Al-Batin Park (8209)
Kuwait, Middle East
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 1994
National site name: Al-Batin Park
Central coordinates: Latitude: 29.2500, Longitude: 46.8500
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 240 to 240
Area of KBA (km2): 661.7831
Protected area coverage (%): 89.33
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The area is part of a flat, desert plateau of hard-packed gravelly sand with numerous playas, at 240 m. Its northern side is bordered by Wadi Al-Batin, where the land falls away some 45 m and is characterized by shallow, rocky gullies. The plateau is dominated by Haloxylon and, in spring and early summer, by Stipa grass. In rocky gullies Zilla is common, and many annuals flourish including Diplotaxis species. Traditionally the area has been used for grzing, hunting and recreational camping; the main economic value of the land probably lies in its underground water reserves.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: See box for key species. Until overgrazing severely damaged the vegetation in the early 1980s, a representative breeding bird community occurred, comprising Cursorius cursor, Bubo ascalaphus, Athene noctua, Eremophila bilopha, Alaemon alaudipes, Ammomanes deserti, Ammomanes cincturus, Melanocorypha bimaculata and Galerida cristata. Proper management could see a return of these species. Non-bird biodiversity: None known to BirdLife International.
Habitats
Land use: hunting | rangeland/pastureland | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Desert | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Overgrazing in the last 12 years seriously reduced the wildlife value of the area, and movement of military vehicles during the 1990–1991 conflict with Iraq caused major damage to vegetation and desert crust. At present much scattered, unexploded ordnance is deterring grazing activity, and anecdotal reports from military pilots suggest that the area is fast becoming revegetated. A study was carried out by the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research and Kuwait Municipality to designate the area as a National Park.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Abstraction of ground water (unknown use) | Only in the past and unlikely to return |