Hawtat Bani Tamim (8269)
Saudi Arabia, Middle East
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 1994
National site name: Hawtat Bani Tamim
Central coordinates: Latitude: 23.5000, Longitude: 46.5000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 900 to 1150
Area of KBA (km2): 2044.453719
Protected area coverage (%): 87.93
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A massive, isolated hill on the Tuwayq escarpment, in desert 200 km south of Riyadh.
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. The avifauna is representative of that of the Tuwayq escarpment. Other known or possible breeders include Circaetus gallicus, Bubo ascalaphus, Oenanthe leucopyga and Corvus rhipidurus. Non-bird biodiversity: Mammals: Canis lupus (V) and Capra nubiana (I), as well as reintroduced Gazella gazella (V).
Habitats
Land use: nature conservation and research (100%) | rangeland/pastureland | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Desert | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The reserve was established by NCWCD to protect Capra nubiana and is patrolled by rangers; 90,000 ha are fully protected as Special Nature Reserve and Natural Reserve. Some parts have been fenced off to prevent grazing by camels, though controlled camel grazing is permitted in other parts. Grazing by sheep and goats is prohibited, as are hunting and built development. Camping and wildlife viewing are encouraged.