Jabal al Akhdar (8228)
Oman, Middle East
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1c
Year of last assessment: 1994
National site name: Al Jabal al Akhdar
Central coordinates: Latitude: 23.1167, Longitude: 57.6667
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 600 to 2980
Area of KBA (km2): 2220.62592
Protected area coverage (%): 21.23
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A huge tabular mass of uplifted and greatly hardened limestone which dominates the Hajar mountains of northern Oman, ranging from 600 m up to the twin peaks of Jabal Shams at 2,980 m, the highest in eastern Arabia. The sloping strata of this anticline form pavements which end abruptly in the precipitous northern face. The southern slopes are dissected by deep gorges and there are several springs. The Acacia tortilis parkland of the lowest altitudes gives way to Euphorbia larica shrub slopes, then on broken ground above 1,350 m to Monotheca–Olea woodland, and above 2,300 m to the summit zone of large Juniperus trees and perennial tussock grasses. Many small villages and other settlements occur in the mountains where there are adequate sources of perennial water; formerly remote, they are now being increasingly linked by graded roads. The larger settlements cultivate extensive date-palm plantations, sometimes on terraces, except at Sayq, where there are other crops, e.g. rose gardens. Pastoralism is practised wherever possible.
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.
Additional biodiversity: See box for key species. Other breeding species include Circaetus gallicus (occasional), Hieraaetus fasciatus, Pterocles lichtensteinii, Columba palumbus, Anthus similis and Emberiza striolata. Non-bird biodiversity: The mountain provides an important refuge for endemic and relict species: at least 14 plant species, eight reptile and three fish species or subspecies endemic, near-endemic or apparently endemic to Oman are known. Mammals: the rare ungulate Hemitragus jayakari (V), endemic to the northern mountains of northern Oman, still occurs as do Gazella gazella (V) and Canis lupus (V), though all are threatened.
Delineation rationale: 2010-01-18 (BL Secretariat): Coordinates and international site name adjusted to match the gazetteer in: Eriksen, J. and Sargeant, D. E. (2000) Oman bird list, edition 5. Muscat: Oman Bird Records Committee (privately published).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | rangeland/pastureland | urban/industrial/transport
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Savanna | 5 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 5 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 5 | |
| Forest | 5 | |
| Shrubland | 38 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 5 | |
| Grassland | 38 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The area of interest encompasses five proposed Nature Conservation Areas: Wadi Bani Ghafir National Nature Reserve (37,000 ha), Jabal Shams National Nature Reserve (6,000 ha), Sayq Plateau National Nature Reserve (15,000 ha), Jabal Nakhl National Nature Reserve (46,000 ha) and Al Jabal al Akhdar National Scenic Reserve (83,000 ha).
Additional information
References: Gallagher (1977).