Current view: Text account
Site description (1994 baseline):
Site location and context
Two major tidal inlets with mangrove
Avicennia, Khawr al Jaramah and Khawr al Hajar, part of the major headland east of Sur. The intertidal flats at Khawr al Jaramah are particularly extensive.
See box for key species. Other notable wintering species include
Ardea cinerea (89) and
Calidris alba (800). In autumn, large numbers of migrant
Ciconia ciconia (150, September) and
Larus argentatus (1,600, September) rest on the intertidal flats. Marine upwelling offshore provides rich feeding grounds (especially in June–August) for non-breeding and passage seabirds, with large numbers of
Puffinus persicus (see box),
Oceanites oceanicus (400, July) and
Phalaropus lobatus (see box). A total of 87 species has been recorded.
Non-bird biodiversity: Reptiles: the most important nesting beach in Oman for the sea-turtle Chelonia mydas (E) lies immediately adjacent to the the south (and is protected by the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Environment).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The area lies within a proposed National Scenic Reserve (8,000 ha).
Data-sheet compiled by Simon Albrecht; summary bird data supplied by Oman Bird Records Committee (per Jens Eriksen).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Ras al Hadd (Oman). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/ras-al-hadd-iba-oman on 23/12/2024.
