Aqaba, May 3 (Petra) -- The Aqaba Bird Observatory (ABO) said it recorded 108 bird species in Ayla Oasis during the spring and autumn migration seasons.
The ABO said this situation underscored the area’s growing environmental importance as a "key stopover" for migratory birds along one of the world’s major migration routes between Asia and Africa.
The findings, which emerged in the observatory’s 2025 bird monitoring report, showed that the recorded species were 14 year-round resident species, 57 others regularly observed during migration seasons, and 37 less common species that can be seen during peak periods.
The report said Ayla Oasis has become home to more than 130 bird species, representing around one-third of all bird species recorded in Jordan and nearly half of those recorded in Aqaba Governorate.
More than a decade of continuous monitoring has documented around 270 bird species in Ayla Oasis and the Aqaba Bird Observatory, which further strengthened Aqaba’s position as a "major crossing point" on one of the world’s most important migration flyways, with millions of birds passing through its skies each year.
In a statement, Ayla Oasis Development Company Executive Director Sahl Dudin said the findings reflect Ayla’s progress in building an integrated model for sustainable development by creating balanced natural environments that support biodiversity and align with global environmental best practices.
Dudin said attracting such a large and diverse number of birds, including threatened species, confirms Ayla’s growing status as a prominent environmental destination on the sustainable tourism map.
He added that these achievements are part of a long-term commitment to protecting and enhancing the environment, while developing quality visitor experiences that allow people to engage with nature in a responsible and sustainable manner.
In turn, Aqaba Bird Observatory Director Firas Rahahleh said the report’s findings reflect the positive impact of integrated efforts between environmental and development stakeholders in Aqaba.
Rahahleh said wetlands, especially artificial ones, have helped attract rare and threatened species and supported their breeding.
He added that this progress demonstrates the area’s transformation into an "integrated" ecosystem capable of sustainably supporting the bird life cycle by offsetting degraded habitats and providing suitable environments for different species.
//Petra// AO
