Written by: Nicholas Davies
2026
This collection showcases some of the butterfly species recorded at Safaa Golf Club during 2026 and is by no means a complete inventory. Species identification has been supported by information contained in 'Butterflies of Saudi Arabia' by Torben Larsen, first published in 1984.
The recording of butterflies forms part of the club’s ongoing Biodiversity Conservation Programme, which began in 2015 as an initiative to highlight the role of the golf course within the local community and its contribution to supporting wildlife.
Since 2020, the course has seen a significant increase in community use, particularly on Sunday evenings, when many local residents visit the site to enjoy nature and observe wildlife. Butterflies are among the most visible and easily recognised species, attracting the interest of both experienced naturalists and casual observers.
On many Sundays, more than 250 members of the local community, together with their families and dogs, walk the course and enjoy its natural surroundings. The growing interest in wildlife highlights the value of the golf course as both a recreational space and an important habitat for biodiversity.
