Current view: Text account
Site description (1994 baseline):
Site location and context
The steep, south-facing slopes of the western sector of the Dhofar highlands, west of Salalah, ranging from sea-level up to 1,100 m elevation. High cliffs occur where the mountain meets the coast. The southern slopes receive the full impact of the moist, south-westerly winds of the summer monsoon, and are very verdant at this time. Dense deciduous woodland occurs at the base of the mountain, seasonal grasslands along the top, and a mixture in between on the slopes. The main land-use is cattle husbandry, and cultivation is very local. The rangeland is heavily used.
See box for key species. An interesting and diverse breeding community with many Afrotropical species, including
Aquila verreauxii. Non-breeding
Sula dactylatra roost on the coastal cliffs together with
Phalacrocorax nigrogularis.
Non-bird biodiversity: Mammals: Canis lupus (V), Genetta felina (rare), Panthera pardus (rare) and Capra nubiana (I). Flora: there are many rare and/or endemic species.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The area comprises three proposed Nature Conservation Areas: the Dalkut National Nature Reserve (1,600 ha), the Wadi Nhart National Nature Reserve (5,500 ha) and the Jabal Qamar National Scenic Reserve (58,000 ha).
Information compiled by M. I. Evans.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2025) Important Bird Area factsheet: Jabal Qamar (Oman). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/jabal-qamar-iba-oman on 14/01/2025.