Jabal al-Bishri (8305)
Syria, Middle East
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 1994
National site name: Jabal al-Bishri
Central coordinates: Latitude: 35.3333, Longitude: 39.5000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 600 to 851
Area of KBA (km2): 670.91107
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: An isolated mountain in the semi-desert 80 km west of Dayr al-Zawr, rising to 851 m. There are occasional cliffs. The vegetation includes trees and bushes of Pistacia, Rhamnus, Prunus and Amygdalus, and is presumably a sparse steppe-woodland.
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 breeding species include Pterocles alchata (common). Non-bird biodiversity: Mammals: Canis lupus (V). Flora: many endemics are confined to the isolated mountains in the Syrian Desert.
Habitats
Land use: hunting | rangeland/pastureland
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 5 | |
| Shrubland | 5 | |
| Desert | 45 | |
| Grassland | 45 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: As a preliminary to a program for preventing soil erosion, a decree has been issued (but so far not implemented) prohibiting the grazing and agricultural development by which the area is threatened. An afforestation programme is to be undertaken in the near future. Hunting occurs.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy production & mining | Oil & gas drilling | Ongoing | |
| Climate change & severe weather | Temperature extremes | Ongoing |