Mohammed Shobrak

Taif University · Department of Biology

Low genetic variation and high levels of inbreeding are usually a consequence of recent population declines in endangered species. From a conservation point of view, it is essential to genetically screen endangered populations to help assess their vulnerability to extinction and to properly create informed management actions towards their conservat...

The systematic, phylogenetic, and biogeographic aspects of the rich squamate fauna of the Arabian Peninsula are becoming increasingly well understood. The Arabian members of the gecko genus Hemidactylus, the most diverse genus among Arabian squamates, have been the subject of several phylogenetic revisions in recent years. However, large parts of t...

Aim Deserts are generally perceived as areas of low diversity, and hence receive little attention from researchers and conservationists. Squamates are the dominant group of vertebrates in arid regions, and as such represent an ideal model to study biodiversity patterns in these areas. We examine spatial patterns of diversity, evolutionary history a...

Geckos of the genus Trigonodactylus are widely distributed in the sand deserts of the Arabian Peninsula. Three species of this genus are currently recognized, with fourth Stenodactylus pulcher, which placement within Trigonodactylus has been tentatively suggested, but not yet confirmed. We present phylogenetic analysis of the genus Trigonodactylus...

Large parts of the Sahara Desert and Arabia are covered by sand seas and sand dunes, which are inhabited by specialized animal communities. For example, many lizards have developed adaptations to life in loose sand, including sand-swimming behavior. The best-known sand swimmers of the Saharo-Arabia are the sandfish skinks (genus Scincus). Although...

A BS TRA CT. There are very few reports discussing the higher level phylogeny of the chewing lice (Phthiraptera) and their roles in the evaluation of these insects. So, the aim of this work is to study the phylogeny of genera of the suborder Ischnocera in Saudi Arabia using morphological, ecological and molecular criteria trying to answer a very im...

The agamid Pseudotrapelus lizards inhabit the mountainous areas of the Arabian Peninsula and eastern North Africa. Currently six Pseudotrapelus species are recognised, though diagnostic morphological characters are still lacking, creating great difficulty in describing new species. Recently, two specimens of Pseudotrapelus were collected from the v...

Four feather mites – Analges spiniger Giebel, 1871 (Analgidae), Pandionacarus fuscus (Nitzsch, 1818), Zachvatkinia issykkulica Chirov, 1978 (Avenzoariidae), and Proctophyllodes sylviae Gaud, 1957 (Proctophyllodidae) – are reported for the first time in Saudi Arabia. Males and females of A. spiniger and Pr. sylviae were collected from the blackcap,...

Four feather mites-Analges spiniger Giebel, 1871 (Analgidae), Pandionacarus fuscus (Nitzsch, 1818), Zachvatkinia issykkulica Chirov, 1978 (Avenzoariidae), and Proctophyllodes sylviae Gaud, 1957 (Proctophyllodidae)-are reported for the first time in Saudi Arabia. Males and females of A. spiniger and Pr. sylviae were collected from the blackcap, Sylv...

Four feather mites-Analges spiniger Giebel, 1871 (Analgidae), Pandionacarus fuscus (Nitzsch, 1818), Zachvatkinia issykkulica Chirov, 1978 (Avenzoariidae), and Proctophyllodes sylviae Gaud, 1957 (Proctophyllodidae)-are reported for the first time in Saudi Arabia. Males and females of A. spiniger and Pr. sylviae were collected from the blackcap, Sylv...

Entomological surveys were carried out in six localities representing three regions in the western coast of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for two years to evaluate the efficiency of CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) miniature light traps, Black Hole (BH) traps and Fay-Prince Blacklight (FP) traps in collecting mosquitoes. The CDC showe...

Some of ecological aspects of Cx. pipiens and Cx. quinquefasciatus were examined in Hail Region, Saudi Arabia. For Cx. quinquefasciatus, shade (P˂0.01) and absence of algae (P˂0.05) and for Cx. pipiens, stagnant water (P˂0.05) of the breeding habitat seem to be determining factors in occurrence of such species. Both species were common in the middl...

Mesalina are small lacertid lizards occurring in the Saharo-Sindian deserts from North Africa to the east of the Iranian plateau. Earlier phylogenetic studies indicated that there are several species complexes within the genus and that thorough taxonomic revisions are needed. In this study, we aim at resolving the phylogeny and taxonomy of the M. b...

This study aims to examine the effect of weather factors, temperature (T), relative humidity (RH) and wind velocity (WV) on the abundance of Cx. (Cux.) pipiens L. and Cx. (Cux.) quinquefas-ciatus Say, the two common and important mosquito species in the western coast of Saudi Arabia. The two species had the same ranges of T (15.00-30.00°C), RH (8.0...

An entomological survey was undertaken for two years to update the mosquito fauna of the 3 regions (Mecca, Al Madinah and Tabouk), of the western coast, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Six localies representing such Regions (Taif, Mecca, Jeddah, Yanbu, Daba and Haql) were sampled for larvae and adults. Nineteen species of six genera were reported of which...

Abstract An entomological survey was undertaken for two years to update the mosquito fauna of the 3 regions (Mecca, Al Madinah and Tabouk), of the western coast, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Six localies representing such Regions (Taif, Mecca, Jeddah, Yanbu, Daba and Haql) were sampled for larvae and adults. Nineteen species of six genera were reported...

Amyrsidea Ewing, 1927 is a genus of chewing lice comprising 52 species, divided into five subgenera: Amyrsidea sensu stricto, Argimenopon Eichler, 1947, Cracimenopon Carriker, 1954, Desumenopon Carriker, 1954 and Numidimenopon Scharf & Price, 1977 (see Price et al. 2003: 86), which parasitise a wide range of hosts belonging to the avian order Galli...

The knowledge of the characteristics of the breeding habitats and the environmental factors affecting mosquito abundance can help in designing optimal vector control strategies, for this, mosquito larvae were biweekly surveyed for two years in six localities representing the western coast of Saudi Arabia. Temperature, pH and salinity of the breedin...

The seasonal abundance of the common larval and adult species: Culex pipiens, Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. sitiens was examined in four sea ports (Jeddah, Yanbu, Duba and Haql) and two cities (Taif and Mecca) representing the three regions of the western part of the Kingdom (Mecca, Al Madinah and Tabouk) based on larval density (number per a survey...

Endemic avifauna of Arabia is unique and characteristic through the whole region. Little is known about these birds and their ectoparasites. Arabian partridge Alectoris melanocephala (Rüppell, 1835) and Philby's partridge Alectoris philbyi Lowe, 1934 are two endemic species which distributed through Sarawat Mountains in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Capt...

In this study, we provide genetic, morphological, and geographical comparisons for 11 species of the southwestern Arabian radiation of Hemidactylus geckos, nine of which are endemic to the region. By using a coalescence-based species-tree reconstruction in combination with divergence time estimations and speciation probability testing, we show that...

Despite the large diversity of the migratory and resident avifauna of the Arabian Peninsula, relatively few species have been sampled for chewing lice. In this study, three breeding species of Suliformes, Phalacrocorax nigrogularis Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes, Sula dactylatra Lesson and Sula leucogaster (Boddaert) were examined for chewing lice. Four sp...

Aim: To determine the genetic basis and types of beta-lactamase encountered among enterobacterial isolates of wild pets from the animal exhibit. Materials and methods: A total of 17 beta-lactamase-producing enterobacteria recovered from fecal samples of wild pet animals were analyzed for a selected beta-lactamase gene by polymerase chain reactio...

Asir Region in the southwest of Saudi Arabia has been a subject for expansion of agricultural projects, urbanization, which presumably have impact on distribution of phlebotomine sandflies. Few reports are available on sandflies in this region which is an important focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Therefore, this study aimed at updating the specie...

Scanty information is available for many species of chewing lice of marine birds. Through this work we investigated one of most characteristic marine bird for chewing lice. Seven individuals of crab plovers Dromas ardeola Paykull, 1805 were trapped using standard mist nets on Humr Island in Farasan Archipelago, Saudi Arabia. Two species of chewing...

This research was conducted in four sites at Mahazat as-Sayd reserve in Saudi Arabia to determine the optimum habitats’ constituents for Asian houbara bustard Chlamydotis macqueenii via assessing abiotic and biotic factors with special reference to vegetation aspects. Vegetative parameters were quantified using combinations of distance and line int...

Saunders's Tern (Sternula saundersi) is a small ground-nesting seabird which breeds in the coasts and islands of Africa and Asia bordering the northern Indian Ocean. Despite having a wide distribution, little information is available on the breeding biology of this species. This study was carried out on Farasan Islands, Saudi Arabia, to document so...

Six species of terns, which breed on the Arabian Peninsula, were examined for head chewing lice of the genus Saemundssonia in four different islands around the coasts of Saudi Arabia, both in the Red Sea and in the Arabian Gulf. Four louse species were collected: Saemundssonia laticaudata, Saemundssonia melanocephalus, Saemundssonia meridiana and S...

The increase in multidrug-resistant enteric bacteria, especially Salmonella, Shigella and Proteus in poultry has become a significant public health threat. Therefore, this work was aimed to investigate whether domestic birds have a role in the emergence and transmission of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in Taif province. Salmonella, Shigella an...

Enterobacter infection can cause diseases such as bacteremia, lower respiratory tract infections, skin and soft-tissue infections, urinary tract infections, etc. Enterobacter could be isolated from natural environments. Enterobacter infections can require prolonged hospitalization and powerful and expensive antimicrobial agents. Increase in the num...

The Crab Plover Dromas ardeola is endemic to the Indian Ocean basin and breeds on islands around the Arabian Peninsula. Unique among shorebirds, it nests in an underground burrow where it lays a single white egg and feeds one chick. We investigated sex-related differences in body size and parental care of this species in Saudi Arabia. Molecular sex...

The understanding of the diversity of species in the Palearctic and the processes that have generated it is still weak for large parts of the arid areas of North Africa and Arabia. Reptiles are among their most remarkable representatives, with numerous groups well adapted to the diverse environments. The Ptyodactylus geckos are a strictly rock-dwel...

Species distribution modelling is useful for addressing knowledge gaps for poorly studied geographical areas by identifying potentially suitable habitats for species across landscapes. This study was undertaken to identify areas containing wetland habitats to support actions aimed at the conservation of wetland bird species on the Red Sea coast of...

A survey of synanthropic flies was carried out in 11 slaughter houses in 8 localities representing different altitudes in Asir. Flies were sampled twice a month from December 2008 to November 2009 by Final Flight Fly Traps. A total of 11,737 flies consisting of 19 species, belonging to 7 families were collected, of which those of family Muscidae pr...

Wildlife traded has the potential to carry or transmit potentially pathogenic and high resistant bacteria, that could have an important impact on human health. In this study, Gram-negative bacteria, associated antibiotic resistance and the presence of extended-spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL/AmpC) producing organisms in wild animals presenting at liv...

Emergence and distribution of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria in environments pose a risk to human and animal health. A total of 82 isolates of Escherichia spp. were recovered from cloacal swabs of migrating and non-migrating wild birds. All bacterial isolates were identified and characterized morphologically and biochemically. 72% and 50% of i...

The numbers of Falco cherrug and Falco peregrinus trapped during their migration over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) were investigated from published reports and through interviews with well-known trappers and dealers over several years (1989-2013). The number of trapped individuals increased for both species over a 23 year period, which is prob...

The amblyceran and ischnoceran lice removed from the Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus L.) collected at the Riyadh bird market, and other specimens available in the King Saud University Museum of Arthropods, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, were identified. Amyrsidea minuta Emerson, a new country record, and Goniodes dissimilis Denny were found infesting the...

A molecular phylogeny of the sphaerodactylid geckos of the genus Pristurus is inferred based on an alignment of 1845 base pairs (bp) of concatenated mitochondrial (12S) and nuclear (acm4, cmos, rag1 and rag2) genes for 80 individuals, representing 18 of the 23–26 species, and the three subspecies of P. rupestris. The results indicate that P. rupest...

Knowledge about chewing lice from marine birds of the Red Sea is minimal. Five species of gulls were examined for chewing lice in three different localities of the Saudi Arabian Red Sea coast. Two gull species were examined for lice for the first time (Larus armenicus Buturlin, 1934 and Larus michahellis Naumann, 1840) and their lice represent new...

An entomological survey was undertaken for one year to update the mosquito fauna of Asir Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A total of 31 species of 8 genera were reported of which genus Culex (55%) was the most common. Most of collected larvae (59%) belonged to genus Culex (+ Lutzia) followed by Culiseta (26%), Anopheles (13%) and Aedine spp. (2%)....

We surveyed the population of the Crab Plover, a species which is endemic to the Arabian Peninsula, in 2011, 2012 and 2013 in coastal and offshore areas of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, and compared the data with a survey carried out in 1996. We found two new colonies which comprise together about 539 pairs. Altogether 1380 pairs of Crab Plover bree...

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA), an emerging tick-borne zoonosis. The pathogen utilizes cattle, sheep, goats, and wide variety of animal species as reservoirs and members of genus Ixodes tick as vectors. Although conditions for transmission of the agent in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia do exist, t...

AbstractA recent molecular phylogeny of the Arid clade of the genus Hemidactylus revealed that the recently described H. saba and two unnamed Hemidactylus species from Sinai, Saudi Arabia and Yemen form a well-supported monophyletic group within the Arabian radiation of the genus. The name ‘Hemidactylus saba species group’ is suggested for this cla...

Feather mites of the family Avenzoariidae (Acari: Astigmata: Analgoidea) are recorded for the first time in Saudi Arabia. A new avenzoariid species, Zachvatkinia (Zachvatkinia) repressae sp. n. (Avenzoariidae: Bonnetellinae), is described from the White-cheeked Tern, Sterna repressa Hartert, 1916 (Charadriiformes: Sternidae). The new species belong...

The present investigation aims to study the abundance and distribution of some flora and fauna, from intertidal and shallow subtidal waters in four different sites along the Red Sea coast of Jeddah, KSA Thirty one species were collected during this study. Mean values of density and relative abundance for the collected species were tabulated. The da...

Social behaviours are highly variable between species, populations and individuals. However, it is contentious whether behavioural variations are primarily moulded by the environment, caused by genetic differences, or a combination of both. Here we establish that biparental care, a complex social behaviour that involves rearing of young by both par...

Defining enteric bacterial flora of clinically healthy captive houbara bustard and their resistance to antibiotics are an important step in understanding the epidemiology of bacterial diseases. These diseases may affect their population in captivity and so the environment after their release. The study amied to identify the intestinal bacterial flo...

Skin lipids play an important role in the regulation of cutaneous water loss (CWL). Earlier studies have shown that Saudi desert birds exhibit a tendency of reduced CWL than birds from temperate environment due to adaptive changes in composition of their skin lipids. In this study, we used thin-layer chromatography (TLC) for separation and detectio...

We undertook breeding surveys between 2010 and 2011 to assess the status of breeding birds on 16 islands in the northern Saudi Arabia. Sixteen bird species were found breeding at three different seasons; i.e. winter (Osprey), spring (Caspian and Saunder’s Terns), and summer (Lesser Crested, White-cheeked, Bridled Terns). It is postulated that food...

Populations of Houbara Bustards have dramatically declined in recent years. Captive breeding and reintroduction programs have had limited success in reviving population numbers and thus new technological solutions involving molecular methods are essential for the long term survival of this species. In this study, we sequenced the 694 bp segment of...

The present study aimed to identify the tapeworms that parasitize the rock dove Columba livia palastinae and domestic chicken Gallus gallus domesticus in Taif governorate, Saudi Arabia. A total of 115 rock doves and 105 domestic chicken have been examined. Birds were brought in from the wells and farms inside and outside the city of Taif. In rock d...

The European bee-eater (Merops apiaster) migrates through Saudi Arabia annually. A total of 25 individuals of this species were captured from three localities in Riyadh and Ta'if. Three species of chewing lice were identified from these birds and newly added to list of Saudi Arabia parasitic lice fauna from 160 lice individuals, Meromenopon meropis...

Selective brain cooling is a thermoregulatory effector proposed to conserve body water and, as such, may help artiodactyls cope with aridity. We measured brain and carotid blood temperature, using implanted data loggers, in five Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) in the desert of Saudi Arabia. On average, brain temperature was 0.24±0.05°C lower than caro...