Data Zone
Country/territory: Saudi Arabia
Subnational region(s): Al Madinah; Makkah
IBA Justification: B1iv (1994)
Area: 35 hectares (0.35 km2)
| Conservation status of the Important Bird Area (IBA) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of assessment (most recent) | State (condition) | Pressure (threat) | Response (action) |
| 2013 | not assessed | high | very low |
Site description (1994 baseline)
A natural lake near Haggag in Wadi Rabigh (c.35 km inland), fringed with reeds Phragmites and fed by several permanent freshwater springs. Such natural wetland habitat is unique on the Tihamah north of Jiddah. Fish are abundant. Surrounding land is primarily used for grazing, less so for agriculture. There is some recreational use by picnicers.
Key biodiversity
Breeding species include Ixobrychus minutus (1 pair), Glareola pratincola (1 pair), Sterna albifrons (possibly 1 pair) and Alcedo atthis (possibly 1 pair). Fourteen Ciconia nigra were present in mid-winter 1991-1992. The site is situated along the autumn raptor flyway to the Bab al-Mandab; Buteo buteo is especially common, and raptors roost on the cliffs adjacent to the springs.
Non-bird biodiversity: None known to BirdLife International.
Acknowledgements
Data-sheet compiled by B. Meadows.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2025) Important Bird Area factsheet: Wadi Rabigh springs (Saudi Arabia). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/wadi-rabigh-springs-iba-saudi-arabia on 16/01/2025.