52 
The whitewash from the birds soiled the olive fruit, making it worthless. 
The owner, a relatively poor farmer, planned to destroy the colony, but 
Dr N. Koch from Malsch negotiated a lease on the orchard from the farmer 
and arranged for the site to be wardened so that the site is not disturbed 
in the breeding season. 
We wish to congratulate Dr Koch on a successful private initiative, which 
could serve as a model for others. (Information supplied by Max Kasparek.) 
Zoology in the Middle East, Volume 2 
Zoology in the Middle East Volume 2 has just been published. A review 
will appear in the autumn bulletin. The volume, which has the same format 
as number one, is in English and runs to 118 pages. Of the 21 papers on 
both invertebrate and vertebrate taxa, nine are on birds, covering some 40 
pages. The volume is available on subscription from Max Kasparek (see 
enclosed leaflet) or from OSME Sales. 
Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Arabia 
The Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Arabia (ABBA) has recently found a 
major sponsor in the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and 
Development (NCWCD) of Saudi Arabia. According to the December issue of 
the Phoenix , ABBA's bulletin, the formal details had yet to be agreed. 
It was expected, however, that NCWCD sponsorship would meet the running 
costs, provide equipment and publish the results. Anyone who is visiting 
the Arabian Peninsula and is able to participate in the project should 
contact the co-ordinator , Michael Jennings, Moonraker Cottage, 1 
Eastcourt, Burbage, Wiltshire SN8 3AG, Great Britain. 
Conservation in Saudi Arabia (based on article by Faizi S. Hameed in 
Phoenix 5) . 
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the conservation and 
sustainable use of natural resources in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In 
less than three years, the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation 
and Development, Riyadh (NCWCD), has gone a long way in building the basis 
for the conservation and sustainable use of the natural resources of the 
Kingdom. 
Of particular interest is the revival of a holistic approach to the 
conservation of biologically important areas. The country has a history 
of sustainable use of rangelands by designating them protected, either 
through law or convention. These traditional reserves, known as Hemas, 
were widespread until the recent past. The principles of the Hema system 
are compatible with the World Conservation Strategy and underlie the 
establishment of the new protected areas. Already, six areas, covering 
some 50,000 square kilometres and a variety of covering habitats, have 
been protected, and comprehensive management plans are being pursued. 
Work is in hand to bring another seven areas under protection. 
