The Kuwait Environmental Protection Society (KEPS) reported today that a joint Kuwaiti-international bird monitoring team has documented rare pelagic bird species during a successful marine expedition in Kuwaiti territorial waters, including:

Short-tailed Albatross (Phoebastria albatrus)

Arctic Skua (Stercorarius parasiticus)

Key Findings:

Short-tailed Albatross

4th recorded sighting in Kuwait (2014, 2021, two weeks ago, and current)

Typically ranges across Pacific Ocean between poles

Gull-sized with unique hunting techniques

Arctic Skua

Rare migratory visitor to Kuwait

Exceptionally agile flier with raptor-like appearance

Displays kleptoparasitic feeding behavior

Team Spokesperson Statement:

Mohammad Al-Hadhina, KEPS Bird Monitoring Team member, told KUNA:

"These sightings confirm Kuwait's strategic position as a critical stopover in marine bird migration routes, while highlighting our ongoing efforts to document local marine biodiversity."

Research Team Composition:

Kuwaiti Observers:

Abdulrahman Al-Sarhan

Omar Al-Shahin

Hamoud Al-Shaiji

European Specialists:

Peter Alfrey (UK)

Vincent Legrand & Julien Heinoux (Belgium)

Ecological Significance:

Provides new data on climate change impacts to migratory patterns

Supports Kuwait's Marine Protected Areas management

Contributes to global seabird conservation databases