Jerusalem (east) (9638)
Palestinian Authority Territories, Middle East
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2016
National site name: Al-Quds
Central coordinates: Latitude: 31.7550, Longitude: 35.2276
Elevation (m): 750 to 750
Area of KBA (km2): 51.65772
Protected area coverage (%): 11.50
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: It is a place of high population density announced by UNESCO/ United nations as an inherited historical region (inherited culture). It follows the basin of the Mediterranean Sea region. Forests covered it.
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. KBA identified in the CEPF Ecosystem Profile of the Mediterranean Hotspot (2017). Taxonomy, nomenclature and global threat category follow the 2016 IUCN Red List.
Additional biodiversity: The walls of Jerusalem and the high buildings are considered as a shelter for some birds especially the Lesser Kestrel bird that is categorized by the Birdlife International (Middle East Division) as a threatened bird. The Lesser Kestrel is found in this area and it is one of the birds that are internationally threatened in walls of Jerusalem region. It is registered about 80 nestlings. These birds nestle at springtime annually in Jerusalem walls and the old buildings walls; this bird eat the mouses, insects, and reptiles. The White stork birds also pass above the east side of Jerusalem city especially the olive mount region.
Habitats
Land use: forestry | tourism/recreation | urban/industrial/transport (80%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 20 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 80 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: This region has been subjected to cut it trees, the negative affect currently: Pollution by vehicles. Disturbance for the wildlife by the irregular tourism. The unavailability of management planning and awareness.