Reptiles and amphibians of the Saudi islands in the Arabian Gulf

Reptiles and amphibians of the Saudi islands in the Arabian Gulf Abdulhadi Aloufi1, Mohammed Al Zayer2, Mohammad A. Abu Baker3, Zuhair S. Amr4 1 Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia 2 Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dharan, Saudi Arabia 3 Department of Biology, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan 4 Department of Biology, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid, Jordan https://zoobank.org/A6AB6252-B741-4EC3-8C44-7CB327FCB16B Corresponding author: Zuhair S. Amr ([email protected]) Academic editor: Andreas Maletzky ♦ Received 15 September 2025 ♦ Accepted 23 November 2025 ♦ Published 3 December 2025 Abstract The herpetofauna of nine Saudi Arabian islands in the Arabian Gulf was studied. A total of 20 species of amphibians and reptiles within 12 families was reported. The number of species per island ranged from one in four islands to 11 in Tarout Island and tended to increase with island area. The colonization of species was made possible by human introduction, especially of geckos. A classification based on species presence/absence data ranked the islands according to their similarity, geographical location, size, and human use, which influenced reptile communities. A comparison between the reptiles on other islands belonging to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iran in the Arabian Gulf was also presented. Key Words Arabian Gulf, biogeography, distribution, diversity, herpetofauna, islands Introduction The Arabian Gulf was formed 8,000 to 12,000 years ago. It is about 990 km in length and has a total surface area of 251,000 km2, with an average depth of 50 m (Saudi Geological Survey 2012). It underwent frequent episodes of being filled and emptied during glacial and interglacial periods in the Quaternary (Mahmoodi 1988). Although approximately 130 islands in the Arabian Gulf are considered part of Saudi Arabia, only 29 are of considerable size, with total areas ranging from about 58 km2 (Abu Ali Island) to approximately 0.01 km2 (Al Haiza Island) (Saudi Geological Survey 2012). Most of the Kingdom’s islands in the Arabian Gulf are flat and low-lying, with elevations generally not exceeding 13 m. The reptile fauna of the Saudi Arabian islands in the Arabian Gulf remains poorly documented, and no data are available on amphibians. Martens (1996) recorded reptiles from only two islands (Abu Ali and Jana), and no comprehensive surveys have since been carried out. By comparison, islands in the Red Sea have received considerably more research attention. The reptiles of the Farasan Archipelago have been extensively studied by several authors (Mertens 1965; Gasperetti 1988; Schätti and Gasperetti 1994; Cunningham 2010; Masseti 2014). Cunningham (2010) listed 10 species of terrestrial reptiles from Farasan Island based on both historical and contemporary records. Two endemic species have also been described from the archipelago: Platyceps insulanus from Sarso Island (Martens 1996) and Hemidactylus farasani from Farasan Island (Šmíd et al. 2023). In the Arabian Gulf, nine species of terrestrial reptiles were reported from 13 islands in the Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates (UAE) (Soorae 2004), and 13 species were recorded from Sir Bani Yas Island in the UAE (Bourquin 2011). Ten species of reptiles were reported Herpetozoa 38: 379–391 (2025) DOI 10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e172180 Copyright Abdulhadi Aloufi et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. herpetozoa.pensoft.net Abdulhadi Aloufi et al.: Reptiles of Saudi Islands380 from Qeshm Island, Iran (Hosseinian Yousefkhan et al. 2013). Amr et al. (2021) reported 10 species of reptiles from five Kuwaiti islands. The present study reports on the diversity and species richness of reptiles and amphibians in nine islands of Saudi Arabia in the Arabian Gulf with a comparison with other islands in the Arabian Gulf belonging to Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran. Materials and methods Field methodology Reptiles and amphibians were either collected or observed during the study period that extended from August 2024 to May 2025 through 13 field visits to nine islands. Collected specimens were deposited at Taibah University, Department of Biology, Al-Madinah Al Munawwarah, under the Islands Reptiles Collection (IRC). Field trips were carried out and covered nine islands (Table 1). Observed reptiles and amphibians were based on actual observations or through images sent to us by local residents. Reptile specimens held at the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) collection were examined and included in the study. Most collected reptiles were examined, identified, and then released at the site of collection. A survey effort of approximately four to five hours was conducted on each island, for a total of 51 hours of fieldwork by two persons during day and nighttime. Study area Nine Saudi Arabian islands in the Arabian Gulf were surveyed for the presence of reptiles and amphibians (Fig. 1). Table 1 shows the total surface area and the coordinates for each of the studied islands. Abu Ali Island This is the largest island of the Saudi islands in the Arabian Gulf, with a total area of 59.3 km² and a maximum length of 24.3 km (Fig. 2A). It is connected with the mainland by a causeway and is also connected to Batinah Island. The island suffers from fragmentation due to the construction of roads. Pollution caused by solid waste (plastic, wood, rubble, old huts) is widespread across the island. The island consists mainly of sabkhahs and sand sheets. Most of the vegetation is considered halophytes (Suaeda vermiculata and Zygophyllum mandavillei). Two carnivores were reported from the island: the Golden Jackal, Canis aureus, and the Red Fox, Vulpes vulpes. Tarout Island This is the third largest island, with its size being about 20.3 km² and its maximum length 6 km (Fig. 2F). It is connected to the Qatif mainland coast by three causeways. Farms with palm groves are common. The island was inhabited about 5,000 years ago. A large castle witnesses the history of the island. The flora is dominated by halophytic species, including mangroves. Many of the drainage canals from the farms are home to frogs and freshwater turtles. These canals are currently being reclaimed, posing a significant threat to the loss of these animals. Az-Zakhnuniyyah Island The total area of this island is 13.35 km2 and about 1.5 km east of the coastline. It is characterized by the presence of sand dunes, salt marshes on the western side, sabkhas toward the southern part of the island, and clay soils (Fig. 2E). Fifty plant species were reported from this island, dominated by Halopeplis perfoliata and Suaeda vermiculata in the salt marshes, Limonium axillare and Zygophyllum mandavillei in sabkhas, and Cyperus conglomeratus and Pennisetum divisum in the sand dunes (Al-Taisan 2022). The island is one of the largest habitats for the Socotra Cormorant, Phalacrocorax nigrogularis, in the Arabian Gulf (Al Ghazzawy et al. 2009). Gerbil burrows are common, and Gerbillus cheesmani have been observed in large numbers in the sand dunes west of the island. Vulpes vulpes has also been observed. Table 1. Surveyed islands for the occurrence of reptiles and amphibians. Latitude (N) and longitude (E) are given. Locality Survey effort (hrs) Distance from mainland (km) Area (km2)Coordinates Abu Ali 10 8.33 59.3 27.327278°N, 49.475931°Е Al Fanateer 4 1.5 0.3 27.144111°N, 49.598975°Е Al-Juraid 4 45 0.2 25.444014°N, 49.730997°Е Az-Zakhnuniyyah 6 1.5 13.35 25.561464°N, 50.323594°Е Al-Huwaylat 4 3.70 0.1 26.546964°N, 50.009328°Е Jana 4 37.23 0.2 27.368800°N, 49.898425°Е Karan 6 57.41 1 27.717442°N, 49.825214°Е Kareen 4 54.63 0.1 27.368800°N, 49.898425°Е Tarout 9 0.10 20.3 26.582531°N, 50.063781°Е Herpetozoa 38: 379–391 (2025) herpetozoa.pensoft.net 381 Al-Juraid Island This is a small island with 0.2 km2 in total area and approximately 45 km from the mainland. The surface is covered by sand and is vegetated mainly with dense Suaeda vermiculata and Salsola baryosma bushes (Fig. 2D). It is surrounded by extensive coral reefs. Al-Juraid Island serves as a nesting ground for the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas), with individuals visiting the island regularly throughout the breeding season (June–October). It hosts a large population of the White-cheeked Tern, Sterna repressa. Al-Huwaylat Island This is a small island with 0.1 km2 in total area (Fig. 2B). It is a longitudinal sandy island with a flat surface covered by bushes such as Herniaria hemistemon and Anabasis setifera. There are a few colonies of the Lesser Crested Tern, Thalasseus bengalensis. Al Fanateer Island A longitudinal sandy island with a flat surface and a total area of 0.3 km2 covered by bushes of Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, Herniaria hemistemon, and Anabasis setifera (Fig. 2C). A small rocky part is located at the edge of the northeastern side of the island. It hosts colonies of the Lesser Crested Tern, Thalasseus bengalensis. Jana Island This is a small island with about 0.2 km2 in total area and 1 km as a maximum length. It is covered by sand with halophytic flora such as Suaeda vermiculata and Salsola baryosma. Both the Hawksbill Turtle and the Green Turtle nest on the island from June to October. Kareen Island This is one of the smallest islands, with an area of approximately 0.1 km² (about 312 m × 251 m). It has a narrow sandy beach vegetated mainly with Suaeda vermiculata and Salsola baryosma. Both the Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) nest on the island. Karan Island This island measures about 1 km2 and about 2 km in maximum width. It is considered one of the largest coral islands and has a bare beach platform. It is vegetated primarily with Suaeda vermiculata and Salsola baryosma bushes. The island hosts the largest breeding population of the Lesser Crested Tern, Thalasseus bengalensis, in addition to other bird species. It is also the main breeding site for both the Hawksbill Turtle and the Green Turtle. Figure 1. Map showing the surveyed island in the Arabian Gulf. herpetozoa.pensoft.net Abdulhadi Aloufi et al.: Reptiles of Saudi Islands382 Species richness and diversity Species diversity is represented as the total number of recorded species within each island (species richness), the total number of individuals (abundance), and diversity using the Simpson Diversity Index (D = 1/Σ(pi)²), where Pi is the relative representation of the ith species in the sample (Simpson 1949). Simpson’s diversity index ranges from 0 to 1, with 0 representing infinite diversity and 1 representing no diversity or absence of diversity (1 species). Thus, the larger the value of D, the lower the diversity. We tested for correlations between species richness and island area and distance from the mainland using Pearson’s correlation coefficient in Excel. Species presence across the nine islands was used to classify the islands based on the similarity of reptile species composition using cluster analysis (Bray–Curtis similarity measure, UPGMA algorithm) in PAST 4.17, 2024. Results Species richness and diversity Species richness varied substantially among the nine islands, ranging from one species (on four islands) to 11 species on Tarout Island, with a mean of 3.44 species per Figure 2. Illustrative pictures of the main characteristics of Arabian Gulf islands. A. Abu Ali Island; B. Al-Huwaylat Island; C. Al Fanateer Island; D. Al-Juraid Island; E. Az-Zakhnuniyyah Island; F. Tarout Island. Herpetozoa 38: 379–391 (2025) herpetozoa.pensoft.net 383 island. A positive correlation was detected between species richness and island area (Pearson’s r = 0.52), while species richness showed a negative correlation with distance from the mainland (r = −0.55) (Fig. 3). Species diversity was highest on Tarout Island (0.152) and lowest (zero) on Al Fanateer, Al-Juraid, Karan, and Kareen (Table 2). The islands ranked from highest to lowest species diversity as follows: Tarout > Abu Ali > Az-Zakhnuniyyah > Jana > Al-Huwaylat > Al Fanateer > Al-Juraid > Karan > Kareen. Classification based on species presence/absence data identified distinct clusters of islands based on the geographical location of islands and human activity (Fig. 4). Systematics Twenty species of amphibians and reptiles were reported during this study, including 12 families (Ranidae, Geoemydidae, Cheloniidae, Gekkonidae, Phyllodactylidae, Lacertidae, Scincidae, Trogonophidae, Boidae, Colubridae, Psammophiidae, and Viperidae). Table 2 shows the number of collected or observed specimens for each island. Family Ranidae Pelophylax ridibundus (Pallas, 1771) Material examined. Observed: Tarout Island, 6 September 2024, irrigation canal. Remarks. This is a common species observed in irrigation canals around the farms in Tarout Island. It was reported previously from Dharan, Hofuf, and Qatif (Haas 1957, 1961), Al Qatif (Briggs 1981), and Al Qudaih and Al Suhaemeah near Dahran (Aloufi et al. 2023). Currently, seven species of amphibians have been reported from Saudi Arabia, most of which are known from southwestern Saudi Arabia (Balletto et al. 1985; Al-Qahtania and Al-Johany 2018). Family Geoemydidae Mauremys caspica (Gmelin, 1774) Fig. 5A Material examined. Tarout Island, 6 September 2024, irrigation canal. Juvenile specimens were captured and released. Remarks. The Caspian Turtle seems to be common in the irrigation canals in Tarout Island. It was previously recorded from Dharan (Haas 1957), Hufof, Al Qatif, and Al Uqayr (Gasperetti et al. 1993). Aloufi (2009) studied the distribution of the Caspian Turtle in eastern Saudi Arabia. He stated that this species was very common and widespread in the Al Hassa region and extends from the northern to the southern and eastern irrigation canals. Its presence in Tarout Island represents introduction by the locals. Family Cheloniidae Eretmochelys imbricata (Linnaeus, 1758) Fig. 5B Observed. One dead specimen, Az Zakhnuniyyah Island, 30 August 2024. Three turtles were observed swimming around Al-Juraid Island, 28 May 2025. Remarks. The Hawksbill Sea Turtle was previously observed around Al Jurayd Island (Aloufi et al. 2023). Gasperetti et al. (1993) indicated several nesting sites in the Arabian Gulf on the coast of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Miller (1989) stated that the offshore islands (e.g., Jana Island) of Saudi Arabia are among the nesting sites for this turtle. Chelonia mydas (Linnaeus, 1758) Fig. 5C, D Observed. Seven dead specimens, Abu Ali Island, 3 October 2024. One dead specimen, Abu Ali Island, 30 May 2025. Figure 3. The relationship between reptile species richness with the area and distance from the mainland for nine Saudi islands in the Arabian Gulf (logarithmic scale for area and distance axes). herpetozoa.pensoft.net Abdulhadi Aloufi et al.: Reptiles of Saudi Islands384 Remarks. Gasperetti et al. (1993) depicted a map showing the nesting sites in the Arabian Gulf on the coasts of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Family Gekkonidae Bunopus tuberculatus Blanford, 1874 Fig. 6A Previous records. Jana and Abu Ali islands (Martens, 1996). Observed. Az Zakhnuniyyah Island, 30 August 2024. Remarks. This is a widely distributed species across arid regions in northern and eastern Saudi Arabia and the Middle East (Arnold 1986; Pola et al. 2024). In eastern Saudi Arabia, it was recorded from Al Jubail (Martens 1996), several localities in Al Hassa (Haas 1957; Al-Sadoon 2010), and Al Qatif (Aloufi et al. 2023). This species prefers sand habitats and becomes active at night. In the islands of the Arabian Gulf, this species was reported from Auhha Island, Kuwait (Amr et al. 2021), Sir Bani Yas Island in the UAE (Bourquin 2011), and 13 islands in the UAE (Soorae 2004). Cyrtopodion scabrum (Heyden, 1827) Fig. 6B Material examined. IRC 013, Tarout Island–Al Tauos Farm, 15 November 2024. IRC 014, Al-Huwaylat Island, 29 May 2025. KFUPM collection, Jana Island, 15 August 2016. KFUPM collection, 2 specimens, Karan Island, 12 August 2016. KFUPM collection, Kareen Island, 15 August 2016. Observed. Abu Ali Island, 30 May 2025. Remarks. The Rough Bent-toed Gecko has a wide range of distribution across the Middle East, reaching the coastal regions of the Red Sea (Sindaco and Jeremčenko 2008). It was reported from several localities in the Table 2. Summary of number of recorded species and species richness in nine Saudi Arabian islands in the Arabian Gulf. Species Tarout Karan Kareen Jana Al Huwaylat Az Zakhnuniyyah Al Fanateer Al Juraid Abu Ali Pelophylax ridibundus 10 Mauremys caspica 11 Chelonia mydas 8 Eretmochelys imbricata 1 4 Bunopus tuberculatus 1 1 Cyrtopodion scabrum 6 1 1 1 10 3 Hemidactylus flaviviridis 12 Hemidactylus persicus 2 Stenodactylus slevini 3 Trigonodactylus arabicus 10 Ptyodactylus cf hasselquistii 11 Mesalina brevirostris 3 1 2 3 Trachylepis tessellata 4 Heremites septemtaeniatus 1 Diplometopon zarudnyi 1 Eryx jayakari 2 Platyceps ventromaculatus 1 Malpolon moilensis 1 Psammophis schokari 1 4 Cerastes gasperetti 3 Total number of species (richness) 11 11326115 Total number of individuals 60 1 1 3 13 20 2 4 19 Species diversity 0.152 1 1 0.333 0.645 0.31 1 1 0.274 Figure 4. Cluster analysis of nine Arabian islands based on their similarity of herpetofauna. Herpetozoa 38: 379–391 (2025) herpetozoa.pensoft.net 385 eastern province (Haas 1957; Martens 1996; Aloufi et al. 2023). It is believed this species was introduced by human activities to the Arabian Peninsula (Carranza et al. 2021). It was found along with Hemidactylus persicus in agricultural areas in Tarout Island. In the islands of the Arabian Gulf, this species was reported from Auhha Island, Kuwait (Amr et al. 2021), and Sir Bani Yas, Arzanah, and Zirku islands in the UAE (Soorae 2004; Bourquin 2011). Hemidactylus flaviviridis Rüppell, 1835 Fig. 6C Material examined. IRC 008, Tarout Island–Al Halal Farm, 31 August 2024. Observed. Captured and released, Tarout Island–Al Tauos Farm, 15 November 2024. Remarks. This species is associated with farms in Tarout Island. The Yellow-bellied Gecko is considered a common species in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. On the mainland, it was found also in farms near Al Qatif (Aloufi et al. 2023) and on building walls in Al Aba and Al Jubail (Ross 1993; Martens 1996). This species is originally native to central India and was introduced to Africa and Arabia through human activities (Carranza et al. 2021). In the islands of the Arabian Gulf, this species was reported from Auhha Island, Kuwait (Amr et al. 2021), and Sir Bani Yas Island in the UAE (Soorae 2004; Bourquin 2011). Hemidactylus persicus Anderson, 1872 Fig. 6D Material examined. IRC 010, Tarout Island–Sami Farm, 6 September 2024. IRC 012, Tarout Island–Al Tauos Farm, 15 November 2024. Tarout Island–Al Suhaemeah farms, 5 September 2023. Remarks. Castilla et al. (2013) gave a detailed distribution map for H. persicus, covering the Arabian Peninsula and adjacent countries. In Saudi Arabia, its distribution is confined to the Eastern Province (Haas 1957, 1961; Martens 1996; Aloufi et al. 2023). In the islands of the Arabian Gulf, this species was reported from Sir Bani Yas, Arzanah, and Jernain islands in the UAE (Soorae 2004; Bourquin 2011). Stenodactylus slevini Haas, 1957 Fig. 6E Material examined. IRC 003, Az Zakhnuniyyah Island, 30 August 2024. Figure 5. A. Mauremys caspica from Tarout Island; B. Tracts of Eretmochelys imbricata from Al-Juraid Island; C, D. Ventral and dorsal views of a dead Chelonia mydas from Abu Ali Island. herpetozoa.pensoft.net Abdulhadi Aloufi et al.: Reptiles of Saudi Islands386 Remarks. Slevin’s Short-fingered Gecko distribution range extends from the eastern Arabian Peninsula, Kuwait, and southern Iraq, reaching as far as the southern deserts of Jordan (Sindaco and Jeremčenko 2008). It was previously reported from Al Hassa and several localities around Al Qatif (Al-Sadoon 2010; Aloufi et al. 2023). In the islands of the Arabian Gulf, this species was reported from Sir Bani Yas Island in the UAE (Bourquin 2011). Trigonodactylus arabicus Haas, 1957 Fig. 6F Material examined. IRC 002, Az Zakhnuniyyah Island, 30 August 2024. Remarks. The Arabian Sand Gecko was found among salt marshes around Al Zakhnunyah Island. This species is known to occur along eastern and central Saudi Arabia, eastern Arabia including Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, Kuwait, Yemen, and southern Jordan (Pola et al. 2021). It was previously reported from Al Jubail and Al Qatif in the Eastern Province (Martens 1996; Aloufi et al. 2023). In the islands of the Arabian Gulf, this species was reported from Sir Bani Yas Island in the UAE (Bourquin 2011). Family Phyllodactylidae Ptyodactylus cf hasselquistii (Donndorff, 1798) Observed. Tarout Island–Al Tauos Farm, 15 November 2024. Remarks. Within the Middle East, the taxonomy of this species is problematic. Metallinou et al. (2015) referred to the Arabian populations as the P. hasselquistii species complex within two clades, the first referring to populations of western and central Saudi Arabia and Oman, while the second clade includes populations associated with the southwestern mountains of Aseer. It was previously recorded from Al Dharan (Haas 1957), Al Hassa (Al-Sadoon 2010), and several localities in the Eastern Province (Aloufi et al. 2023). Family Lacertidae Mesalina sp. Fig. 6G Material examined. IRC 001, Az Zakhnuniyyah Island, 30 August 2024. IRC 011, Abu Ali Island, 3 October 2024. Observed. Al-Huwaylat Island, 29 May 2025. Al Fanateer Island, May 2025. Remarks. The taxonomy of the Mesalina guttulata complex was revised recently by Šmíd et al. (2025). They described a new species, Mesalina cryptica, from the Tuwaiq Escarpment near Riyadh. Its distribution extends from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. Perhaps previous records for Mesalina brevirostris reported from several localities around Al Jubail and Jana Island (Martens 1996), Failaka Island, Kuwait (Amr et al. 2021), and 12 islands in the UAE (Soorae 2004) may well represent Mesalina cryptica. Family Scincidae Trachylepis tessellata (Anderson, 1895) Fig. 6H Material examined. IRC 005–006, Tarout Island–Al Halal Farm, 31 August 2024. Remarks. This species was first recorded from Saudi Arabia by Aloufi et al. (2023) around the Dahran area. The Tessellated Skink is known to occur in Yemen, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates (Carranza et al. 2021). It prefers humid areas among the farmlands in the Eastern Province. This species was reported from Masirah Island, Oman (Carranza et al. 2021). Heremites septemtaeniatus (Reuss, 1834) Material examined. KFUPM collection, Jana Island, 15 August 2016. Remarks. The Southern Grass Skink has a wide distribution range extending from the eastern Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, Iran, Armenia, and southern Turkey (Sindaco and Jeremčenko 2008). It was found in irrigated and shaded areas near Al Jubail, Al Hassa, Hofuf, and Al Qatif in the Eastern Province (Arnold 1986; Martens 1996; Al-Sadoon 2010; Aloufi et al. 2023). This species was reported from Ad Dimaniyat Islands, Oman (Carranza et al. 2021). Family Trogonophidae Diplometopon zarudnyi Nikolsky, 1907 Materials examined. Observed: Captured and released, Tarout Island–Al Tauos Farm, 15 November 2025. Remarks. This species is distributed across western Iran, southern Iraq, and the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula (Sindaco and Jeremčenko 2008). Zarudnyi’s Worm Lizard was reported from several localities along the coastal regions of the Arabian Gulf (Haas 1957, 1961; Martens 1996; Al-Sadoon 2010; Aloufi et al. 2023) and from Abu Ali Island (Martens 1996). Family Boidae Eryx jayakari Boulenger, 1888 Material examined. Observed: Az Zakhnuniyyah Island, 13 August 2024. Two specimens were killed by soldiers. Remarks. Jayakar’s Sand Boa is widely distributed across Arabia, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Yemen (Gasperetti 1988; Carranza et al. 2021). It was recorded from Dhahran and Abqaiq Herpetozoa 38: 379–391 (2025) herpetozoa.pensoft.net 387 (Haas 1957, 1961; Leviton and Anderson 1967; Mandeville 1967), Al Jubail (Martens 1996), and the Al Hassa and Al Qatif area (Al-Sadoon 2010; Aloufi et al. 2023). In the islands of the Arabian Gulf, this species was reported from Auhha Island, Kuwait (Amr et al. 2021), and Sir Bani Yas Island in the UAE (Soorae 2004; Bourquin 2011). Family Colubridae Platyceps ventromaculatus (Gray, 1834) Observed. Tarout Island–Al Jmaan Farm, 22 August 2024. Tarout Island–Al Tauos Farm, 15 November 2024. Figure 6. A. Bunopus tuberculatus from Al Zakhnuniyyah Island; B. Cyrtopodion scabrum from Tarout Island; C. Hemidactylus flaviviridis from Tarout Island; D. Hemidactylus persicus from Tarout Island; E. Stenodactylus slevini from Az Zakhnuniyyah Island; F. Trigonodactylus arabicus from Az Zakhnuniyyah Island; G. Mesalina sp. from Az Zakhnuniyyah Island; H. Trachylepis tessellata from Tarout Island.