Data Zone
Country/territory: Saudi Arabia
IBA criteria met: A1, B2, B3 (1994)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 124,000 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)
A mountain with surrounding foothills at 1,700-2,000 m in the Hijaz range, west of al-Madinah. The vegetation is open Juniperus phoenicia climax woodland with associated Mediterranean-type flora. Lichens and ferns occur on the wetter slopes. The Juniperus zone is easily accessible, unlike anywhere else in the central Hijaz. There is an ancient agricultural terrace system, now abandoned. Bee-keeping is an important local activity; secondary human activities are agriculture and recreation.
Key biodiversity
See box for key species. Other breeding species include Aquila verreauxii (min. 1 pair), Buteo rufinus (min. 1-2 pairs), Hieraaetus fasciatus, Tachymarptis melba (possible), Apus pallidus, Rhodopechys githaginea and Emberiza striolata.
Non-bird biodiversity: Mammals: Canis lupus (V; unconfirmed), Panthera pardus (rare) and Capra nubiana (I).
Acknowledgements
Data-sheet compiled by B. Meadows.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Hima al-Fiqrah (Saudi Arabia). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/hima-al-fiqrah-iba-saudi-arabia on 23/11/2024.