Current view: Text account
Site description (1994 baseline):
Site location and context
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.
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).
This area may be the most extensive and intact woodland savanna in Yemen. The vegetation comprises mostly
Acacia tortilis woodland with
Panicum grassland and
Zygophyllum in gravel areas. The
Acacia trees are well-developed and relatively dense (up to 11 or more trees per ha). Plant cover is densest in shallow wadis and runnels that drain from the inland hills to the coast, where the grassland is best-developed. The area is not highly populated and is used by the local inhabitants for grazing of livestock, notably goats and camels.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The sparseness of the grass is clearly due to heavy grazing, which probably has a negative impact on the
Ardeotis arabs population. Tree-cutting is a problem locally.
Ardeotis arabs used to be shot in this area and this may still occur. Fire is a potential threat to the habitat.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
No formal nature conservation measures are known to have been taken.
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.