Data Zone
Country/territory: Yemen
IBA criteria met: A1 (2013)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 25,000 hectares (250.00 km2)
| IBA conservation status | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of assessment (most recent) | State (condition) | Pressure (threat) | Response (action) |
| 2013 | not assessed | medium | very low |
| For more information about IBA monitoring, please click here | |||
Site description (1994 baseline)
Extensive area of gravel plain to the east of Bab al-Mandab, stretching from the coast to foothills, and at least from al-Hajaf to beyond Bir Ras al-Ara.
Key biodiversity
See table for key species. Breeding species in good numbers include Pterocles lichtensteinii, P. exustus, Alaemon alaudipes, and especially Lanius excubitor which occurs here probably at a higher density than anywhere else in the country. The site's good cover of vegetation and closeness to the Bab al-Mandab make it a very important stop-over point for migrants.
Non-bird biodiversity: Mammals: unidentified Gazella (rare) are reported to occur in the area. Reptiles: Pristurus ornithocephalus (endemic), P. crucifer (endemic), P. flavipunctatus (endemic), Varanus griseus (rare).
Acknowledgements
Data-sheet compiled by Chris Bradshaw and R. F. Porter.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Hiswat al-Hugayma (Yemen). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/hiswat-al-hugayma-iba-yemen on 23/12/2024.