Diversity, distribution, and climate change impacts on tick fauna in Saudi Arabia: A comprehensive ecological niche modeling approach

Ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites that serve as significant vectors of pathogens affecting human and animal health globally. Despite their medical and veterinary importance in Saudi Arabia—a region experiencing rapid socio-economic transformations—comprehensive documentation of tick diversity and distribution patterns remains fragmented. This study systematically documented tick diversity and predicted current and future distributions using ecological niche modeling (ENM). We conducted a systematic literature review spanning 1979–2023, compiling 205 geospatial records across Saudi Arabia. Using nine modeling algorithms implemented in R environment, we assessed current ecological niches and projected future distributions under Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) climate change scenarios for 2050 and 2070. The analysis identified 35 tick species across six genera, with Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus dominating the fauna. Hyalomma dromedarii, H. impeltatum, and Rhipicephalus turanicus emerged as the most prevalent species, showing increasing documentation trends particularly after 1993. Ecological niche models achieved exceptional accuracy (AUC values 0.86–0.99), identifying annual precipitation (Bio12) and mean annual temperature (Bio1) as primary distribution drivers. Climate projections revealed complex regional shifts in habitat suitability rather than uniform changes, with northern and coastal regions showing mixed patterns. The dominance of species transmitting Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Rickettsia, and Coxiella burnetii poses significant public health concerns. These findings support Saudi Vision 2030's sustainable development goals by enabling evidence-based land use planning, targeted disease surveillance, and integrated tick management strategies essential for protecting human and animal health amid ongoing environmental changes.