Riyadh: The National Center for Wildlife (NCW) announced the development of the first internationally accredited national guide for vulture feeding stations in Saudi Arabia, in cooperation with five specialized international organizations. The guide aims to protect resident and migratory vultures and reduce poisoning risks, which are among the most significant threats to their survival and the sustainability of their populations.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the guide provides a comprehensive practical framework for establishing and managing vulture feeding stations, known as "vulture restaurants," by providing safe and controlled food sources. This helps reduce the birds' exposure to toxins, harmful veterinary drugs, and other pollutants while supporting their survival and reproduction in their natural habitats. The guide is based on global best practices and takes into account the environmental and logistical characteristics of Saudi Arabia's arid regions.

Five international organizations specializing in vulture and raptor conservation contributed to the development of the guide. Their contributions helped incorporate international expertise into an applicable national framework.

At the practical level, the guide sets out technical and operational requirements for feeding stations, from selecting suitable sites and safe food sources to operating procedures and monitoring and documenting vulture numbers and behavior. This supports assessment of the stations' impact and enhances their effectiveness as a conservation tool.

The stations can also play an important role for migratory vultures crossing Saudi Arabia along seasonal migration routes by providing safe feeding points before they continue their journeys.