Hima al-Fiqrah (8267)
Saudi Arabia, Middle East
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 1994
National site name: Hima al-Fiqrah
Central coordinates: Latitude: 24.3333, Longitude: 39.0000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1700 to 2000
Area of KBA (km2): 785.57129
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A mountain with surrounding foothills at 1,700-2,000 m in the Hijaz range, west of al-Madinah. The vegetation is open Juniperus phoenicia climax woodland with associated Mediterranean-type flora. Lichens and ferns occur on the wetter slopes. The Juniperus zone is easily accessible, unlike anywhere else in the central Hijaz. There is an ancient agricultural terrace system, now abandoned. Bee-keeping is an important local activity; secondary human activities are agriculture and recreation.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.
Additional biodiversity: See box for key species. Other breeding species include Aquila verreauxii (min. 1 pair), Buteo rufinus (min. 1-2 pairs), Hieraaetus fasciatus, Tachymarptis melba (possible), Apus pallidus, Rhodopechys githaginea and Emberiza striolata. Non-bird biodiversity: Mammals: Canis lupus (V; unconfirmed), Panthera pardus (rare) and Capra nubiana (I).
Delineation rationale: 2009-10-12 (BL Secretariat): Difficult to define boundary; stated altitude range (1700-2000) would result in a much smaller area than the stated area (1250 km2); in order to get this larger area, I have lowered the site boundaries down to base of the massif, where it meets the plain.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 85 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 5 | |
| Forest | 5 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The site is proposed as a Special Nature Reserve, Natural Reserve, Resource Use Reserve and Controlled Hunting Reserve in the NCWCD System Plan for Protected Areas, and establishment is proceeding. The mountain is a 'hima' (traditional protected area) for bee-keeping, and grazing animals have long been excluded. Possible abandonment of this system in the future is a major threat to the presently good condition of the vegetation. Agricultural intensification, involving rehabilitation of terraces and construction of new houses and roads, is currently a major problem. Water supplies are now being brought in by tanker to permit this otherwise unsustainable development.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential & commercial development | Commercial & industrial areas | Ongoing |