JEDDAH: The Asian houbara (Chlamydotis macqueenii) is classified as critically endangered across the Arabian Peninsula by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with populations continuing to decline despite decades of conservation initiatives and captive breeding programs.
Wild resident populations no longer exist in Saudi Arabia, and migratory birds are now only occasionally recorded along the Kingdom’s northern and eastern borders.
It was formally recognized as a distinct species only in 2003. For many years, it was considered a subspecies of the African houbara, until scientific research confirmed clear differences in morphology, plumage, vocalizations and genetic makeup. One of its most distinctive behavioral traits is the male’s courtship display, during which it raises its white breast feathers and performs a striking running display across open terrain.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Asian houbara was only recognized as a distinct species in 2003.
