How a newly classified species of snake was discovered in Saudi Arabia’s ancient AlUla oasis

The newly-discovered Rhynchocalamus hejazicus snake in AlUla. (RCU)
Short Url
Updated 03 August 2024
Follow

How a newly classified species of snake was discovered in Saudi Arabia’s ancient AlUla oasis

  • The vibrant reptile is completely new to science, underscoring the rich biodiversity of AlUla and the value of conservation efforts
  • Its discovery is viewed as pivotal for understanding the ecological dynamics of the region and the adaptive strategies of desert wildlife

DHAHRAN: Scientists working in northwestern Saudi Arabia’s ancient oasis of AlUla were thrilled earlier this year to discover a new species of snake. With its striking red hue and chic black collar, the reptile is perfectly adapted to camouflage against the sand and rock of the Hejaz.

Laszlo Patko, who for the past two years has worked as the applied research lead at the Royal Commission for AlUla, inventorying the biodiversity of the region, was part of the team that discovered the charismatic new and non-venomous species.

“The snake species, Rhynchocalamus hejazicus, is not just new to the region or the country — it’s new to science,” the Hungarian academic told Arab News.

Institutions involved with the discovery include the RCU, the University of Ha’il, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority.

These Saudi institutions worked alongside experts from Portugal’s Universidade do Porto, Egypt’s Suez University, Yemen’s University of Aden, and Malaysia’s Natural History Collective Ventures.

Together with his Saudi, Czech, and Portuguese colleagues, Patko compiled the findings into a paper. Within just a matter of months, it was published in the prestigious international, peer-reviewed life science journal Zoosystematics and Evolution.




Laszlo Patko, Applied Research lead at the Royal Commission for AlUla. (RCU)

It was very, very quick, because it was a thorough, high-quality paper with substantial scientific results,” said Patko. “It was quickly accepted and published.

“For me, that was the real happiness to see that it’s not just an important discovery for us, but for the entire international scientific community.”

The published paper describes the new species as “a small, secretive snake, with distinctive coloration and a melanistic morph. The new species occurs in the northwestern Hejaz region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and fills a large part of the existing distribution gap of the genus in the Arabian Peninsula.”

Stephen Browne, vice president of wildlife and natural heritage at the RCU, said the unearthing of this new species demonstrated the vital importance of the Kingdom’s conservation efforts.

“This discovery is not merely about cataloging a new species; it reflects the ongoing commitment to safeguarding the lush, diverse ecosystems of AlUla,” Browne said in a statement. “It’s a symbol of our dedication to preserving this unique oasis.

Opinion

This section contains relevant reference points, placed in (Opinion field)

A spokesperson for the RCU concurred there was clearly still much to learn about the adaptability of desert animals.

“This find is pivotal for understanding the ecological dynamics of the region and the adaptive strategies of its desert wildlife, enhancing AlUla’s reputation as a sanctuary for both historical and natural treasures,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

The project that led to the snake’s discovery began with a region-wide wildlife inventory, which kicked off in November 2022, centered around documenting the area’s biodiversity.




With its striking red hue and chic black collar, the reptile is perfectly adapted to camouflage against the sand and rock of the Hejaz. (RCU)

“We never had this kind of rigorous, scientific knowledge-gathering before,” said Patko. “In the framework of this project, we ‘accidentally’ found this new species.

“It was an accident in the sense that we thoroughly surveyed all our nature reserves and described all the species we could find. We knew some species existed in the reserve but didn’t know their exact numbers or locations.”

Scientists had an inkling that the region could be home to new species. Between 2017 and 2022, geckos and snakes had been observed in the area, but had never been collected and rigorously described. The inventory offered the perfect opportunity to fill in these blanks.

In 2023, the team dedicated their time in the desert to observing animals based on morphology, including the study of their external characteristics, color, scale pattern, and DNA.

DID YOUKNOW?

• Roughly half of AlUla’s territory is taken up by six nature reserves, including the Sharaan Nature Reserve, which spans 1,500 sq. km.

• These reserves are home to more than 1,580 animals from four species that have been successfully reintroduced to the region.

• Through habitat restoration, native species reintroduction, and sustainable practices, AlUla aims to create thriving and harmonious ecosystems.

“Of course, there are occasional ad hoc observations, but if you are out in the field, you work really hard,” said Patko.

“You get up in the desert, you sleep in the desert. You work in the desert with 10-15 different experts. Then, this hard work pays off. It’s a very cool way to get proof of why it’s important to be in the field.”

Using online databases, the team expected to find species like Walterinnesia aegyptia, also known as the desert cobra or desert black snake — indigenous to nearby Khaybar, where the reptile is well camouflaged against the volcanic landscape.




The Walterinnesia aegyptia, also known as the desert cobra or desert black snake, is indigenous to nearby Khaybar, where the reptile is well camouflaged against the volcanic landscape. (Wikimedia Commons) 

“Harrat Khaybar is mostly black and gray because of the basalt and the old volcanic activity,” said Patko. “The first individual we found was melanistic — a completely black snake.”

The newly discovered snake, by contrast, is a vibrant red, having evolved to blend in with AlUla’s distinctive red, orange, and yellow color palette. “It was very obvious that this is indeed a new species,” said Patko.

Like many desert dwellers, the snake is nocturnal. “During the day, because of the very hot weather, Rhynchocalamus hejazicus probably hides under rocks,” said Patko. “At night, they come out to hunt for invertebrates, small insects.”

And although it has tiny fangs with which to strike its prey, the snake does not carry venom. It is also relatively small. “It’s a very cool snake; a small snake about 20-30 centimeters long, easy to handle,” said Patko.

According to Patko, there are fewer than 20 snake species known in AlUla, perhaps closer to 18. There remains much to learn about this latest addition to the reptile community.




With its striking red hue and chic black collar, the reptile is perfectly adapted to camouflage against the sand and rock of the Hejaz. (RCU)

“We actually don’t know much about their ecology because we just recently described the species. So we can only guess,” said Patko.

“All the snakes we found were alone. Some snakes can gather in one place during winter, but not these.”

One thing Patko believes is clear, however, is the value of AlUla as a thriving natural habitat, making conservation efforts in the region all the more important in the interests of science and biodiversity.

“What’s quite exceptional in this story is how the AlUla deserts can hold these hidden gems,” he said.
 

 


Saudi Arabia’s Commander of Joint Forces visits officers wounded in Yemen operation

Updated 4 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia’s Commander of Joint Forces visits officers wounded in Yemen operation

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Commander of the Joint Forces, Lt. Gen. Fahad bin Hamad Al-Salman, visited injured officers at Prince Sultan Military Medical City on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The officers suffered injuries during Operation Decisive Storm and Operation Restoring Hope in Yemen.

Operation Decisive Storm, launched in March 2015, was led by Saudi Arabia to combat the Houthi militia in Yemen at the request of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, who has since stepped down. In April 2015, the campaign evolved into Operation Restoring Hope, aimed at reinstating Yemen’s internationally recognized government in Sanaa.

During the visit, Al-Salman checked on the officers’ well-being, expressing his deep gratitude. “You are the nation’s heroes, and what you endured in defense of your religion, king, and country is a badge of honor,” he said.

He also conveyed the leadership’s greetings and appreciation, wishing the injured a swift recovery and good health.

The wounded officers thanked Al-Salman for the visit and reaffirmed their readiness to return to the battlefield once they have fully recovered.


Madinah workshop explores AI’s role in farms of the future

Updated 2 min 36 sec ago
Follow

Madinah workshop explores AI’s role in farms of the future

JEDDAH: The use of artificial intelligence to revolutionize agriculture, cutting costs and improving efficiency, has been highlighted at a workshop held as part of the Madinah Dates Season.

The workshop, held at the Madinah Chamber of Commerce, brought together Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz University faculty, researchers, and AI enthusiasts to discuss the future of farming.

AI tools designed to monitor crop health, detect early signs of disease, and offer insights for treatment were showcased at the workshop, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Devices predicting pest activity were also presented, enabling farmers to implement targeted control strategies, reducing crop losses and chemical use.

Experts explored the role of advanced electronic systems in revolutionizing Saudi agriculture, enhancing sustainability, addressing challenges, and boosting local production.

As part of this year’s Madinah Dates Season, the workshop also raised awareness of date palm varieties, nutritional value, and agricultural practices.

A dates hackathon, aiming to utilize AI in agriculture and resource management, will run until Oct. 3, with 233 teams of innovators, programmers, and students taking part.

The event's first track focuses on creating data sets to improve date cultivation and quality, aiming for sustainable agricultural development through AI systems that enhance efficiency and cut costs.

The second track addresses challenges such as water use, pest management, and crop monitoring, promoting smart systems for irrigation and automated processes.

Entries will be judged by AI experts on data quality, diversity, and innovation, with awards for the top three teams in each track. The prize pool is SR900,000 ($240,000).

The Madinah Dates Season, organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, features auctions of harvests from more than 29,000 farms, showcasing a range of date varieties.

Traditional Saudi arts, and palm waste recycling are also featured as part of the three-month season.

Madinah, with 6.5 million palm trees and an annual production of 263,000 tonnes, is central to Saudi Arabia’s food security goals and Vision 2030.


KSA localizes rose cultivation to boost agriculture

Updated 16 min 52 sec ago
Follow

KSA localizes rose cultivation to boost agriculture

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has announced the localization of rose cultivation to meet rising local demand, create jobs, and reduce reliance on costly, lower-quality imports.

The initiative also aims to boost exports to Gulf and Middle Eastern markets, supporting agricultural growth in line with Vision 2030, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture unveiled incentives to strengthen the sector, offering financial returns to enhance rose producers’ economic standing.

Key incentives include the success of tissue culture rose cultivation, which lowers production costs while promoting growth.

The ministry also offers affordable agricultural land, investment opportunities leveraging the comparative advantages of roses, and loans covering 70 percent of project costs from the Agricultural Development Fund.

Additionally, it provides technical support and streamlined licensing for rose cultivation projects.

The ministry emphasized using technologies such as hydroponics and smart systems to reduce costs and improve efficiency, as well as opportunities to produce rare and in-demand rose varieties for higher economic returns.


KSrelief delivers solar energy equipment to boost Hadhramaut technical education

Updated 17 September 2024
Follow

KSrelief delivers solar energy equipment to boost Hadhramaut technical education

HADHRAMAUT: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief delivered solar energy equipment on Saturday to the coastal office here of the Ministry of Technical Education and Vocational Training.

This initiative is a part of the “Program for Development of Technical and Vocational Institutes in Hadhramaut,” in collaboration with the UN Development Programme and the Small and Micro Enterprise Promotion Service, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Dr. Salem Bajaber, director-general of the ministry’s office, praised KSrelief’s efforts and said the equipment would introduce a new specialization in renewable energy at the region’s technical institutes.

This initiative is expected to empower young people, support research in renewable energy, and create jobs.

The project is a part of Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian efforts through KSrelief to support the country’s economic recovery.


Saudi OIC representative receives special envoy on Islamophobia

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation headquarters in Jeddah. (Twitter @OIC_OCI)
Updated 17 September 2024
Follow

Saudi OIC representative receives special envoy on Islamophobia

  • The meeting reviewed Saudi Arabia’s efforts to support the fight against Islamophobia through the OIC and other relevant organizations

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation received on Monday the special envoy of the OIC Secretary-General on Islamophobia, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saleh bin Hamad Al-Suhaibani welcomed Mehmet Pacaci, who was recently appointed to the role, in the Makkah region.
Pacaci assumed the brief after a decision by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, in a recent meeting in Cameroon.

The discussions included the envoy’s responsibility and future efforts to implement the OIC decisions regarding measures to combat Islamophobia.

There is a growing hostility towards Islam that threatens the principles of tolerance and global coexistence, SPA noted.

This comes in addition to the widespread animosity and hatred towards minorities, especially Muslims, perpetuated by extremist groups that promote such hatred, the report said.

The meeting also reviewed Saudi Arabia’s efforts to support the fight against Islamophobia through the OIC and other relevant organizations, it added.