Recent surveys of resident breeding birds in the St Katherine Protectorate, south Sinai, Egypt

We report records of 25 species of resident breeding birds in St Katherine Protectorate, south Sinai, Egypt in 2006, 2007 and spring 2008. We note a number of chronological and geographical discrepancies in the distributions and abundances of these species in reference to earlier surveys and records. Located in the southern Sinai mountains, St Katherine Protectorate is an important area for both breeding and migratory birds and requires ongoing protection, appropriate management, and more detailed research in ecology and community- based conservation. A number of bird species that formerly appeared to be common in the St Katherine Protectorate were detected only rarely or were not detected at all in recent surveys. Remaining bird populations are threatened by overgrazing, illegal hunting and the demands placed on water supplies by development associated with a recent increase in tourism.