Current view: Text account
Site description (1994 baseline):
Site location and context
A massive, isolated hill on the Tuwayq escarpment, in desert 200 km south of Riyadh.
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).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
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.
Data-sheet compiled by P. Symens.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Hawtat Bani Tamim (Saudi Arabia). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/hawtat-bani-tamim-iba-saudi-arabia on 23/12/2024.
