KUWAIT: In a rare and scientifically significant event, a Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis) has been documented in Kuwait for the first time, with the sighting taking place at the Jahra Nature Reserve in recent days. The remarkable observation was made and photographed by Kuwaiti birdwatcher Omar Al-Shaheen, and the accompanying scientific commentary was written by Dr Mahdi M Gholoum, an environmental specialist. The material - photos and detailed description - was originally shared via Instagram. “This documentation is considered one of the rarest cases,” wrote Dr Gholoum, noting that “this species of vulture has been officially recorded under the name of the State of Kuwait for the first time.” He described the event as “an important achievement for Kuwait’s birdwatching community.”

The Himalayan vulture is one of the largest birds of prey in the world and belongs to the Accipitridae family, known as true vultures. It is characterized by its broad wings, with a wingspan that can exceed three meters. The bird is typically found in the high mountain ranges of the Himalayas, with a natural range stretching from eastern Afghanistan through India, Nepal, Bhutan, southern China and northern Myanmar.

Dr Gholoum explained that while the bird usually lives at altitudes reaching 6,000 meters, it descends during the winter season. During migration, it may cover vast distances in search of food or as a response to climate factors. “Its passage from the Indian subcontinent to the Arabian Peninsula may be linked to climate change or unusual migratory behavior,” he noted. The documentation in Kuwait “indicates a possible expansion in its migratory route or a shift in migratory patterns,” said Dr Gholoum, adding that this makes the sighting particularly important from an environmental and scientific standpoint. The species is currently classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), due to declining populations driven by environmental disturbances in its native habitat.