Diversity and Conservation of Insectivores of Saudi Arabia
2025
Abdul Rahman Al Ghamdi | Khaled Ahmad Al Malki | Farah Neyaz | Naif Al Qahtani | Ahmad Al Boug | Abdulhadi Aloufi | Abdul Aziz Al Salman | Sharif Al Jbour | Boris Kryštufek | Zuhair S. Amr
The insectivores (order Eulipotyphla) of Saudi Arabia consist of six species in four genera within two families (Erinaceidae and Soricidae). Details on the past and present distribution of the insectivores are included as well as illustrations for each species, along with available data on their habitat preferences and biology. The Ethiopian hedgehog, <i>Paraechinus aethiopicus</i>, was the most common species inhabiting the arid deserts of Saudi Arabia. An analysis of the insectivorous fauna of Saudi Arabia revealed that they have two major zoogeographical affinities: the Palaearctic (<i>Hemiechinus auratus, Paraechinus hypomelas</i> and <i>Crocidura gueldenstaedtii</i>) and Afrotropical–Palaearctic (<i>Paraechinus aethiopicus</i>), which are endemic to the Arabian Peninsula (<i>Crocidura dhofarensis</i>), and one introduced species (<i>Suncus murinus</i>). Southwestern Saudi Arabia has the highest species richness. The Arabian white-toothed shrew, <i>Crocidura arabica</i>, is expected to occur in the extreme southwest. The conservation status and threats affecting insectivores in Saudi Arabia are highlighted.
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