Sustainability 14 10564 v2

sustainability
Review
An Assessment of Biodiversity in Tabuk Region of Saudi
Arabia: A Comprehensive Review
Abid Ali Ansari 1 , Zahid Hameed Siddiqui 1,2, *, Fuad A. Alatawi 1 , Basmah M. Alharbi 1,2
and Amenah S. Alotaibi 1,2
1 Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
2 Genomic and Biotechnology Unit, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk,
Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
* Correspondence: zsiddiqui@ut.edu.sa or siddiquizh84@gmail.com
Abstract: Biodiversity refers to all the type of species in one geographical region or ecosystem.
It consists of plants, animals, bacteria, and other life forms. As an estimate, around 1.7 million
species are on record globally and approximately 15,000–18,000 new species are added each year.
Global climate change is accelerating species extinction due to habitat destruction. Further, various
abiotic and biotic environmental factors are limiting the pattern of biodiversity in a geographical
region. A change in species category from endangered to extinction occurs due to their physiological,
morphological, and life history pattern, which limits them to a specific niche. Biodiversity is very
important for energy production and flow, bioremediation, and biogeochemical cycling of nutrients
in terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems and vice versa. It is further required for human existence in the
form of food, fibers, medicines, and biological control. Therefore, consistent monitoring, assessment,
and conservation of ecological habitats and diversity of flora and fauna of aquatic and terrestrial
ecosystems is the need of the hour. In this article, we are presenting an assessment based upon the
literature survey on the biodiversity of Tabuk region of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A comprehensive
Citation: Ansari, A.A.; Siddiqui,
study on the biodiversity of plants, animals and microorganisms of the Tabuk region (Tabuk city,
Z.H.; Alatawi, F.A.; Alharbi, B.M.;
Tayma, Haql, Sharma, Duba, Al Wajh and Umluj, Al Zetah, Al Beda’a, etc.) are included in this review.
Alotaibi, A.S. An Assessment of
Biodiversity in Tabuk Region of
This study will be a landmark as it is conducted at the inception of NEOM project in Tabuk region.
Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive It will help the authorities to enhance the native green cover, decrease desertification, regenerate
Review. Sustainability 2022, 14, 10564. biodiversity in natural environments, and advance the quality of life, to achieve the objectives of the
https://doi.org/10.3390/su141710564 Saudi Green Initiative and VISION 2030. However, studies and investigations on Tabuk biodiversity
are still limited and need further exploration. Recently, a joint work between King Salman Royal
Academic Editors: Wei Wang and
Natural Reserve (KSRNR) and Department of Biology of University of Tabuk is underway to monitor
Nengwen Xiao
the baseline data of flora and fauna of this region.
Received: 29 May 2022
Accepted: 10 August 2022 Keywords: biodiversity; Tabuk; conservation; environmental factors; flora & fauna; VISION 2030
Published: 24 August 2022
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral

with regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional affil- 1. Introduction
iations. The Northwest region of Saudi Arabia is administratively part of the Tabuk Province
and is the current hotspot for agricultural activities in the region. Traditionally, this region
is known as Midyan (Midian or Madyan) and has an area of almost 135,000-km2 [1]. It
includes diverse terrain such as deserts, valleys, sprawling mountains, coasts of the Red
Copyright: © 2022 by the authors.
Sea, and natural springs. Long shoreline of Tabuk Province is one of the most important
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
geographical characteristics that contributes about 38% of the western shoreline of Saudi
This article is an open access article
Arabia. It covers coastal cities, such as Haql, Sharma, Duba, Al Wajh and Umluj, with
distributed under the terms and
conditions of the Creative Commons
pristine beaches of clear waters (Figure 1).
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
4.0/).
Sustainability 2022, 14, 10564. https://doi.org/10.3390/su141710564 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability

Sustainability 2022,14,
Sustainability2022, 14,10564
x FOR PEER REVIEW 22 of
of 29
33
Figure 1. A map demonstrates locations of Tabuk biodiversity research.

Figure 1. A map demonstrates locations of Tabuk biodiversity research.
Theprovince
The province of ofTabuk
Tabukcontains
containsfive fivemajor
majorhabitats,
habitats,namely,
namely,mountains,
mountains,coastal coastaland and
islands, water bodies, plains and valleys with scattered
islands, water bodies, plains and valleys with scattered trees, and agricultural and ur-trees, and agricultural and urban
environment.
ban environment. The TheTabuk region
Tabuk region hosts several
hosts unique
several uniquenatural attractions
natural attractionsoccupying
occupying con-
siderable natural resources. Tabuk is a desert with relatively
considerable natural resources. Tabuk is a desert with relatively little rain, the average little rain, the average tem-
perature is 21.7
temperature is 21.7 ◦ C and
°C and precipitation
precipitation is about
is about15 mm
15 mm perperyear. In 30-year
year. In 30-year investigations
investigations on
temperature
on temperature between
between 1984
1984and and2013,2013,trends
trendshave haveshown
shownsignificant
significant increase in in warming
warming
of the
of theatmosphere
atmosphere of ofabout
about 1.931.93 ◦°C [2]. The
C [2]. The unique
unique terrains
terrains ofof the
the Tabuk
Tabuk region
region and and the
the
distinctive climatic condition
distinctive condition from fromextremely
extremelylow lowtoto extremely
extremely high
highresults
results in diverse
in diverse ter-
restrial and
terrestrial and aquatic
aquatic ecosystems,
ecosystems, which
which harbor
harbor a remarkable
a remarkable biological
biological diversity
diversity [1,3–8].
[1,3–8].
Biodiversityrefers
Biodiversity referstotoallallofofthethe types
types ofof species
species in one
in one geographical
geographical regionregion or ecosys-
or ecosystem.
Ittem.
consists of plants,
It consists animals,
of plants, bacteria,
animals, and other
bacteria, life forms.
and other As per
life forms. AsCatalogue
per Catalogue of Life-2018
of Life-
Annual
2018 Annual Checklist [9], around
Checklist 1.7 million
[9], around speciesspecies
1.7 million are onare record globally
on record and approximately
globally and approxi-
15,000–18,000
mately 15,000–18,000 new species neware added
species each
are addedyeareach
[10].year
Broadly,
[10].biodiversity can be observed
Broadly, biodiversity can be
at three levels,
observed namely,
at three levels,ecosystem, species and species
namely, ecosystem, genetic and levelgenetic
(Figurelevel
2). The biodiversity
(Figure is a
2). The bio-
crucial and a vital environmental component for a functional
diversity is a crucial and a vital environmental component for a functional ecosystem. It ecosystem. It is very important
for energy
is very production
important for and flow,
energy bioremediation,
production and flow, andbioremediation,
biogeochemical and cycling of nutrients
biogeochemical
in terrestrial
cycling to aquatic
of nutrients ecosystems
in terrestrial and vice
to aquatic versa [11].and
ecosystems Since
vicethe dawn
versa ofSince
[11]. civilization,
the dawn it
has been very active
of civilization, it has inbeenoffering humanity
very active with food
in offering security,
humanity withmedical care, andmedical
food security, goods
and
care,materials
and goods forandvarious industries,
materials and allows
for various industries,humans and to live ahumans
allows comfortable to livelife [12].
a com-
However, in the modern world, due to increases in various
fortable life [12]. However, in the modern world, due to increases in various anthropo- anthropogenic activities, a
surge in global climate change is observed. It affected almost
genic activities, a surge in global climate change is observed. It affected almost all kinds all kinds of habitat globally
and resulted
of habitat in a huge
globally and decline
resultedininplant a huge diversity.
decline in The decline
plant in producer
diversity. The declinecommunity
in pro-
compels a change in the fauna of the affected habitat
ducer community compels a change in the fauna of the affected habitat [13–15]. [13–15]. The species extinction
The spe-
across the globeacross
cies extinction is mainly governed
the globe by changing
is mainly governed environmental conditions due conditions
by changing environmental to habitat
Sustainability 2022, 14, 10564 3 of 29
destruction. Various abiotic environmental factors, such as nutrients, pH, water availability,
soil quality, temperature, and many other climatic changes, and biotic factors, such as
primary producers (green plants, consumers (herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores) and
decomposers (microorganisms), are limiting to biodiversity patterns. Any species can
be shifted to endangered or extinction due to their physiological, morphological, and
life history pattern, which limit each species to a specific niche. In order to conserve the
biodiversity of Saudi Arabia, legislation was enacted and The Saudi Wildlife Authority
Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 33
(SWA) was established in 1986. Its task was to develop a national network of protected
areas and to pursue the restoration of native endangered species. The Wildlife Protected
Areas Act was issued in 1995 to facilitate conservation activities and the establishment of
included areas
protected in thisinreview. The latest
Saudi Arabia. Sincepublished data SWA
its inception, of thehas
lastidentified
decade was collected areas
16 protected using
Science Direct,
covering km2 and MDPI,
86,582.4Springer, Google,
a further 22 areasGoogle Scholar,
planned, etc. The
covering a totalarticles,
area ofreviews, 2,
short
208,356 km
communication,
10.42% of the KSA and reports
[16]. werethe
In 1996, studied thoroughly
Government and grouped
of Saudi based CITES,
Arabia joined on plants, ani-
which
mals, and microorganisms. This study will be a landmark as it is done
regulates international trade in listed species and CITES implementing legislation (The at the inception of
mega
Act developmental
on Trade in Endangeredprojects like Species
Wildlife NEOM,and LINE,
theirRed Sea Development
Products Company,
2000) was introduced in
2001 in KSA.etc.,
AMAALA, Theinfauna
Tabuk was protected
region and can from poaching
be taken as a and illegal
baseline trades byof
knowledge enacting The
biodiversity
Wild Animals
of Tabuk andItBirds
region. Hunting
will help Act 1999. As
the authorities per this law,the
to understand hunting was banned
basic diversity without
of organism
aoflicense,
Tabuk regulations
and helps inwere defined, andof
the enhancement penalties
the nativewere listed
green in case
cover. Thisof violations.
will An
decrease des-
Environmental Code 2002biodiversity
ertification, regenerate was also formulated
in naturalfor the protectionand
environments, of the environment
advance [17,18].
the quality of
Later, the Government of Saudi Arabia joins the Convention on Biological
life, to achieve the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and VISION 2030. This article Diversity [17].
Since joining the
also assesses theConvention, Saudi Arabia
gaps in biodiversity has and
research made remarkable
suggest and significant
biodiversity progress
surveys and stud-
in addressing biodiversity conservation and its related challenges [19].
ies.
Figure2.2.Different
Figure Differentlevels
levelsfor
forthe
thebiodiversity
biodiversityassessments.
assessments.
Recently,
2. Plant the hunting
Biodiversity regulation
of Tabuk Regionfor wildlife terrestrial species (2020) [20] was im-
plemented by The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, represented by the
Tabuk and the surrounding area are composed of metamorphic and igneous rocks.
National Center for Wildlife Development. The ministry prohibited the hunting of Arabian
The western part of the region is surrounded by a series of hills and mountains, including
oryx, deer, and ibex; predators, such as the Arabian tiger, lynx, wolf, and hyena; and other
Jabal al Lauz, Hijaz mountains. The terrain is similar to that of central Najd and consists
of wadi, hills, and plains. Wadi are generally filled with muddy sand and gravel and plain
soil sediments range from silt to sand to coarse rocks. Some of the most important agri-
cultural centers are also found on the eastern and southeastern sides of Tabuk City [26].
The pioneer work to identify the plant biodiversity of Saudi Arabia was conducted by
endangered species of animals and birds, as well as birds of prey. The ministry further laid
down the prohibition of hunting of all kinds of animals or birds within the boundaries of
cities, villages, towns, farms and rest houses, or any inhabited places, or near cities and
military, industrial, and vital installations. Moreover, hunting is not allowed within the
boundaries of natural reserves and giant development projects, such as NEOM, the Red Sea,
Amaala, Al Qiddiya, the Al-Soudah Reserve, and the Royal Commission for Al-Ula [21].
The approved regulations for trafficking fungal organisms (2020) [22] prohibits hunting
wild fungi organisms, endangered species, and overfishing. The law ensures a safe and
protected environment without harming the balance of the natural ecosystem [23].
In view of VISION 2030, Royal Commission for Al-Ula was established in 2017 for
conservation and sustainable development of Al-Ula, a leading global destination for
cultural and natural heritage in Tabuk province. Royal Commission for Al-Ula granted a
government membership status by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Together, they will conserve nature and wildlife by creating and activating nature reserves.
It will protect degraded ecosystems, ecological processes, fragile habitats, biodiversity, and
reintroducing native species [24]. Similarly, the KSA government launched Saudi Green
Initiative (2022) [25]; its main goals are to reduce annual CO2 emissions by 278 million
tonnes by 2030, plant 10 million trees nationwide, and protect 30% of land and sea by
developing creative solutions to tackle climate change.
Despite establishment and implementation of various laws and regulations for wildlife
protection, there are many reports for the illegal trade and violations from different regions
of in Saudi Arabia, particularly from Tabuk region. There is an urgent need to strengthen
the law enforcement, as well establishing an awareness campaign to conserve threatened
species especially birds, reptiles, and carnivorous animals in Saudi Arabia. In this review,
an analysis of published literature is done that can provide a comprehensive data on the
biodiversity of Tabuk region of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A wide-ranging study on the
biodiversity of plants, animals, and microorganisms of the Tabuk region are included in
this review. The latest published data of the last decade was collected using Science Direct,
Springer, MDPI, Google, Google Scholar, etc. The articles, reviews, short communica-
tion, and reports were studied thoroughly and grouped based on plants, animals, and
microorganisms. This study will be a landmark as it is done at the inception of mega
developmental projects like NEOM, LINE, Red Sea Development Company, AMAALA,
etc., in Tabuk region and can be taken as a baseline knowledge of biodiversity of Tabuk
region. It will help the authorities to understand the basic diversity of organism of Tabuk
and helps in the enhancement of the native green cover. This will decrease desertification,
regenerate biodiversity in natural environments, and advance the quality of life, to achieve
the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and VISION 2030. This article also assesses the
gaps in biodiversity research and suggest biodiversity surveys and studies.
2. Plant Biodiversity of Tabuk Region

Tabuk and the surrounding area are composed of metamorphic and igneous rocks.
The western part of the region is surrounded by a series of hills and mountains, including
Jabal al Lauz, Hijaz mountains. The terrain is similar to that of central Najd and consists of
wadi, hills, and plains. Wadi are generally filled with muddy sand and gravel and plain soil
sediments range from silt to sand to coarse rocks. Some of the most important agricultural
centers are also found on the eastern and southeastern sides of Tabuk City [26]. The pioneer
work to identify the plant biodiversity of Saudi Arabia was conducted by [27,28] in the
form of an Illustrated Guide to the Flowers of Saudi Arabia and Wild Flowers of Saudi
Arabia. Moreover, Migahid (1989) [29] and Chaudhary (2001) [30] completed the Flora of
Saudi Arabia. Since then, there is a need to update the Flora of Saudi Arabia in general
and Flora of Tabuk in particular due to the inception of megaprojects like NEOM, LINE,
Red Sea Development Company, AMAALA etc. Nowadays, a field survey project for the
baseline data for vegetation and wildlife life of King Salman Royal Natural Reserve is in its
final phase. After the completion of this project, a clear picture will appear regarding the
biodiversity of Tabuk region [31]. In the following paragraph, an attempt is made to collect
the available information about the plant biodiversity of Tabuk region.
2.1. Algal Biodiversity

Algae is a group of different organisms capable of producing oxygen through pho-
tosynthesis. However, though these organisms are not closely related, they share some
common features with the major group of photosynthetic organisms, plants. The coastline
of Tabuk region along the Red Sea is the harbor for marine algae. As per the literature
survey and the published reports in Tabuk region, seasonal dynamics and ecological pa-
rameters of marine algae are recorded by various workers [5,32–36]. However, Al Solami
(2020) [37] studied the comparative response of red and green algae in relation to the quality
of coastal waters of Red Sea at Haql region. Recently, Menaa et al. (2021) [38] reviewed
the marine algae derived bioactive compounds as a source of Nanodrugs. Alshehri et al.
(2021) [39] worked for the molecular characterization of some algae collected from the Gulf
of Aqaba using protein banding pattern and ISSR markers. There are various genera of
algae reported from Tabuk region listed in Table 1.
Table 1. List of Algae Reported from Tabuk Region of KSA.
Occurrence
S. No. Name of Algae References
(Reported from)
Enteromorpha intestinalis, Padina pavonia, Cystoseira
myrica, Cystoseira trinodis, Colpomenia sinuosa, Turbinaria
ornate, Sargassum latifolium, Laurencia majuscule, Laurencia
Ibraheem et al.,
1 catarinensis, Laurencia papillosa, Laurencia sp., Laurencia Umluj
2014 [40]
sp., Liagora hawaiiana Butters, Hypnea bryoides Børgesen,
Palmaria palmate, Galaxaura rugose, Gracilaria arcuate,
Acanthophora spicifera, Digenia simplex
Gastroclonium ovatum, Ulva lactuca, Padina pavonica,
2 Enteromorpha flexuoca, Hildenbrandia rubra, Polyides Haql, Duba Ansari et al. (2015) [5]
rotundus, Cladophora rupestris, Nemalion helminthoides
Jania rubens, Gastroclonium ovatum, Padina pavonica,
Hildenbrandia rubra, Nemalion helminthoides, Polyides
3 rotundus, Cladophora prolifera, Ulva lactuca, Enteromorpha Haql, Duba Ansari et al. (2016) [32]
flexuoca, Gracilaria Salicornia, Digenia simplex,
Chaetomorpha linum, Pterocladia capillacea
Ulva lactuca, Enteromorpha flexuoca, Cladophora prolifera Ansari and Ghanem
4 Haql
Chaetomorpha linum (2017) [33]
Ansari and Ghanem
5 Padina pavonica Haql
(2019) [34]
6 Padina, Sargassum, Dictyota, Polysiphonia, Ulva Haql Ansari et al., 2020 [35]
Gracilaria salicornia, Digenea simplex, Enteromorpha Mazen & Solami
7 Haql
compressa, Sargassum muticum (2020) [37]
Turbinaria gracilis, Carpomitra costata, Pterocladiella
Alshehri et al.,
8 capillacea, Cladostephus spongiosus, Ulva lactuca, Haql
2021 [39]
Sporochnus comosus, Sargassum muticum
Ibraheem et al. (2014) [40] reported some algal species from Umluj coasts of the Red
Sea, namely, Enteromorpha intestinalis, Padina pavonia, Cystoseira myrica, Cystoseira trinodis,
Colpomenia sinuosa, Turbinaria ornate, Sargassum latifolium, Laurencia majuscule, Laurencia
catarinensis, Laurencia papillosa, Laurencia sp., Laurencia sp., Liagora hawaiiana Butters, Hypnea
bryoides Børgesen, Palmaria palmate, Galaxaura rugose, Gracilaria arcuate, Acanthophora spicifera,
and Digenia simplex. Ansari et al. (2015) [5] studied eutrophication in coastal waters, and
floral and faunal density in relation to the seasonal dynamics of some selected coastal areas
at Haql, Sharma and Duba of the Red Sea in Tabuk region. Only few coastal sites showed
eutrophic characteristics. Water samples from these sites were more turbid, alkaline, and
with higher nutrient and low dissolved oxygen contents compared to other sampling sites.
A variation in relative densities of coastal flora and fauna were recorded and correlated
with coastal water quality. The authors concluded that the fish markets, boating clubs, and
touristic and human settlements at the coastal areas may be the prime reason of run-offs
and nutrient loading rains aggravate the problem.
Ansari (2016) [32] studied the relative density of aquatic flora in relation to the seasonal
dynamics and concluded that the summer season (April, May, June, and July) of Tabuk
can be considered as the most suitable period for the collection of aquatic plants for
medicinal purpose and ecological studies. Ansari and Ghanem (2017) [33] studied seasonal
variation in growth responses and antioxidant activities of Ulva lactuca, Enteromorpha
flexuoca, Cladophora prolifera, Chaetomorpha linum).
In July and October, significantly higher accumulation of NPK, carbohydrates, total
protein, photosynthetic, and accessory pigments was recorded; however, a significant
decrease in January was observed for the same parameters (Ansari and Ghanem 2017).
Significant antioxidant activities in all the species were observed in January, which may
be due to low temperature stress as compared to the other months. Various Biotic factors
(plants, animals, and microorganisms) and abiotic factors (nutrients, soil quality, water,
temperature, pH, salinity, and light) are the limiting factors for the production of primary
and secondary metabolites. Ansari and Ghanem (2019) [34] also studied the growth
attributes and biochemical composition of a brown alga Padina pavonica (L.) from the Red
Sea at Haql in different seasons. The carbohydrate, protein and lipids, mineral ashes,
macronutrients, and dietary fibers were high in July. The antioxidant enzymatic activities
and proline accumulation showed a response to abiotic stress (low temperature) in January.
A quantitative analysis on the diversity of algal flora revealed that the frequency, density,
and abundance of Sargassum sp. was highest whereas of Ulva sp. was least at the six
different study sites of Haql [35]. Five common algal species, namely, Padina, Sargassum,
Dictyota, Polysiphonia, and Ulva were reported in their study. Mazen & Solami (2020) [37]
compared the responses of Red algae (Gracilaria salicornia and Digenea simplex) and Green
Algae (Enteromorpha compressa and Sargassum muticum) to the water quality at the coast of
Red Sea. A significant variation in physiological and biochemical parameters of algae was
observed. Green algae showed higher concentration of Chl a, b, total chlorophyll Chl a:b
ratio, and carbohydrates content compared to red algae; whereas, red algae accumulated
more carotenoids, phycocyanin, phycoerythrin, and protein compared to green algae.
Moreover, low levels of hydrogen peroxide and TBARS were exhibited in red algae G.
salicornia and D. simplex, however, proline, glycine betaine, and activities of antioxidant
enzymes were high, showing strong defense system than the green algae.
Menaa et al. (2021) [38] investigated the bioactive compounds for nanodrugs derived
from marine algae. The main compounds from algae are the nutraceuticals, which can
be extracted and purified for nanotheranostic purposes. Algal extracts can be utilized for
stabilizing/capping and reducing the synthesis of thermodynamically stable nanoparticles
(NPs). Varieties of nanotherapeutics have been synthesized through physical, chemical, and
biological processing. Marine algae are a promising source of lead theranostics compounds
and are important for the development of nanotheranostics, which enhance the drug efficacy
and safety [38]. Marine algae are considered as biofactories for the nanomaterials as they
are easy to handle, capable to absorb and accumulate inorganic metallic ions, cost-effective,
and eco-friendly for rapid, healthier synthesis of nanoparticles for various therapies.
DNA fingerprinting is a promising tool for species identification and can be solution
for many errors occurred during morphological taxonomy as it requires only a small
amount of tissue. To conserve the biodiversity, DNA fingerprinting could also be used for
the identification of various invasive and endangered species. DNA fingerprinting is also
used for the recognition of high-yielding agar strains of algae as well as for the identification
of cryptic species. Alshehri et al. (2021) [39] performed the molecular characterization of
some selected algal species (collected from the Gulf of Aqaba) through protein banding
pattern and ISSR markers and identified eight algae, namely, Padina pavonica, Turbinaria
gracilis, Carpomitra costata, Pterocladiella capillacea, Cladostephus spongiosus, Ulva lactuca,
Sporochnus comosus, and Sargassum muticum. The study showed that ISSR marker is more
effective than protein banding pattern to measure algal diversity at genetic level. The
complied data reflect that the algal biodiversity work is highly reported at Haql shore,
whereas the Umluj shore is least explored. The maximum work is about the seasonal
dynamics and its floral or faunal density relationship. In all studies, Padina pavonia was
the common algal species reported at Tabuk shoreline. The list of algae reported from
Tabuk region is summarized in Table 1. Algae are very popular for their high ecological
and commercial demand. The most important role of algae to our atmosphere and well-
being is the generation of oxygen through photosynthesis and as a food for the marine
organisms. They are the producer in the aquatic environment. According to an estimate, the
worldwide turnover of the seaweed industry is about USD 10 billion per year. Seaweeds
have a number of human applications; the principal use of seaweeds as a source of human
food and as a source of gums (phycocollides). Phycocolloides like agar agar, alginic acid
and carrageenan are primarily constituents of brown and red algal cell walls and are
widely used in food industry to thicken a variety of foods (soy milk, chocolate milk, ice
cream, yogurt, soups, salad dressings, jellies, etc.) and in molecular biology lab. Marine
macroalgae have been used as foods, especially in China and Japan, and crude drugs
for treatment of many diseases such as iodine deficiency (goiter, Basedow’s disease, and
hyperthyroidism). Marine algae are the richest source of bioactive nutraceuticals such as
antioxidants, pigments, carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and fatty acids. Moreover, it can
be used as a source of fodder, in fish farming, and as a fertilizer [36,41].
2.2. Floral Biodiversity (Angiosperms)

The available literature on floristic diversity of Tabuk region from the last decades
(Table 2) mainly focused on their ecological and environmental parameters [1,3,8,18,42–48].
In the past two decades, Rajasab (2011) [49] carried out the pioneering work in Tabuk
region flora. He presented a pictorial guide to the plant diversity of Tabuk region with the
description on their traditional uses. The book comprised of three different sections. The
first section was on species description, ethno-botanical, and Medicinal uses; the second
on plant communities; and the third on plant biodiversity of Tabuk region. In Section I,
the author has provided photographs of 115 plant species along with the information on
their traditional uses as medicine, food, fodder, agriculture, and horticulture. In Section
II, the plant communities in different areas of Tabuk region were described with the help
of images of 109 species. Section III contains a list of 198 plant species of 52 families from
eight diverse habitats of Tabuk region.
Table 2. List of Angiosperms Reported from Tabuk Region of KSA.
Occurance (Reported
S. No. Name of plant Family References
from)
1. Artemisia judaica Asteraceae Tabuk-Jordan Road Abbas et al., 2017 [50]
2. Lavandula pubescens Lamiaceae Tabuk-Jordan Road Ansari et al., 2014 [51]
Table 2. Cont.
Occurance (Reported
from)
3. Aizoon canariense L. Aizoaceae
4. Hyphaene thebaica (L.) M art. Arecaceae
5. Calotropis procera (Aiton) Asclepediaceae
6. Leptadenia pyrotechnica Forssk Apocynaceae
7. Pergularia tomentosa L. Apocynaceae
8. Asphodelus tenuifolius (Cav.) Asphodelaceae
9. Anthemis melampodina Delile
10. Artemisia herba-alba Asso.
11. Artemisia judaica L.
12. Echinops viscosus DC.
13. Iphiona scabra DC. Asteraceae
14. Launaea procumbens (Roxb.)
15. Picris cyanocarpa Boiss
16. Picris longirostris Sch.Bip.
17. Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC.
18. Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. Avicenniaceae
19. Heliotropium curassavicum L.
Ras Hemaid–Duba, Moawed & Ansari,
20. Heliotropium crispum Desf.
Umluj, Alwajh 2015 [8]
Boraginaceae
21. Heliotropium europaeum L.
Heliotropium ramosissimum (Lehm.)
22.
DC.
23. Anastatica hierochuntica L.
24. Diplotaxis acris (Forssk.) Boiss.
25. Diplotaxis erucoides (L.) DC.
26. Farsetia burtoniae Oliv. Brassicaceae
27. Morettia parviflora Boiss.
28. Malcolmia crenulata (DC.) Boiss
29. Zilla spinosa (L.) Prantl
Cleome amblyocarpa Barratte &
30. Cleomaceae
Murb
Polycarpaea robbairea (Kunze)
31.
Greuter & Burdet.
32. Sclerocephalus arabicus Boiss. Caryophyllaceae
Spergularia bocconei (Scheele)
33.
Graebn
Table 2. Cont.
Occurance (Reported
from)
34. Anabasis setifera Moq
Halocnemum strobilaceum (Pall.)
35.
Bieb
36. Haloxylon persicum Bunge ex. Boss Amaranthaceae
Haloxylon salicornicum (Moq.) (Chenopodiaceae)
37.
Bunge ex Bioss
38. Salsola cyclophylla Baker
39. Salsola villosa Schult
40. Convolvulus buschiricus Bornm Convolvulaceae
41. Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.
Cucurbitaceae
42. Cucumis prophetarum L.
43. Chrozophora tinctoria (L.) A. Juss
Euphorbiaceae
44. Euphorbia retusa Forssk
45. Acacia ehrenbergiana Hayne
Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne
46.
subsp. raddiana (Savi)
Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne
47.
subsp. tortilis (Savi) B
48. Indigofera arabica Jaub. & Spach
Fabaceae
49. Lotus lanuginosus Vent
Prosopis farcta (Banks & Sol.) J.F.
50.
Macbr
Retama raetam subsp. raetam
51.
(Forssk.) Webb.
52. Senna italica Mill.
53. Erodium laciniatum (Cav.) Willd. Geraniaceae
54. Monsonia nivea (Decne.) Webb Geraniaceae
55. Muscari tenuiflorum Tausch Hyacinthaceae
56. Lavandula coronopifolia Poir. Lamiaceae
57. Asparagus horridus L. Liliaceae
58. Orobanche cernua Loefl. Orobanchaceae
59. Glaucium arabicum Hebrew Papaveraceae
60. Linaria haelava (Forskl) F.G. Dietr. Plantaginaceae
61. Panicum turgidum Forssk.
Pennisetum divisum (Forssk. ex
62.
J.F.Gmel.) Henrard
Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Poaceae
63.
Steud.
64. Stipa hohenackeriana Trin. & Rupr
65. Schismus arabicus Nees.
Table 2. Cont.
Occurance (Reported
from)
Caylusea hexagyna (Forssk.) M. L.
66.
Green
67. Ochradenus baccatus Del.
68. Reseda arabica Boiss. Resedaceae
69. Reseda decursiva Forssk

70. Reseda muricata C. Presl
71. Salvadora persica (L.) Garcin Salvadoraceae
72. Kickxia scoparia (Spreng.) kunkel. Scrophulariaceae
73. Hyoscyamus muticus L.
Solanaceae
74. Lycium shawii Roem.
75. Tamarix aphylla (L.) Karsten Tamaricaceae
76. Forsskaolea tenacissima L. Urticaceae
77. Fagonia bruguieri DC.
78. Fagonia indica Burm.
79. Seetzenia lanata (Willd.) Bullock
80. Tribulus terrestris L. Zygophyllaceae
81. Tribulus macropterus Boiss.
82. Zygophyllum coccineum L.
83. Zygophyllum simplex L.
84. Cymodocea rotunda
Cymodoceaceae
85. Thalassodendron ciliatum
HaqL. Ansari et al. 2021 [52]
86. Thalassia hemprichii
Hydrocharitaceae
87. Halophila stipulacea
88. Aizoon canariense Aizoaceae
89. Artemisia seiberi Asteraceae
90. Morettia parviflora
Tayma Al-Qahtani 2018 [46]
91. Oxalis corniculata Brassicaceae
92. Setaria viridis
93. Salsola imbricate Amaranthaceae
94. Allium sinaiticum Boiss. Alliaceae
Astragalus collenettiae I.C. Hedge &
95. Fabaceae
D.Podl.
96. Aizoon canariense L. Aizoaceae
97. Allium sinaiticum Boiss. Alliaceae Fakhry & El-Kenany
Harrat ArRahah
98. Ferula communis L. Apiaceae 2019 [48]
99. Ferula ovina Boiss. Apiaceae

100. Gomphocarpus sinaicus Boiss. Asclepiadaceae
101. Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav.
Asphodelaceae
102. Anthemis deserti (Boiss.) Eig
Table 2. Cont.
Occurance (Reported
from)
Cymbolaena griffithii (A.Gray)
103.
Wagenitz
104. Artemisia inculta Delile
106. Artemisia scoparia Waldst.& Kit.
107. Asteriscus graveolens (Forssk.) Less.
Asteriscus hierochunticus
108.
(Michon)Wiklund
109. Atractylis carduus (Forssk) C.Chr.
110. Calendula tripterocarpa Rupr.
111. Centaurea eryngioides Lam.
112. Centaurea pseudosinaica Czerep.
113. Centaurea sinaica DC.
Cymbolaena griffithii
114.
(A.Gray)Wagenitz
115. Echinops glaberrimus DC. Asteraceae
116. Echinops polyceras Boiss.
117. Echinops viscosus DC.
118. Filago desertorum Pomel
119. Ifloga spicata (Forssk.) Sch.Bip.
120. Koelpinia linearis Pall.
121. Launaea angustifolia (Desf.) Kuntze
122. Launaea capitata (Spreng.) Dandy
123. Picris asplenioides L.
124. Reichardia tingitana (L.) Roth
125. Scorzonera schweinfurthii Boiss
126. Senecio glaucus L.
Tripleurospermum auriculatum
127.
(Boiss.)Rech.f.
128. Anchusa milleri Spreng.
Arnebia decumbens (Vent.)Coss.&
129.
Kralik
130. Arnebia hispidissima (Lehm.) DC.
131. Echiochilon fruticosum Desf.
Boraginaceae
132. Echium angustifolium Mill
Lappula sinaica (DC.) Asch. &
133.
Schweinf.
Microparacaryum intermedium
134.
(Fresen.) Hillger & Podlech
Table 2. Cont.
Occurance (Reported
from)
Aethionema carneum (Banks & Sol.)
135.
B. Fedtsch.
Alyssum marginatum Steud. ex
136.
Boiss.
137. Brassica cretica Lam.
Brassicaceae
138. Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik.
139. Diplotaxis harra (Forssk.) Boiss.
Eremobium aegyptiacum spp. Lineare
140.
(Delile) Zohary
141. Isatis lusitanica L.
142. Matthiola longipetala (Vent.) DC.
143. Morettia canescens Boiss.
Neotorularia torulosa (Desf.) Hedge
144.
&J.Leonard
Schouwia purpurea (Forssk.)
145.
Schweinf.
146. Sisymbrium irio L.
147. Sisymbrium loeselii L.
148. Zilla spinosa (L.) Prantl
149. Cerastium dichotomum L.
150. Herniaria hirsuta L.
Minuartia picta (Sibth. &Sm.)
151.
Bornm.
Caryophyllaceae
152. Silene arabica Boiss.
153. Silene colorata Poir.
154. Silene linearis Decne.
155. Silene hussonii Boiss
Agathophora alopecuroides (Delile)
156.
Fenzl ex.Bunge
157. Cornulaca monacantha Delile
158. Haloxylon salicornicum (Moq.)Boiss.
Amaranthaceae
Noaea mucronata (Forssk.) Asch. &
159.
Schweinf
160. Salsola lachnantha (Botsch.) Botsch.
161. Salsola tetrandra Forssk
Helianthemum lippii (L.)
162.
Dum.Cours. Cistaceae
163. Helianthemum salicifolium (L.)Mill.
164. Colchicum ritchii R.Br. Colchicaceae
165. Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. Cucrbitaceae
166. Scabiosa porphyroneura Blakelock Dipsacaceae
Table 2. Cont.
Occurance (Reported
from)
167. Euphorbia retusa Forssk
Euphorbiaceae
168. Euphorbia serpens Kunth
Acacia gerrardii var. najdensis
169.
Zohary
170. Astragalus bombycinus Boiss.
171. Astragalus caprinus L.
Astragalus collenettiae I.C. Hedge &
172.
D.Podl.
173. Astragalus kahiricus DC.
174. Astragalus palaestinus Eig
Fabaceae
175. Astragalus schimperi Boiss.
Astragalus spinosus (Forssk)
176.
Muschl.
Astragalus tribuloides var. minutus
177.
(Boiss.) Boiss.
178. Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill.
Retama raetam (Forssk.) Webb Ph
179.
PerenniaL.
180. Trigonella stellata Forssk.
181. Erodium crassifolium L’Her.
Erodium laciniatum var.
182.
glanuloso-pilosum Viern.
Geraniaceae
183. Erodium oxyrhynchum M.Bieb.
Erodium oxyrhynchum var.
184.
bryoniifolium (Boiss) Schonb.Tem
185. Dipcadi erythraeum Webb. & Berth.
Hyacinthaceae
Leopoldia tenuiflorum (Tausch)
186.
Heldr.
187. Iris postii Mouterde Iridaceae
188. Ixiolirion tataricum (Pall.) Herb. Ixioliriaceae
189. Lavandula pubescens Decne
190. Salvia palaestina Benth.
Lamiaceae
191. Teucrium leucocladum Boiss.
192. Teucrium polium L.
193. Bellevalia flexuosa Boiss.
Gagea reticulata (Pall.)Schult. & Liliaceae
194.
Schult. f.
195. Tulipa biflora Pall.
196. Malva parviflora L. Malvaceae
Table 2. Cont.
Occurance (Reported
from)
197. Fumaria parviflora Lam.
198. Glaucium arabicum Fresen
Papaveraceae
199. Hypecoum pendulum L.
Roemeria hybrida ssp.dodecandra
200.
(Forssk.) Maire
201. Plantago amplexicaulis Cav.
202. Plantago ciliata Desf. Plantaginaceae
203. Plantago ovata Forssk
204. Aegilops kotschyi Boiss.
205. Bromus tectorum L.
Cutandia memphitica
206.
(Spreng.)K.Richt.
207. Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Poaceae
208. Eremopyrum confusum Melderis
Hordeum murinum spp. glaucum
209.
(Steud.) Tzvelev
Stipagrostis raddiana (Savi) de
210.
Winter
211. Emex spinosa (L.) Campd.
212. Polygonum palaestinum Zohary
213. Rheum palaestinum Feinbr Polygonaceae
214. Rumex pictus Forssk
215. Rumex vesicarius L.
216. Adonis dentata Delile Ranunculaceae
217. Oligomeris linifolia (Vahl.) Macbr Resedaceae
218. Linaria haelava (Forssk.) Delile
Scrophulariaceae
219. Veronica beccabunga L.
220. Hyoscyamus desertorum
221. Hyoscyamus muticus L.
222. Hyoscyamus pusillus L. Solanaceae
223. Hyoscyamus aureus L.
224. Solanum nigrum L.
225. Parietaria alsinifolia Delile Urticaceae
Valerianella szovitsiana Fisch. &
226. Valerianaceae
C.A. Mey
227. Fagonia boveana (Hadidi)
Fagonia tenuifolia Hochst. & Steud.
228.
ex Boiss.
Zygophyllaceae
229. Fagonia tristis Sickenb.
230. Peganum harmala L.
231. Tribulus pentandrus Forssk.
Table 2. Cont.
Occurance (Reported
from)
232. Aerva javanica Amaranthaceae
233. Leptadenia pyrotechnica
Asclepiedaceae
234. Calotropis procera
235. Rhanterium epapposum
236. Artemisia judaica
237. Artemisia monosperma Asteraceae
238. Artemisia sieberi
239. Pulicaria undulate
240. Heliotropium bacciferum Boraginaceae
241. Salsola tetrandra
242. Suaeda vermiculata
243. Haloxylon salicornicum Amaranthaceae
244. Atriplex leucoclada (Chenopodiaceae)
245. Salsola villosa

246. Salsola volkensii
Al-Ghanem et al., 2020
247. Helianthemum lippii Al-Wadi Al-akhder
Cistaceae [43]
248. Helianthemum aegyptiacum
249. Citrullus colocynthis Cucurbitaceae
250. Acacia nilotica
251. Retama raetam
252. Astragalus spinosus Fabaceae
253. Acacia ehrenbergiana
254. Alhagi maurorum
255. Salvia spinosa Lamiaceae
256. Salvia aegyptiaca Lamiaceae
257. Teucrium oliverianum Lamiaceae
258. Zilla spinosa Brassicaceae
259. Tamarix nilotica Tamaricaceae
260. Ducrosia anethifolia Umbelliferae
261. Zygophyllum coccineum Zygophyllaceae
Plant Species of Medicinal Importance in Tabuk Region
262. Ferula ovina Boiss. Apiaceae
263. Rhazya stricta Decne. Apocynaceae
264. Phoenix dactylifera L. Arecaceae
265. Calotropis procera Aiton. Asclepiadaceae
266. Pergularia tomentosa L. Arecaceae
267. Achillea fragrantissima Asteraceae
Table 2. Cont.
Occurance (Reported
from)
268. Anvillea garcinii DC.
269. Artemisia sieberi Bsser
271. Artemisia monosperma Del. Asteraceae
272. Asteriscus graveolens Forssk. Avicenniaceae
273. Reichardia tingitana L.
274. Sonchus oleraceus L.
275. Avicennia marina Forssk.
276. Anastatica hierochuntica L. Brassicaceae
277. Capsella bursa- pastoris L.
Brassicaceae
278. Brassica rapa L. Capparaceae
279. Capparis cartilaginea Decne
280. Capparis deciduas Forssk
Capparaceae
281. Capparis spinose L. Cleomaceae
282. Cleome amblyocarpa
283. Cleome arabica Wall Cleomaceae
Amaranthaceae
284. Atriplex halimus L.
(Chenopodiaceae)
285. Atriplex leucoclada Boiss.
286. Chenopodium album L.
287. Bassia muricata L. Amaranthaceae
288. Cornulaca monacantha (Chenopodiaceae)
Convolvulaceae
289. Haloxylon salicornicum Mog
290. Traganum nudatum Delile.
291. Convolvulus arvensis L.
292. Citrullus colocynthis L. Cucurbitaceae
293. Cynomorium coccineum L. Cyomoriaceae
294. Chrozophora tinctoria L. Euphorbiaceae
295. Acacia tortilis Forssk. Fabaceae
296. Alhagi graecorum Boiss.
297. Astragalus spinosus Forssk.
298. Astragalus tribuloides Del.
299. Melilotus indica L.
Fabaceae
300. Cassia holosericea Fres. Fumariaceae
301. Cassia italic (Mill) Lam
302. Retama raetam Forssk.
303. Trigonella stellata Forssk.
304. Fumaria parviflora Lam.
Table 2. Cont.
Occurance (Reported
from)
305. Lavandula pubescens Decne Lamiaceae
306. Mentha longifolia L.
307. Salvia lanigera Poir
308. Teucrium polium L. Lamiaceae
Liliaceae
309. Thymus vulgaris L.
310. Colchicum ritchii R.Br.
311. Malva parviflora L. Malvaceae
312. Ficus cordata L. Moraceae
313. Ficus palmate Forssk. Moraceae
314. Cistanche phelypaea L. Orobanchaceae
315. Plantago amplexicaulis Cav. Plantaginaceae
316. Plantago afra L.
Plantago boissieri Hausskn
317.
&Bornm.
318. Plantago ciliata Desf.
319. Plantago coronopus L. Plantaginaceae
Poaceae
320. Plantago major L.
321. Plantago lanceolata L.
322. Plantago ovata Forssk.
323. Cynodon dactylon L.
324. Phragmites australis Cav. Poaceae
325. Calligonum comosum L. Polygonaceae
326. Emex spinosus L.
Polygonaceae
327. Rumex vesicarius L. Portulacaceae
328. Portulaca oleracea L.
329. Ochradenus baccatus Del. Resedaceae
330. Oligomeris linifolia Vahl Resedaceae
331. Ziziphus spina-christi L. Rhamnaceae
332. Hyoscyamus muticus L. Solanaceae
333. Lycium shawii L.
Solanaceae
334. Solanum nigrum L. Tamaricaceae
335. Tamarix nilotica Bge.
336. Typha domingensis Pers. Typhaceae
337. Fagonia bruguieri DC. Zygophyllaceae
338. Peganum harmala L.
339. Tribulus terrestris L.
340. Zygophyllum album L. Zygophyllaceae
341. Zygophyllum coccineum L.
342. Zygophyllum simplex L.
Many authors [45,47,50] conducted the study of biodiversity in relation to the regimes
of Tabuk environment. The Tabuk region is known for its extremely variable environment
where the temperature varies from extreme low to extreme high. These temperature
regimes have a profound effect on growth, morphology, physiology, and biochemistry of
the plants. Ansari et al. (2014) [51] studied the growth of Lavandula pubescens in relation to
the temperature variations, and observed active role of CAT, POD, and SOD in plants to
cope with this abiotic stress. Abbas et al. (2017) [50] also observed the ecological variations
and an active role of heat shock protein in Artemisia judaica L. to the same abiotic stress.
The investigations of Ansari et al. (2014) [51] and Abbas et al. (2017) [50] suggest that April
and October are favorable for growth, development, and medicinal uses of plants reported
from this region. Recently, Ansari et al. (2021) [52] reported five common sea grass species,
namely, Cymodocea rotundata, Halodule pinifolia, Thalassodendron ciliatum, Halophila stipulacea,
and Thalassia hemprichii, from the Red Sea coast at Haql in Tabuk province. A quantitative
analysis, in terms of frequency, density, abundance, and dominance of sea grass diversity
was measured. The authors reported a marked difference in the quantitative parameters of
sea grass diversity within the species, as well as on different study sites.
However, Mutairi et al. (2017) [45] focused on the influence of environmental factors on
the taxonomic diversity of plant species in the arid region of Tabuk, which are characterized
by a particular floristic composition, and their diversity. Average taxonomic distinctness
(∆+) and variation in taxonomic distinctness (Λ+) were the two diversity indices used to
calculate the effect of the environment and limiting environmental factors. Anthropogenic
factors (woodcutting, pasture, and urbanization) are some of the important factors which
significantly affect the floristic diversity [45]. In another study, Al-Mutairi et al. (2016) [4]
discussed the floristic diversity and phytogeographical distribution of plant species along
the four Red Sea coastal sites at Sharma, Alqan, Al-Lwaz Mountains, and Alzetah of Tabuk
province. The author reported 96 plant species belonging to 75 genera and 38 families,
out of which, there were 34 dicots and 4 monocots. Most of the species were from the
family Asteraceae (12.5%), followed by Fabaceae (10.42%), Zygophyllaceae (6.25%), and
Lamiaceae (5.21%). In terms of life form spectrum, most of the species were theorphytes
(37%), followed by chamaephytes (32%), geeophytes (13%), hemicryptophytes (10%), and
Phanerophytes (8%). The chorological analysis of the recorded species indicated the
predominance of monoregional taxa in this region. Recently, Al Mutairi (2022) [1] studied
the plant diversity in five places of Tabuk region along with spatial variables, soil physical
and chemical variables. The author reported 163 species of plants belonging to 124 genera
of 41 families. The Aldesah site recorded the highest value of beta diversity followed by
Sharma. There was no pronounced influence of spatial variables was observed on the plant
diversity. However, the soil variables (pH, potassium. organic matter and sodium) show a
solid possibility in constructing the plant communities.
Moawed and Ansari (2015) [8] studied the wild plant diversity at the coastal areas
of Red Sea in Tabuk province. They reported 30 families, 66 genera, and 82 plant species
from this region. Family Asteraceae showed highest abundance (9 species), followed
by Fabaceae (8 species), Brassicaceae and Zygophyllaceae (7 species), Amaranthaceae
(Chenopodiaceae) and Poacea (6 species), Resedaceae (5 species), Boraginaceae (4 species),
and Asclepediaceae and Caryophyllaceae (3 species). The chamaephytes and therophytes
are the dominating plant life forms, indicating vegetation of typical desert spectrum. There
were 32.92% chamaephytes, and 29.27% therophytes; 57.32% were perennial and 42.68%
annual species [8]. Al-Qahtani (2018) [46] reported the diversity of weeds species in Citrus
farms of Taymma of Tabuk province to find out the invasive species of weeds, which are the
critical problem of agroecosystem and a major cause of huge economic losses. They have
identified 36 weed species belonging to 20 families from the citrus farms of Taymma. Out of
all the reported invasive species, Izoon canariense, Artemisia seiberi, Morettia parviflora, Oxalis
corniculata, Setaria viridis, and Salsola imbricata were dominant over these citrus farmlands
belonging to the dominant families Poacea, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, and Amaranthaceae
(Chenopodiaceae) [46]. The Harrat ArRahah is located in the southern area of Tabuk, which
is a solidified lava area. Fakhry and Al-Kenany (2019) [48] reported 135 species belonging
to 99 genera and 34 families from the study area. Families Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, and
Fabaceae contributed about 38% of total species. Fourteen species (10%) were recognized
as endangered, Iris postii and Tulipa biflora were reported as rare endangered species.
Although Rheum palaestinum in the flora of Saudi Arabia is recorded as an extinct species,
three individuals were recorded in the study area. Astragalus collenettiae was the only
endemic species recorded from this area [48].
The floristic diversity and perennial vegetation analysis was undertaken by Al-Ghanem
et al. (2020) focused on Wadi AL-Akhder the. The author reported 30 species belonging
to 23 genera and 15 families form the study sites. Amaranthaceae (Chenopodiaceae)
contributed 20%, followed by Asteraceae and Fabaceae (16.76%), Lamiaceae (10%), and
Cistaceae and Asclepiedaceae (6.76%). There was prevalence of chamaephytes (56.67%), fol-
lowed by Therophytes (20%), Phanerophytes (16.67%), and Hemicryptophyte (6.76%) [43].
Alharbi (2017) reported 81 traditional and medicinal plant species belong to 30 families
which are commonly used for treatment of digestive tract diseases and parasites. Nine
species were reported from the family Febaceae, eight species each from Asteraceae and
Plantagiaceae, and six species from Zygophyllaceae [44].
Among the studied literature, we found 227 species of 157 genus were identified that
belongs to 45 families of angiosperms. On comparing the above data with the endangered
list of Flora of KSA (2022) [53], we recorded 12 endangered species of plants from Tabuk
region, namely, Allium sinaiticum, Astragalus collenettiae, Cerastium dichotomum, Cymbolaena
griffithii, Glaucium arabicum, Leopoldia tenuiflorum, Minuartia picta, Salsola lachnantha, Salvia
palaestina, Tulipa biflora, Valerianella szovitsiana, and Veronica beccabunga.
3. Animal Biodiversity of Tabuk Region

The presence of different kinds of animals in a geographical region is very important
for a balanced environment and a functional ecosystem. In the Tabuk region, studies
are conducted to identify the biodiversity of insects, snails, fishes, amphibians, reptiles,
birds, and mammals in different seasons and year [18,54–58]. In the following passage, a
comprehensive account is presented to draw a baseline data from the published reports.
3.1. Biodiversity of Terrestrial Animals including Amphibians

Mohammed (2012) [57] reported the animal diversity on agricultural and non-agricultural
land areas in different seasons of a year. The author selected a 500 m × 500 m land for
this study and collected data using various traps. Several animal species were trapped,
identified, and described, and their biodiversity was measured using diversity indices.
Relative abundance and species richness was also determined for animal species belonging
to different classes. Further, the effect of temperature on animal diversity was studied and
animal community was studied using diversity index H =− ΣPi (LnPi). The study showed
that H of all classes was 2.02; diversity rate for birds (72 species) H = 3.05, mammals
(10 species) H = 1.5, reptiles (18 species) H = 2.3, amphibians (7 species) H =1.4, and
freshwater fish (3 species) H = 0.92. Among the invertebrates, eight species of scorpions
and five species of spiders, H = 1.78 and H = 0.9, respectively, and insects (93 species)
H = 3.86 were recorded [57].
Among all the animal species, insect diversity was dominant throughout the year.
However, it showed its maximum in the summer and minimum in the winter. Some reptile
species Stenodactylus arabicus and Stenodactylus grandiceps, were highly abundant [57].
Among the mammal species, Gerbillus nanus was most abundant, whereas Spalax leucodon
was rarely found. A convergent abundance of spiders was recorded, except the Pholcus
phalangioide. Scorpions also showed convergent abundance, except Leiurus quinquestraitus
and Compsobuthus arabicus. There were 21% amphibians, 25% fishes, 3% insects, and 1%
birds among all the species studied. The study recommends that more work has to be
conducted to measure the biodiversity and abundance of different animal species in various
regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in general and Tabuk region in particular [57].
The National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development, Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia NCWCD (2000) [59] reported 35 species of mammal, 37 species of reptiles, and
167 species of bird (82 resident and 85 migratory birds) from Tabuk region (Tables 3 and 4).
They surveyed the local animal markets in the Tabuk region to investigate the trade of
wildlife species. The study reported the illegal trade of various animal species in Tabuk
region which reveals the violation of conservation of biodiversity [18]. In their study, it
was recorded that most of the traded animals were bird species (97%) followed by reptiles
and mammals (2% and 1%, respectively). Some stuffed animals were also available in
the market; however, the majority of specimens (98%) were living. There were 22 bird
species that belongs to 12 families were recorded in the market. The highest traded species
(65%) among the birds was Quail Coturnix coturnix, as it is easy to capture. Only one
specimen each of Turquoise-fronted Amazon (Amazona aestiva), Yellow-crowned Amazon
(A. ochrocephala), Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna), Greater Rhea (Rhea americana),
and the native Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) and Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) were also found
in the animal market surveyed [18].
The Rock Hyrax (Procavia capensis) and Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca) were
the most prevalent mammal and reptilian species in Tabuk market, respectively. Among
the surveyed animals, as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN),
seven species were identified as threatened with extinction and few were Red Listed animal
species, critically endangered reptile species, endangered bird species and vulnerable
species. There were also 20 CITES-listed species recorded form the area of the study [18].
Table 3. Avians (birds) reported from the Tabuk region.
Source of Informa-
No. Species Common Name Occurrence (Reported from)
tion/Reference
1 Ciconia nigra Black Stork Tabuk region Viv Wilson (2015) [60]
2 Aquila nipalensis Steppe Eagle Tabuk region Viv Wilson (2015) [60]
3 Aquila heliacal Eastern Imperial Eagle Tabuk region Viv Wilson (2015) [60]
Islands close to Al Wajh and Umluj
4 Sula leucogaster Brown Booby
(Riykhah island)
5 Butorides striatus Striated Heron Islands close to Al Wajh and Umluj
6 Egretta gulari Western Reef Heron
(Nabageyah, and Al Uwandiyah islands).
7 Ardea purpurea Purple Heron (Ber-reem island Shobrak and Aloufi
The bird not seen but suspected nests) (2014) [61]

8 Pandion haliaetus Osprey (Ber-reem, Riykhah and
Mezabeyah islands)
9 Falco concolo Sooty Falcon (Ber-reem, Mardunah, and
Riykhah islands)
Table 3. Cont.
Source of Informa-
No. Species Common Name Occurrence (Reported from)
tion/Reference
Islands close to Al Wajh and Umluj (Harr
10 Charadrius alexandrines Kentish Plovers
and Sheikh Marbat islands)
11 Dromas ardeola Crab Plover
(Sheikh Marbat, and Attaweel islands)
12 Ichthyaetus hemprichii Sooty Gull
(Riykhah island)
Three islands of Umluj
13 Larus leucophthalmus White-eyed Gull
Al Wajh Bank
14 Sterna caspia Caspian Tern All islands of Umluj Shobrak and Aloufi
Islands close to Al Wajh and Umluj (Sheik (2014) [61]
15 Sterna bergii Swift Tern
Marbat sland)
Islands close to Al Wajh and Umluj (Al
16 Thalasseus bengalensis Lesser Crested Tern
Nabageyah Island)
Islands close to Al Wajh and Umluj (Sheik
17 Sterna repressa White-cheeked tern
Marbat sland)
18 Onychoprion anaethetus Bridled Tern Islands and Bank of Al Wajh
Islands close to Al Wajh and Umluj (Sheik
19 Sternula saundersi Saunders’s Tern
Marbat sland)
Table 4. Mammals reported from the Tabuk region.
No Species Common Name Occurrence (Reported from) References

Carnivorous
Mustelid,
Aloufi and Amr (2018) [54]
1 Mellivora capensis Schreber, Honey Badger -Tayma
Mallon and Budd (2011) [62]
1776
Haqel
Felines,
2 Sand Cat Rowafah,
Felis margarita Loche, 1858
Al Zetah
Leopard Aloufi and Amr (2018) [54]
Felines,
(Not recorded in the study but
3 Panthera pardus Linnaeus, Shar Mountain
photographed by a local in
1758)
1952)
Canids Aloufi and Amr (2018) [54]
4 Grey Wolf
Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758 Mallon and Budd (2011) [62]
Canids
5 Blanford’s fox Bajdah
Vulpes cana Blanford, 1877
El Zawiah
Al Qelebah
Tabuk (Damaj and Tadco
Farms)
Haqel Aloufi and Amr (2018) [54]
Canids
6 Red fox Bajdah
Vulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758)
Al Sero
Shegry
Wadi Al Akhdher
Al Zetah
At-Tubayg Reserve
Table 4. Cont.
No Species Common Name Occurrence (Reported from) References

Carnivorous
Canids
7 Vulpes zerda (Zimmermann, Fennec Fox Mallon and Budd (2011) [62]
1780)
Abu Rakah
Bajdah
Wadi Al Gshabreah
Bedeaa
Hyaenid Al Disah Aloufi and Amr (2018) [54]
8 Striped Hyaena
Hyaena hyaena (Linnaeus, 1758) Geal Mallon and Budd (2011) [62]
Gumailah
Haqel
Alagan
Harat Alrahah
In another study, Aloufi, et al. (2016) reported 10 bat species (Table 5) based on their
echolocation calls. One new species (Barbastella leucomelas) was identified and added to
the list of bat species of Saudi Arabia and Arabian Peninsula. Moreover, occurrence of R.
aegyptiacus was observed expanding the distribution range of bat species in northwestern
part of Saudi Arabia [55]. The diversity and distribution of bats in Saudi Arabia is still
unexplored. Further GIS studies can provide more authentic data [63–65].
Table 5. Bats reported from the Tabuk region.
Occurrence (Reported
No. Scientific Name Common Name References
from)
Tabuk city
Egyptian rousette (Egyptian
1 Rousettus aegyptiacus (Geoffroy, 1810) Tayma
fruit bat)
Al Disah
2 Rhinopoma cystops Thomas, 1903 Egyptian mouse-tailed bat Sharma
3 Rhinolophus clivosus Cretzschmar, 1828 Geoffroy’s horseshoe bat Tabuk city
Trident leaf-nosed bat,
4 Asellia tridens (Geoffroy, 1813) Geoffroy’s Trident Al Bedea’a
Leaf-nosed Bat Aloufi et al. (2016) [55]
5 Barbastella leucomelas (Cretzschmar, 1830) Asian barbastelle Alagan-Algtar
6 Eptesicus bottae (Peters, 1869) Botta’s Serotine Alagan-Algtar
7 Hypsugo ariel (Thomas, 1904) The desert pipistrelle Tabuk city
8 Otonycteris hemprichii Peters, 1859 Desert Long-eared Bat That Al Haji
9 Plecotus christii Gray, 1838 Christie’s big-eared bat Albogaz Tunnel
10 Tadarida teniotis (Rafinesque, 1814) European free-tailed bat Tabuk city
Aloufi and Amr (2018) studied the diversity of carnivores from Tabuk Province from
2010 to 2017. Information was collected using camera traps and live traps, and through
direct observations. Seven carnivore species representing four families were recorded.
There were three felines, Felis margarita and Panthera pardus nimr; a hyaenid, Hyaena hyaena;
a mustelid, Mellivora capensis; and three canids, Canis lupus, Vulpes cana, and Vulpes vulpes.
For each species, a list of location was given for its current distribution. Unfortunately,
poachers or the local community killed many of the reported species. Killing and hanging
of various animal species is common practice in this region [54]. Carnivores are facing
many types of threats, such as shooting, trapping, and poisoning [62]. The animal killing
shows the level of aggression of poachers or villagers for the carnivores (wolves and
hyenas) just as a sign of pride [66]. However, the conflict between humans and wildlife
and their coexistence is a global issue [42]. The diversity of carnivores in Saudi Arabia
is very poor and requires an immediate action from Ministry of Environment, Water,
and Agriculture for their conservation and sustainability of the region [54]. Apart from
carnivores, one amphibian and thirty-three reptile species belonging to twelve families
(Cheloniidae, Gekkonidae, Agamidae, Chamaeleonidae, Lacertidae, Scincidae, Varanidae,
Trogonophidae, Boidae, colubridae, Viperidae, and Elapidae) are also reported form Tabuk
region (Table 6). The important part is there were three new species of reptiles (Hemidactylus
mendiae, Pseudotrapelus aqabensis, and Phoenicolacerta kulzeri) [67]. The reporting of new
species is a good indicator of a functional ecosystem.
Table 6. Amphibian and Reptiles reported from Tabuk region.
No Species Common Name References
from)
Maqna
Ambphibia, Al Disah
1 Arabian toad
Bufo arabicus Heyden, 1827 Tayma
Tayeb ism
Reptile,
2 Hawksbill sea turtle Owindyeah island
Eretmochelys imbricate (linnaeus, 1766)
Reptile,
3 Bunopus tuberculatus Tabuk city
Bunopus tuberculatus Blanford, 1874
Rough-tailed gecko,
Reptile, Rough bent-toed gecko,
Umluj
4 Cyrtopodion scabrum (Heyden, 1827) Rough-tailed bowfoot gecko,
Al Disah
(In Al Disah) Common tuberculate ground
gecko
Reptile, Yellow-belly gecko, or Al Wajh
5
Hemidactylus flaviviridis Rüppell, 1835 Northern house gecko. Umluj
Reptile,
6 Yellow-Bellied Gecko Al Qatar
Hemidactylus mendiae Baha el Din, 2005
Al Wajah
Bajdah
Al Disah
Halat Ammar
Al Hisma
Reptile, Aloufi and Amr (2015b)
7 Common Fan Footed Gecko Qalat Al Mowaileh
Ptyodactylus hasselquistii (Donndorff, 1798) [67]
AlKonah
Halat Ammar,
Tayeb ism,
Harat Al Rahah
Tayma
Reptile,
8 Blandford’s Semaphore Gecko Harat Al Hara
Pristurus rupestris Blanford, 1874
Middle Eastern short-fingered
Reptile, Al Zetah,
9 gecko, or
Stenodactylus doriae (Blanford, 1874) Wadi Al Hemdh
Doria’s comb-fingered gecko
Reptile,
Al Zetah,
10 Pseudotrapelus aqabensis Melnikov, Nazarov,
Al Beda’a,
Ananjeva & Disi, 2012
Hisma
Reptile,
11 Sinai agama Harat Al Rahah
Pseudotrapelus sinaitus (Heyden, 1827)
Tayma
Al Disah
Bajdah
Reptile,
12 Short-Toed Rock Agama AlKonah
Stellagama stellio brachydactyla (Haas, 1951)
Hisma
Harat Al Rahah
Table 6. Cont.
No Species Common Name References
from)
Reptile, Al Wajh
13 Yellow-spotted agama
Trapelus flavimaculatus Rüppell, 1835 Umluj
Sharma
Reptile,
14 Tayma
Uromastyx aegyptia microlepis Arnoid, 1980
Harat Al Rahah
Reptile, Bajdah
15
Chamaeleo chamaeleon orientalis Parker, 1938 Harat Al Rahah
Reptile,
16 Bosc’s fringe-toed lizard Harat Al Rahah
Acanthodactylus boskianus (Daudin, 1802)
Arnold’s fringe-fingered lizard, Al Zetah
Reptile, or Wadi Al Meyah
17
Acanthodactylus opheodurus Arnold, 1980 The snake-tailed fringe-toed Bajdah
lizard Al Disah
Al Zetah
Schmidt’s fringe-fingered lizard,
Reptile, Harat Al Rahah
18 or
Acanthodactylus schmidti Haas, 1957 Tayma
Schmidt’s fringe-toed lizard
Hisma
Reptile, Blanford’s short-nosed desert
19 Umluj
Mesalina brevirostris Blanford, 1874 lizard
Reptile,
20 Snake-eyed lizard Hisma
Ophisops elegans Ménétries, 1832
Reptile,
21 Al Konah
Phoenicolacerta kulzeri ssp.
Reptile,
22 Magna
Chalcides cf. ocellatus (Forskal, 1775)
Reptile,
23 Qala’at Al Azlam
Trachylepis brevicollis (Wiegmann, 1837)
Reptile, Aloufi and Amr (2015b)
24 Eastern skink Tayma
Scincus mitranus Anderson, 1871 [67]
Reptile, Hisma
25
Scincus scincus meccensis (Wiegmann, 1837) Tayma
Reptile,
26 Desert Monitor Tayma
Varanus griseus (Daudin, 1803)
Reptile,
27 Zarudny’s worm lizard Tayma
Diplometopon zarudnyi Nikolsky, 1907
Reptile,
28 Javelin sand boa Tayma
Eryx jaculus (linneus, 1758)
Reptile,
29 Moila Snake Tabuk city
Rhagerhis moilensis (Reuss, 1834)
Reptile, Magna
30 Schokari Sand Racer
Psammophis schokari (Forskal, 1775) Bajdah
Reptile,
Diadem Snake Hisma
31 Spalerosophis diadema cliffordi (Schlegel,
Royal Snake Wadi Al Meyah
1837)
Tabuk city
Reptile,
Al Zetah
32 Cerastes gasperettii gasperettii Leviton & Arabian Horned Viper
Bajdah
Anderson, 1967
Tayma
Al Beda’a
Reptile, Painted saw-scaled viper, or
33 Bajdah
Echis coloratus Günther, 1878 Painted carpet viper
Harat Al Rahah
Reptile,
34 Desert Cobra Al Qelebah
Walterinnesia aegyptia Lataste, 1887
3.2. Biodiversity of Aquatic Animals

The aquatic ecosystem is very rich in fauna at various sites of Tabuk region, namely,
Haql, Duba, Sharma, Alwajh, Umluj, etc. The relative densities of aquatic fauna in different
seasons of Tabuk were determined and correlated with coastal water quality [56]. Lottia
limulata, Nerita fulgurans Puncturella longifissa Istiblennius dussumieri and Gerres sp were
identified from the coastal sites of the Red Sea. Among all, Lottia limulata was abundant
and densely populated at the studied coastal sites in Haql in October 2013, whereas Boleoph-
thalmus was at Duba April 2014 [56]. Coastal eutrophication due to anthropogenic inputs
of nutrients showed a direct influence on phytoplankton, zooplanktons, macrophytes, and
fish diversity. Dominating algal species is the major characteristic of eutrophic ecosystems
which affects the diversity of consumers [68,69].
The Red Sea is rich in biodiversity with large varieties of fish and other marine animals
that can be identified through DNA barcoding. DNA barcoding is an effective tool for the
species identification and assessment of biodiversity. Several studies have been conducted
for the sequence diversity in a ~ 650 bp region near the 50 region of COI gene (cytochrome c
oxidase) which provides strong species level resolution for verification of animal groups,
such as birds, springtails, spiders, and fishes [58]. Six fish species, namely, Epinephelus
bleekeri, Siganus sutor, Carangoides sp., Scomberomorus commerson, Lutjanus ehrenbergii, and
Pristipomoides filamentosus, reported from Red Sea using COI barcode sequence [58]. Further,
Rock skipper’s diversity was studied in the coastal waters of the Red Sea [47,70]. The impact
of different environmental factors on coastal biodiversity can be measured by determining
the density, frequency, and abundance of rock skippers. The reproduction, life cycle, and
some specific physiological and behavioral patterns make them important as ecological
indicator for coastal biodiversity [56].
In a study by Amr and Alshammari (2012) [71], 29 species of snails were recorded
form Arabian Peninsula. One species, Bulinus beccari, was reported from the Hail region. In
the Tabuk region, 75 freshwater aquatic habitats (springs, artificial lakes, swamps, streams,
ponds, and irrigation canals) were studied in between 2012 and 2014. Eten smarts Global Po-
sition System was used; two freshwater snail species (Melanoides tuberculata and Melanopsis
buccinoidea) belonging to families Thiaridae and Melanopsidae, respectively, were reported
for the first time from six localities of Tabuk region [72]. Moreover, characteristics and
distribution of larval habitats of Culex pipiens complex in Tabuk was studied. In total,
116 aquatic habitats were surveyed, 48 were positive for larvae of Culex pipiens L. (76.3%)
and Cx. quinquefasciatus (23.7%). Shallow water, mud bottom, and absence of grasses,
algae, and predators were the common characteristics of habitats positive for Culex larvae
(p < 0.05) [73].
4. Microbial Biodiversity of Tabuk Region

Soil microorganisms are associated soil quality and productivity. The soil microorgan-
isms are very important for the functionality of the ecosystem of a geographical region. The
soil fauna and flora are responsible for the decomposition of organic matter and recycling
of nutrients. In the Tabuk region, microbial diversity reports are very few and published
in past couple of years. The proper mapping still has a long way to go. We are providing
a comprehensive account based on available literature. Ghobashy and Helal (2018) [74]
studied wild microbial communities, especially in the un-explored areas and reported Bacil-
lus sp. as the most abundant genus. It contributed about 70.4% of the total isolates of soil
microbiota. In another study, microbial (fungi and bacteria) diversity and abundance was
investigated by Alotaibi et al. (2020) [75] in Sabkha and desert areas of Saudi Arabia. Soil
samples from Al-Aushazia lake, AlQasab, AlKasar, Tabuk, Al-Kharj, Al-Madina, Jubail, Taif,
and Abqaiq were analyzed for microbial isolation using molecular techniques (PCR and
sequencing). On the basis of 18SrDNA sequencing, 203 fungal species belonging to 33 gen-
era were identified [75]. The most common fungi were Fusarium, Alternaria, Chaetomium,
Aspergillus, Cochliobolus, and Pencillium. Further, 16S rDNA sequencing revealed 22 bacterial
species of two genera, Bacillus and Lactobacillus. The most common bacterial species were
Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus murinus. Some fungal species, Actinomyces elegans, Fusarium
proliferatum, Gymnoascus reesii, and Myzostoma spp., were also isolated, but only from the
soil of Al-Aushazia. AlQasab soil had the highest microbial diversity among other areas
with abundances of 23.5% and 4.4% of total fungi and bacteria, respectively. The findings
of this study reveal that fungal diversity is greater than that of bacteria [75]. In another
report, 33 marine bacterial species [76] and Enterobacter sp. [77] were isolated and identified
from the coastal environment of Haql. These studies are very significant and help us to
understand the microbial habitat ecology and diversity. Further, these studies can be linked
to the presence of other organisms in a functional ecosystem and developing a model.
5. Conclusions
Biodiversity defines the variations in living organisms at genetic, species, and ecosys-
tem level at a particular time. Monitoring, assessment, and conservation of biodiversity
is the need of the hour and is one of the important global environmental concerns. There
are some published reports on the diversity of plants, animal, and microorganisms in
the Tabuk Region, but there is still gap in the biodiversity of region and its mapping. In
order to create a baseline data this review is compiled that can facilitate the researchers to
carry out further studies and investigations on biodiversity of Tabuk region. In our study,
227 species of 157 genus were identified that belongs to 45 families of angiosperms. On
comparing the above data with the endangered list of Floa of KSA (2022), we recorded
12 endangered species of plants from Tabuk region, namely, Allium sinaiticum, Astragalus
collenettiae, Cerastium dichotomum, Cymbolaena griffithii, Glaucium arabicum, Leopoldia
tenuiflorum, Minuartia picta, Salsola lachnantha, Salvia palaestina, Tulipa biflora, Vale-
rianella szovitsiana, and Veronica beccabunga.. The biodiversity plays a very significant
role in energy production, energy flow, pollutants removal, and biogeochemical cycling
of nutrients between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and for a comfortable human
life existence. In the interest of protection of the wild flora and fauna from poaching and
illegal trades, the Government of Saudi Arabia established several laws and regulations.
Moreover, there are reports of human–wildlife conflict that need to be addressed by the
Tabuk authority for the conservation of the wildlife. Public awareness, education and
law enforcement could be the effective practices that should be adopted and promoted.
There are many plant species reported from Tabuk region that are well known for their
exceptional medicinal and traditional uses, and are considered as an important natural
resources for pharmaceutical products. These plants are widely distributed in Saudi Arabia
in general and Tabuk in particular, and need more investigation. Further, in Tabuk, despite
rich floristic diversity, there are reports of woodcutting activities and mega developmental
projects like NEOM, LINE, Red Sea Development Company, and AMALA etc. The ongoing
projects requires a more comprehensive baseline data of the biodiversity of Tabuk region
for a long-term sustainability.
Author Contributions: Conceptualization Z.H.S. and A.A.A.; data collection A.A.A., Z.H.S. and
B.M.A.; writing—original draft preparation, A.A.A., Z.H.S. and B.M.A.; writing—review, A.A.A. and
Z.H.S.; editing, A.A.A., Z.H.S., F.A.A. and A.S.A. All authors have read and agreed to the published
version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement: Not applicable.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
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Figure 1. A map demonstrates locations of Tabuk biodiversity research.

2. Plant Biodiversity of Tabuk Region

2.1. Algal Biodiversity

Table 1. List of Algae Reported from Tabuk Region of KSA.

2.2. Floral Biodiversity (Angiosperms)

Table 2. List of Angiosperms Reported from Tabuk Region of KSA.

69. Reseda decursiva Forssk

99. Ferula ovina Boiss. Apiaceae

245. Salsola villosa

3. Animal Biodiversity of Tabuk Region

3.1. Biodiversity of Terrestrial Animals including Amphibians

Table 3. Avians (birds) reported from the Tabuk region.

Islands close to Al Wajh and Umluj

Table 4. Mammals reported from the Tabuk region.

No Species Common Name Occurrence (Reported from) References

No Species Common Name Occurrence (Reported from) References

Table 5. Bats reported from the Tabuk region.

Table 6. Amphibian and Reptiles reported from Tabuk region.

3.2. Biodiversity of Aquatic Animals

4. Microbial Biodiversity of Tabuk Region

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