Current view: Text account
Site description (1994 baseline):
Site location and context
Open, stony, limestone foothills (50-100 m) in northern Socotra.
See table for key species. There are also good populations of
Anthus similis sokotrae,
Lanius excubitor uncinatus and
Onychognathus blythii.
Non-bird biodiversity: Reptiles: Pristurus socotranus, Mabuya socotranus, Coluber socotrae.
The area is well-vegetated with open sub-montane shrubland (often succulent) with emergents and low cushions. By water in this zone, particularly in wadis, there are thickets of
Acacia pennivenia,
Ficus salicifolia and
Ziziphus spina-christi. There is grazing, mainly by goats.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Traditional land management is threatened only in the immediate vicinity of Hadibo, Qalansiya and the new coastal settlements where incomers do not respect the resident communities' tribal authority. In general, where motorable tracks provide access, wood-gathering occurs more systematically than elsewhere, but follows traditional practices.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
On Socotra, traditional controls on wood utilization are still adhered to by the tribespeople throughout the island. Only dead wood may be removed and replanting is practised where appropriate. Range enclosures and controlled grazing systems are used in the Hajhir mountains. Wild fruit trees are protected.
Data-sheet compiled by Francine Stone, assisted by Dr A. Miller and Dr M. Morris.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Shidahah (Socotra) (Yemen). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/shidahah-(socotra)-iba-yemen on 23/11/2024.
