Jabal Qamar (8247)
Oman, Middle East
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 1994
National site name: Jabal al Qamar
Central coordinates: Latitude: 16.8000, Longitude: 53.3333
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 1100
Area of KBA (km2): 379.62765
Protected area coverage (%): 68.02
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The steep, south-facing slopes of the western sector of the Dhofar highlands, west of Salalah, ranging from sea-level up to 1,100 m elevation. High cliffs occur where the mountain meets the coast. The southern slopes receive the full impact of the moist, south-westerly winds of the summer monsoon, and are very verdant at this time. Dense deciduous woodland occurs at the base of the mountain, seasonal grasslands along the top, and a mixture in between on the slopes. The main land-use is cattle husbandry, and cultivation is very local. The rangeland is heavily used.
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. An interesting and diverse breeding community with many Afrotropical species, including Aquila verreauxii. Non-breeding Sula dactylatra roost on the coastal cliffs together with Phalacrocorax nigrogularis. Non-bird biodiversity: Mammals: Canis lupus (V), Genetta felina (rare), Panthera pardus (rare) and Capra nubiana (I). Flora: there are many rare and/or endemic species.
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: rangeland/pastureland
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 5 | |
| Marine Neritic | 5 | |
| Grassland | 40 | |
| Shrubland | 40 | |
| Forest | 5 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The area comprises three proposed Nature Conservation Areas: the Dalkut National Nature Reserve (1,600 ha), the Wadi Nhart National Nature Reserve (5,500 ha) and the Jabal Qamar National Scenic Reserve (58,000 ha).