Jabal al-Lawz (8256)
Saudi Arabia, Middle East
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 1994
National site name: Jabal al-Lawz
Central coordinates: Latitude: 28.7067, Longitude: 35.2850
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 700 to 2549
Area of KBA (km2): 482.57464
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A group of granitic mountains with at least 20 peaks over 2,000 m, rising from 700 m to a maximum of 2,549 m (Jabal Fayhan, the tallest mountain in northern Arabia and high enough to have snow in winter). There is some permanent running water and the rocky high mountain habitats are densely vegetated in places, with clear zoning. Retama raetam scrub dominates the wadis; trees include Pistacia, Ficus, Salix and (on the summit) some stunted Juniperus. Acacia trees/bushes are only found below 1,200 m. The area is remote and very sparsely populated.
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. Other residents include Aquila verreauxii (min. one pair), Alectoris chukar (numerous; the only site in Saudi Arabia), Cercomela melanura, Nectarinia osea, Lanius excubitor, Corvus rhipidurus and Rhodopechys githaginea. Non-bird biodiversity: Mammals: Canis lupus (V), Capra nubiana (I) and possibly Gazella gazella (V). Flora: the site is of high botanical interest; species include wild date palm Phoenix dactylifera, wild almond Prunus dulcis (only site in Arabia), wild tulip Tulipa biflora (one of two sites in Arabia).
Delineation rationale: 2009-10-12 (BL Secretariat): The massif is fairly distinct, and minimum altitude helped in defining boundary; coordinates slightly shifted to centre of polygon.
Habitats
Land use: rangeland/pastureland
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 5 | |
| Grassland | 48 | |
| Shrubland | 48 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The site is threatened by grazing, tree-cutting, road construction and military development. It is proposed as a Natural Reserve, Biological Reserve and Resource Use Reserve in the NCWCD System Plan for Protected Areas. The area is relatively little-known biologically and further surveys would be advantageous.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: Jennings (1989).