Abstract

An important goal of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Green Initiative is to increase the percentage of
protected areas. In terms of Saudi Arabian wildlife, reptiles have been identified as an important element for protection,
although their status and distributions are not clearly understood. Herein we report the findings from a survey of reptiles
conducted in the ’Uruq Bani Ma’arid Protected Area in southern Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a robust-style
design and analyzed with multi-species occupancy modelling. Eighteen species were detected, and species occupancy
and species richness were positively associated with a topographic heterogeneity index calculated from satellite imagery.
Notwithstanding the levels of uncertainty, occupancy by all species and species richness indicated a general proclivity for
higher levels of topographic heterogeneity. In the study area, these associations corresponded to a mixture of rocky and
sandy habitats. This is a preliminary study, but the results warrant further investigation of the topographic heterogeneity
index in arid environments to establish any broader generalities. This will be useful, as a relationship between species
distribution and easily accessible satellite information can support the identification of possible sites for protection and
will be important for any ongoing management of reptiles within established protected areas.