Data Zone
Country/territory: Jordan
IBA criteria met: A3 (2000)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 4,700 ha
| IBA conservation status | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of assessment (most recent) | State (condition) | Pressure (threat) | Response (action) |
| 2013 | not assessed | medium | low |
| For more information about IBA monitoring, please click here | |||
Site description (1994 baseline)
The best remaining area of mature, natural Pinus halepensis forest in the country, on limestone slopes of the highest hill range in northern Jordan, between 550 and 1,000 m. Understorey of Arbutus and evergreen Quercus. Parts of the forest remain remote from habitation, although there are some pockets of agriculture. The surrounding area has oaks and olive groves as well. There is a much-used recreational area in the centre of the site, with parking spaces, barbecue sites, restaurant and playgrounds.
Key biodiversity
See box for key species. A representative bird assemblage of Mediterranean pine woodland, a rare and diminishing habitat in Jordan. Other breeding species include Dendrocopos syriacus, Phylloscopus bonelli and Parus caeruleus (the only known breeding site in Jordan for the latter two species), and other species observed during the breeding season in suitable habitat include Circaetus gallicus, Accipiter nisus, Falco subbuteo and Nectarinia osea. Lullula arborea winters in small numbers. Large numbers of migrating raptors have been reported in spring, but no details are known.
Non-bird biodiversity: Mammals: Sciurus anomalus (relict population). Flora: rare/endemic plants include Verbascum transjordanicum, Orchis collina, Biarum eximum and Globularia arabica; in addition, Cupressus sempervirens, Tulipa agensis and Cyclamen persicum are experiencing cutting or collecting pressure.
Acknowledgements
Data-sheet compiled by Ian J. Andrews.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Dibbin Forest (Jordan). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/dibbin-forest-iba-jordan on 25/11/2024.