Current view: Text account
Site description (1994 baseline):
Site location and context
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.
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).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The site is an NCWCD reserve, completely fenced in 1989, and there are no threats to it, although reintroduction of
Oryx,
Gazella and
Chlamydotis undulata have priority over general conservation of wild birds. School parties visit regularly, and increased supervised access by the public is likely in future.
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 23/12/2024.
