Wild Animal Species Sold in the Public Markets of Tabuk: Indigenous Uses and Ecological Status of Wild Animals

Indigenous people depend on wild animals as source of food protein. These animals were once gathered in their natural habitats as needed. Most of these species are used for foods, medicines and pets. However, with the increase in population, these species are being sold in the public markets as additional source of cash income. These animals are now indiscriminately hunted due to high demand. Besides, the destruction of wild animal habitats due to slash and burn farm practice aggravates the situation. This practice threatens some mammal,reptile and bird species to possible extinction in the wild. The practice of illegal fishing threatens the rare fish species in the area. Most of the wild animals sold in the public markets were photo-documented with brief descriptions for immediate identification. This will serve as guide for conservation of these indigenous wild animal species in the area.