Shallal ad-Dahna (8279)
Saudi Arabia, Middle East
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Shallal ad-Dahna
Central coordinates: Latitude: 18.9080, Longitude: 42.2270
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 2100 to 2700
Area of KBA (km2): 68.32383
Protected area coverage (%): 100.00
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Shallal ad-Dahna lies 90 km north of Abha on the road to Taif and comprises broken granite hill country at 2,400-2,700 m covered with Juniperus and Acacia scrub. The site contains one of the very few permanent waterfalls of the country, and a pool.
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) KBA identified in the process of compiling the CEPF Ecosystem Profile of the East Afromontane Hotspot. Species taxonomy and threat category was based on IUCN Red List 2010-4. The site holds a significant population of the following plant species which, although not yet Red-List-assessed at the global level, are endemic to the Hotspot and may be categorised as globally threatened once assessed (thus meeting the KBA Vulnerability criterion), based on existing regional or national Red List assessments: Cichorium bottae.
Additional biodiversity: See box for key species. The main interest is the presence of the isolated and distinctive endemic race Pica pica asirensis (3 pairs). Other breeding species include Phylloscopus umbrovirens, Ploceus galbula and Corvus rhipidurus. Further surveys would be advantageous. Non-bird biodiversity: The fauna is unusually rich in Palearctic relict species; vertebrate species include the shrew Crocidura russula, the snake Eirenis coronella fennelli, the toad Bufo viridis, and the frogs Rana ridibunda and Hyla savignyi.
Delineation rationale: 2009-10-12 (BL Secretariat): Shallal ad-Dahna itself was accurately located (and site coords shifted slightly), but defining the surroundings is more difficult; I have delineated a block of mountains and cliffs that seem to be only sparsely populated; coordinates shifted nearer to centre of polygon. 2013-07-10 (BL Secretariat): coordinates adjusted and site extent of 5000 ha has been updated to 6800 ha (as measured in GIS from the most recent boundary polygon [created by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh], rounded to nearest 10%).
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 5 | |
| Shrubland | 95 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The site is included in the NCWCD System Plan for Protected Areas. The hills are severely grazed, and other threats are drainage, the planting of exotic trees, refuse dumping and visitor pressure. New roads and car parks (for a picnic area) are being developed near the waterfall.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |
Additional information
Contributors: Data-sheet compiled by A. Stagg and P. Symens.