Mount Hermon (8168)
Syria, Middle East
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2016
National site name: Jabal al-Shaykh
Central coordinates: Latitude: 33.3387, Longitude: 35.8157
Elevation (m): 1100 to 2200
Area of KBA (km2): 192.71453
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: From the area of Majdal Shams, north to the Lebanese border. Much of the area is under Israeli military control, but a road to a ski resort allows easy access to 2,000 m and the rocky summit lies at 2,814 m. Woodland from 800 m to the treeline at 1,800-1,900 m is dominated by Quercus calliprinos, Q. cerris, Colutea cilicica and Spartium juneum, above this by a scrubland of Phlomis chrysophylla, Prunus ursina, Astragalus hermoneus, Acantholimon libanoticus and Onobrychis species. There are orchards on the lower slopes.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs. KBA identified in the CEPF Ecosystem Profile of the Mediterranean Hotspot (2017). Taxonomy, nomenclature and global threat category follow the 2016 IUCN Red List.
Additional biodiversity: See box for key species. Other breeding species include Lullula arborea, Eremophila alpestris, Oenanthe oenanthe libanotica, Sylvia hortensis, Parus lugubris, Sitta neumayer and Emberiza caesia. Non-bird biodiversity: Mammals: Sciurus anomalus (rare), Apodemus hermonensis (endemic). Reptiles: Cyrtodactylus amictopholis (endemic), Elaphe hohenackeri, Vipera bornmuelleri (I; endemic). Flora: Alcea dissecta.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | military | nature conservation and research (67%) | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 30 | |
| Forest | 30 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 10 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 10 | |
| Shrubland | 20 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: All the non-military area is treated as a Nature Reserve by Israel. Ski-lifts lead to heavy recreational activity and disturbance at the highest elevations in summer, and there is considerable military traffic. Overgrazing, tree-felling and diversion of water are potential threats.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Small-holder farming | Only in the future |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Only in the future |
Additional information
References: Hoter and Ezov (1991), Zuaretz (1983).
Contributors: Data-sheet compiled by S. Blitzblau, reviewed by R. Frumkin.