Data Zone
Country/territory: Saudi Arabia
IBA criteria met: A1, B1i, B2, B3 (1994)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 219,000 ha
| IBA conservation status | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of assessment (most recent) | State (condition) | Pressure (threat) | Response (action) |
| 2013 | not assessed | low | medium |
| For more information about IBA monitoring, please click here | |||
Site description (1994 baseline)
A fairly level, sandy plain at 900-1,100 m with a few rock outcrops, 175 km north-east of Taif and south of al-Muwayh. Rainfall in 1992 was 96 mm, mainly in August, and temporary pools can form. Following fencing, the site is moderately to well vegetated, in parts with Acacia tortilis, Indigofera and Salsola as dominant shrubs/trees; dense grass (e.g. Panicum) often covers sandier areas, and some dry shallow wadis have large Maerua trees.
Key biodiversity
See box for key species. There is a diverse and, at times, abundant community of breeding larks, including Eremalauda dunni. Torgos tracheliotus breeds, and the largest non-breeding concentrations in Arabia have been recorded (see box). The reserve will probably be the first release site for the reintroduction of Struthio camelus. About 115 species have been recorded.
Non-bird biodiversity: Mammals: Felis margarita (K) and Vulpes rueppelli (K); the reserve is a key reintroduction site for Oryx leucoryx (E) and Gazella subgutturosa (rare).
Acknowledgements
Data-sheet compiled by Dr Stephen F. Newton.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Mahazat as-Sayd (Saudi Arabia). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/mahazat-as-sayd-iba-saudi-arabia on 23/11/2024.