{"id":3419,"date":"2026-08-30T00:51:38","date_gmt":"2026-08-29T21:51:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/albuad.sa\/?p=3419"},"modified":"2026-09-16T21:04:10","modified_gmt":"2026-09-16T18:04:10","slug":"%d9%85%d8%b3%d8%ad-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b6%d8%a8-%d9%88%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%ac%d8%ad%d9%88%d8%b1-%d9%81%d9%8a-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b3%d8%b9%d9%88%d8%af%d9%8a%d8%a9","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/albuad.sa\/en\/%d9%85%d8%b3%d8%ad-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b6%d8%a8-%d9%88%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%ac%d8%ad%d9%88%d8%b1-%d9%81%d9%8a-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b3%d8%b9%d9%88%d8%af%d9%8a%d8%a9\/","title":{"rendered":"Survey of lizards, burrows, and wildlife in Saudi Arabia for projects"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Survey of lizards, burrows, and wildlife<\/strong> It is a systematic field survey that helps projects identify and document burrows, observations, and environmental indicators within the study area before implementing impactful works on site. It is used particularly in projects involving excavation, leveling, or creating roads or facilities or developing natural and undeveloped land.<\/p>\n<p>The role of the survey is not limited to recording points in a report; rather, it links the results to the project boundaries, excavation areas, work fronts, and construction program, so that the data becomes usable in planning and follow-up.  When a broader scope is needed, the survey may be linked to... <a href=\"https:\/\/albuad.sa\/en\/ecological-studies\/\">Ecological Studies<\/a> Or assessing habitats and wildlife according to project requirements.<\/p>\n<h2>What is meant by surveying lizards and burrows for projects?<\/h2>\n<p>The spiny-tailed lizard is a type of lizard, and the term may appear in some project documents or tender documents <strong>STL Survey<\/strong> This term refers to surveying spiny-tailed lizards or their burrows. However, it does not define a uniform scope of service; the scope varies depending on the site size, the boundaries of the study area, the nature of the work, habitat sensitivity, and technical requirements for the client or related party.<\/p>\n<p>Therefore, an effective survey begins by identifying the part of the site that may actually be affected, rather than treating the entire project property as a single survey area. Then, relevant burrows, sightings, or indicators are documented using the field log, coordinates, images, and maps, within a clear methodology that clarifies the coverage limits and restrictions.<\/p>\n<h2>When does the project need to survey lizards and their burrows in Saudi Arabia?<\/h2>\n<p>A survey is appropriate before work that may affect natural or undeveloped land, or when project documentation requires up-to-date field data. Common examples include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Before excavating, leveling, cutting and filling, or opening new access roads.<\/li>\n<li>Before commencing work on a new execution front or when modifying the boundaries of the work area.<\/li>\n<li>In road projects, pipelines, utilities, and multi-sector linear projects.<\/li>\n<li>Where previous records or maps of the burrows exist, they need to be verified and updated in the field.<\/li>\n<li>When an environmental impact study or tender document requires a wildlife survey or habitat assessment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>The difference between initial survey, burrow verification, and wildlife survey<\/h2>\n<h3>Initial survey of burrows<\/h3>\n<p>It is usually carried out before work begins on a natural or undeveloped site. Its purpose is to define the survey area and document relevant burrows, indicators, and observations, while preparing a record that includes coordinates, photographs, and technical notes.<\/p>\n<h3>Check a previous record or map<\/h3>\n<p>It is used when there is prior field data, or when the construction program changes or work moves to a new area. It focuses on reviewing recorded data points, updating their status, and linking them to the current project status.<\/p>\n<h3>Wider wildlife survey<\/h3>\n<p>This is appropriate when the project scope extends beyond burrows alone to include other species or ecologically sensitive habitats. It may include a record of observations and indicators, a preliminary habitat description, and maps help identify the necessary actions within the scope of the project.<\/p>\n<h2>How is the field survey carried out?<\/h2>\n<p>The survey methodology is based on the nature of the project and the available data, and often includes the following steps:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Review of project documents:<\/strong> Review site boundaries, plans, GIS or KMZ files, construction program, excavation areas, work fronts, and previous studies where available.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Defining the study area:<\/strong> Identify the areas that could be actually affected by the works, taking into account the scope of implementation and the nature of the terrain and existing habitats.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Conducting the field survey:<\/strong> Cover the area according to a plan appropriate to the scope of the mission, while recording burrows, sightings, or relevant indicators.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Documentation and numbering:<\/strong> Assign an identification number to the point or burrow when needed, and link it to coordinates, images, date, work area, and notes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Preparing maps and records:<\/strong> Organize data into GPS or GIS maps and records that are reviewable and traceable.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Preparing the report and recommendations:<\/strong> Present the methodology, results, survey limitations, restrictions, and practical recommendations relevant to the project.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>What is included in the survey and what is not automatically included?<\/h2>\n<p>Defining the scope of the service from the outset prevents a common confusion between field data collection and regulatory actions or direct intervention in wildlife.<\/p>\n<h3>The survey may include:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Identifying and documenting burrows, sightings, or environmental indicators.<\/li>\n<li>GPS coordinates, photos, field log and GIS maps upon request.<\/li>\n<li>Initial assessment of habitats and linking the results to areas of work.<\/li>\n<li>Technical recommendations and a follow-up record for areas or work fronts when needed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>It is not automatically scanned<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Issuing an environmental permit or regulatory decision on behalf of the competent authority.<\/li>\n<li>Capturing, moving, or releasing objects without independent scope and applicable procedures.<\/li>\n<li>To assert the presence of an organism inside each burrow based solely on the shape of the burrow.<\/li>\n<li>The report is considered an automatic approval to commence work in all areas of the project.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Professional note:<\/strong> The capture, transfer, or release of wildlife is not an automatic part of any survey. This type of intervention is only considered when required within the scope of a clearly defined project, and after the completion of procedures and coordination applicable to the situation.<\/p>\n<h2>Outputs of burrow and wildlife surveys<\/h2>\n<p>The outputs vary depending on the project size and client requirements, but a good report doesn't just list the results; it links them to the work sites and the construction schedule. The outputs may include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A map showing the survey area and the actual coverage limits.<\/li>\n<li>A record of burrows, points, or sightings, including identification number, coordinates, photos, and notes.<\/li>\n<li>GPS or GIS maps show the relationship of survey points to roads, facilities, excavation areas, and work fronts.<\/li>\n<li>A technical report outlining the methodology, results, limitations, and relevant recommendations.<\/li>\n<li>A tracking log for areas or sectors when there are multiple implementation phases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How does GIS support project management?<\/h2>\n<p>In large or multi-front sites, relying solely on photographs or separate records is difficult. GIS helps link each field point to project boundaries, excavation areas, roads, and utilities, showing the team what has been surveyed, the areas that need review, and the location of the record or supporting image for each point.<\/p>\n<p>The value of this data increases when it is updated as the construction program changes or new work fronts open. Therefore, it is best to define the type of maps and files required at the beginning of the scope of work, so that the output is compatible with the needs of the project team and the contractor<\/p>\n<h2>The survey was integrated with impact studies and environmental management plans.<\/h2>\n<p>Field surveys can provide supporting data for <a href=\"https:\/\/albuad.sa\/en\/environmental-impact-assessment\/\">Environmental Impact Assessment Studies<\/a>or to update work procedures within <a href=\"https:\/\/albuad.sa\/en\/environmental-management-plan-preparation-emp\/\">Environmental Management Plans (EMP)<\/a>However, it does not replace the rest of the studies or requirements; rather, it provides the project team with data that helps them understand the current situation and determine the appropriate action according to the scope of work.<\/p>\n<h2>What data is required to define the scope of service?<\/h2>\n<p>To prepare a suitable technical presentation, it is recommended to share the following available data. The absence of some files does not prevent the discussion from beginning, but it may affect the accuracy of defining the scope:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Project boundaries, site plan, or KMZ\/GIS file where available.<\/li>\n<li>Scope of work or tender documents and relevant environmental requirements.<\/li>\n<li>The construction program, excavation areas, and current or planned work fronts.<\/li>\n<li>Any environmental study or previous burrow record, if available.<\/li>\n<li>The required outputs, such as the report, maps, scorecard, or progress report.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Professional standards and a Saudi context<\/h2>\n<p>The scope of the survey should reflect the nature of the project and the habitats located within the study area, and clearly distinguish between field data collection and any direct intervention in wildlife. If there are requirements related to wildlife, permits, or project-specific procedures, the relevant Saudi authorities should be consulted.<\/p>\n<p>The National Center for Wildlife Development is the government agency specializing in wildlife and terrestrial environment affairs, while the National Center for Environmental Compliance undertakes tasks related to environmental permits for facilities, and compliance with environmental regulations is required. The technical report is treated as a supporting input for decision-making within the project, and not as a substitute for approvals from the relevant authorities.<\/p>\n<p>These works are carried out by a technical team comprising integrated environmental specialists, depending on the scope of the project. You can <a href=\"https:\/\/albuad.sa\/en\/environmental-experts-team\/\">Getting acquainted with the team of environmental experts in the environmental dimension<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<h3>What is an STL Survey?<\/h3>\n<p>This term may be used in project documents to refer to the surveying of spiny-tailed lizards or their burrows. Its actual scope is determined by the specifications, the study area, and the project requirements.<\/p>\n<h3>What is the difference between scanning burrows and checking a previous record?<\/h3>\n<p>The initial survey focuses on research and documentation within the study area, while the verification process revisits previously recorded points to update their status and link them to the current status of the project.<\/p>\n<h3>Does the presence of a burrow necessarily mean that a lizard is in it?<\/h3>\n<p>No. The shape of the burrow alone is not enough to determine the situation, so the results are documented according to observations, indicators, the survey methodology and its limitations.<\/p>\n<h3>Does finding the burrow require moving the organism directly?<\/h3>\n<p>No. Surveying and documentation do not imply automatic transfer. Any direct intervention is only considered when there is a clear scope and procedures applicable to the project.<\/p>\n<h3>When is it preferable to carry out the survey?<\/h3>\n<p>It is preferable to plan for it before impactful works in the target area, or before opening a new front of work, or when project documents or environmental studies require updated data.<\/p>\n<h3>How long does the lizard and burrow survey service take?<\/h3>\n<p>The duration depends on the site area, terrain, number of work fronts, prior data, and the level of required outputs, such as maps, records, and technical reports.<\/p>\n<h3>Is the survey suitable for road, energy, and pipeline projects?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, linear or multi-front sites can be divided into sectors, and the results of each sector can be linked to the construction program and follow-up requirements.<\/p>\n<h2>Request a survey scope for your project.<\/h2>\n<p>If your project involves work on a natural or undeveloped site, the Environmental Dimension team can review the scope of work and available data to determine the appropriate survey area and outputs. <a href=\"https:\/\/albuad.sa\/en\/contact-us\/\">Contact the environmental dimension to discuss your project requirements<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Reliable sources<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncw.gov.sa\/terrestrial-wildlife.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">National Center for Wildlife Development: Conserving the Wildlife Environment<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ncw.gov.sa\/magazine\/article\/%D8%A3%D8%A8%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D8%AD%D8%B3%D9%84-%D9%83%D9%8A%D9%81-%D8%AD%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85%D8%A9-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D9%91%D9%83%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%9F\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">National Center for Wildlife Development: Information about the Spiny-tailed Lizard<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncec.gov.sa\/ar\/OurDomains\/Pages\/EnvironmentalPermitFacilities.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">National Center for Environmental Compliance: Environmental Permit for Facilities<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u0645\u0633\u062d \u0627\u0644\u0636\u0628 \u0648\u0627\u0644\u062c\u062d\u0648\u0631 \u0648\u0627\u0644\u062d\u064a\u0627\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0641\u0637\u0631\u064a\u0629 \u0647\u0648 \u0645\u0633\u062d \u0645\u064a\u062f\u0627\u0646\u064a \u0645\u0646\u0638\u0645 \u064a\u0633\u0627\u0639\u062f \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0634\u0627\u0631\u064a\u0639 \u0639\u0644\u0649 \u062a\u062d\u062f\u064a\u062f \u0648\u062a\u0648\u062b\u064a\u0642 \u0627\u0644\u062c\u062d\u0648\u0631 \u0648\u0627\u0644\u0645\u0634\u0627\u0647\u062f\u0627\u062a \u0648\u0627\u0644\u0645\u0624\u0634\u0631\u0627\u062a \u0627\u0644\u0628\u064a\u0626\u064a\u0629 \u062f\u0627\u062e\u0644 \u0645\u0646\u0637\u0642\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u062f\u0631\u0627\u0633\u0629 \u0642\u0628\u0644 \u062a\u0646\u0641\u064a\u0630 \u0627\u0644\u0623\u0639\u0645\u0627\u0644 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0624\u062b\u0631\u0629 \u0641\u064a \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0648\u0642\u0639. \u0648\u064a\u064f\u0633\u062a\u062e\u062f\u0645 \u062e\u0635\u0648\u0635\u064b\u0627 \u0641\u064a \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0634\u0627\u0631\u064a\u0639 \u0627\u0644\u062a\u064a \u062a\u062a\u0636\u0645\u0646 \u062d\u0641\u0631\u064b\u0627 \u0623\u0648 \u062a\u0633\u0648\u064a\u0629 \u0623\u0648 \u0625\u0646\u0634\u0627\u0621 \u0637\u0631\u0642 \u0623\u0648 \u0645\u0631\u0627\u0641\u0642 \u0623\u0648 \u062a\u0637\u0648\u064a\u0631\u064b\u0627 \u0644\u0623\u0631\u0627\u0636\u064d \u0637\u0628\u064a\u0639\u064a\u0629 \u0648\u063a\u064a\u0631 \u0645\u0637\u0648\u0631\u0629. \u0644\u0627 \u064a\u0642\u062a\u0635\u0631 \u062f\u0648\u0631 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0633\u062d \u0639\u0644\u0649 \u062a\u0633\u062c\u064a\u0644 \u0646\u0642\u0627\u0637 \u0641\u064a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3444,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[41,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3419","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-41","category-1"],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":7}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/albuad.sa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3419","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/albuad.sa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/albuad.sa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/albuad.sa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/albuad.sa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3419"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/albuad.sa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3419\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3445,"href":"https:\/\/albuad.sa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3419\/revisions\/3445"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/albuad.sa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3444"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/albuad.sa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3419"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/albuad.sa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3419"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/albuad.sa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3419"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}