| BIODIVERSITY PROGRAM
[Introduction] [Department Representatives]
[Study Plan] [Graduate Students] [Publications]
Introduction
Biological diversity refers the variability among living organisms including, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes in which they are part of. This includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. Biodiversity conservation become high priority of most nations. This was clear by the signing of more than 150 countries on the Biodiversity treaty in the United Nation Conference in Brazil, 1992. The conference stresses on the importance of sustainable use of biological resources of each country and the responsibility of conducting the necessary studies, training and mutual cooperation for the conservation of Biodiversity. With the increase in human population of Saudi Arabia in the last few decades and consequent increase in pressure upon desert biological resources, the Government of Saudi Arabia recognized the risk of diminishing biodiversity at all hierarchical levels and joined the treaty in 2002. King Saud University was the first Saudi University to establish an academic program in Biodiversity. The MSc Biodiversity program was established in the year 2001 as a joint interdisciplinary program between the College of Sciences and the College of Food & Agricultural Sciences. The program generally focuses at the genetic, species and community levels of biodiversity. Higher levels (such as landscape and ecosystems) although important, are not considered at the present time.
· To prepare scientific researchers qualified with proficiencies and experiences in the field of biodiversity to conserve natural resources and the bio-civilized heritage.
· To bringing together the wide-ranging skills, expertise and resources to allow new scope for scientific research on biodiversity that provides a basis for conservation, management and sustainable use of Saudi Arabian fauna and flora.
· To explore and contribute to the current global scientific interests on both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems with particular emphasis in the biotic components of the desert ecosystem.
· To contribute to the accomplishment of national policies aiming at protecting live organisms, performing studies and maintaining environmental health.
· To increase accessibility to information on animal wildlife and vegetation resources for research and public use.
Landscape Diversity Have Great Influence on Diversity of Vegetation of Saudi Arabia
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Woodland Vegetation near Baha City |
A wadi (valley) vegetation in Ibex Reserve |
A desert plain vegetation in Thumamh Reserve
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Rhaudh (Depresion) Near Riyadh |
A desert pond in Ibex Reserve |
Sand dunes accumulating around Capparis decidua |
Department Representatives
Study Plan
Click here to view the study plan [PDF]
Click here for course list and descriptions
Graduate Students Supervised by Dept. Faculty Members
Publications
· Abdel-Mawgood, A.L., A.M. Assaeed and T.I. Al-Abdallatif. 2006. Application of RAPD technique for the conservation of an isolated population of Capparis decidua. Alex. J. Agric. Res. 51: 171-177.
· Assaeed, A.M. 1998. Diversity of Range Plants in Saudi Arabia: A study case. pp.22. In: Farina, Almo; Kennedy, Jeff and Bossu, Veronica (eds.) Proceedings of the VII International Congress of Ecology (INTECOL): New tasks for ecologists after Rio 1992. Florence July 19-25; 1998, Italy, p 480.
· Assaeed, A.M. 2002. Diversity conservation of rangeland and forest plants in Saudi Arabia. April, 20-24, 2002. GEF/TWNSO Workshop. Slutan Qabus University. Muscat, Oman.
· Abdel-Mawgood, A.L., A.M. Assaeed, T.I. Al-Abdallatif. 2005. Genetic Diversity in an Isolated Population of Capparis decidua. The role of biotechnology for the characterization and conservation of crop, forestry, animal and fishery genetic resources. International workshop, 5-7 March 2005, Turin, Italy.
· Alzaber, F.M., S. L. Al-Rowaily, F. S. Al Arifi, and A. A. Al-Qarawi. 2007. The Influence of Edaphic Factors on Distribution of Vegetation Communities in Raudhat Khuraim. The International Conference on the Arabian Oryx in the Arabian Peninsula, The 23rd meeting of the Saudi Biological Society, Riyadh, 21-23 April, 2007. pp. 52. |