Current view: Text account
Site description (1994 baseline):
Site location and context
An isolated massif on the UAE/Oman border, 20 km to the west of the main Hajar range. The barren, arid slopes are deeply incised by wadis full of scree. A road runs up the western flank to the summit (1,300 m), whilst the east flank is very steep. There are no rivers: all rain (mainly storms in early spring) runs off immediately. Vegetation is very sparse:
Ziziphus and
Acacia bushes grow on the lower flanks. Most of the mountain is inaccessible and seldom visited.
See box for key species. An important site for raptors and for some Middle Eastern speciality species. Other interesting species include
Aquila chrysaetos (one record, November),
Hieraaetus fasciatus (recorded outside breeding season) and
Falco pelegrinoides (probably breeds).
Non-bird biodiversity: Mammals: Hemitragus jayakari (V): an isolated population formerly occurred on the mountain; there were probably less than 20 in 1980. None has been seen more recently and they are generally believed to be extinct.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
No conservation measures have been taken. Several areas around the summit have been developed (for a transmitter), palaces/hotels have been built on two places on the slopes, and a major road has been constructed from base to summit with several branch roads. Further development as a tourist attraction is anticipated. The Omani half of the mountain by contrast still appears pristine. Development so far has probably had no net detrimental effect on bird populations except perhaps for
Ammoperdix heyi; other species may have benefited from the increased availability of permanent water.
Data-sheet compiled by Colin Richardson.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Jebel Hafeet (United Arab Emirates). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/jebel-hafeet-iba-united-arab-emirates on 23/11/2024.
