SAUDI
ARABIAN REGIONAL ENDEMIC SPECIES
The Asir Mountains of south-west Saudi Arabia and the highlands of
southern and western Yemen are designated as an endemic bird area. They are
located in the south-west Saudi Arabia, just inland and east of the Red Sea,
and are a north-south running escarpment and high plateau and are the highest
land in the Arabian Peninsula, tilting from west to east. The mountains are
composed mainly of limestones, sandstones and shale and overlie a basement of
granitic rocks. The rugged mountainous landscape contains several peaks over
2,500 metres within Saudi Arabia. In the west, a steep escarpment drops to the
Tihamah plain on the Red Sea coast. To the east is a high plateau, with the
mountains then sloping more gently to the inner desert and sands of the
Rub’al-Khali (Empty Quarter). Throughout
the region the predominant rocks are basalts (there are relatively recent lava
fields slightly to the north), significant granite outcrops, especially south
of Abha the main provincial Asir city, and well known sandstone regions, notably
Jebal Gaha (2100 m) and at Habala. Jebal Gaha has extensive juniper forest on
its plateau summit but in 2010 this was mostly dead, or much stressed, as a
result of poor rains in recent years. Jebal Faifa (1950 m) is much better
positioned to catch rainfall, is remarkably green. This region together with the Tihamah plain is home
to the majority of southwest Arabian endemic bird species with all except the Arabian Accentor
Prunella fagani occurring in this area. The montane juniper woodlands are vital habitat for these birds, such as
the Yemen Linet (Carduelis yemenensis), Yemen Thrush (Turdus
menachensis) and Yemen Warbler (Parisoma buryi) as they are
dependent on juniper berries as a food source and juniper trees for nesting. In addition the highlands of
south-west Saudi Arabia are the only place in Arabia where the Asir endemic
race of the Eurasian Magpie occurs. Some authorities give specific status to
this taxon. This region is also a stronghold for the several species of
Afrotropical realm birds, including some that are breeding summer visitors.
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| Baha |
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| Baha |
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| Raghadan Forest Reserve - Baha |
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| Raghadan Forest Reserve - Baha |
Formerly, large areas were forested, but agricultural activities and
exploitation for timber have diminished this habitat. Patches of forest still
survive in deep valleys (wadis) and on some steep slopes, and well-developed
juniper Juniperus forest remains intact above c.1,900m. The most
widespread vegetation today is deciduous woodland, often characterized by Acacia,
with many endemic plants. Within the Asir mountains lies the Raydah escarpment
which is located at 42o 24.00' East 18o 11.80'
North, and is possibly the most important compact site in Saudi Arabia for
south-west Arabian endemic, and other, woodland species. The Raydah reserve area is a
largely undeveloped section of the western escarpment of Jebal Souda that has
been protected to some degree since the 1980s. It encompasses strata of
highland and foothill habitat from 2800 m to Wadi Jaw at 1350 m, including a
succession of vegetation from juniper dominated upper regions, with olive Oleo
europaea, through to the Afrotropical foothills at Wadi Jaw with Ficus
trees and where coffee growing occurs. Ten Arabian endemic bird species
have been recorded in this reserve, as well as the Asir subspecies of the
Eurasian Magpie and there are numerous Afrotropical species in the lower
altitudes. It
encompasses 1200 hectares of land and lays about 15 kilometres west of Abha,
and has very steep west-facing slopes with crags, with thin soil, falling from
2,700 to 1,600 m in less than 3 kilometres. There are permanent streams and the
climate is generally cool and wet frequently covered by cloud. The escarpment
supports a more-or-less intact forest, predominantly Juniperus excelsa,
with Olea europea on the upper and north-facing slopes. More deciduous
trees (Nuxia, Ficus, Acacia) occur lower down and in
valleys and gullies with the bottom third as well as south-facing slopes often
dominated by Buddleja, tree aloes Aloe sabaea and other
succulents. Bee-keeping is a common human activity and there is moderate to
heavy use of the area for recreation. Endemic birds of the Raydah escarpement
are mentioned below:
· Philby’s Partridge (Alectoris philbyi): 6-50 breeding pairs
· Arabian Partridge (Alectoris melanocephala): 51-500 breeding pairs
· Arabian Scops Owl (Otus pamelae): 51-500 breeding pairs
· Arabian Woodpecker (Dendrocopos dorae): 1-5 breeding pairs
· Yemen Warbler (Sylvia buryi): 51-500 breeding pairs
· Yemen Thrush (Turdus menachensis): 51-500 breeding pairs
· Arabian Wheatear (Oenanthe lugentoides): 6-50 breeding pairs
· Arabian Waxbill (Estrilda rubibarba): 6-50 breeding pairs
· Arabian Golden-winged Grosbeak (Rhynchostruthus percivali): 1-5 breeding pairs
· Arabian Serin (Serinus rothschildi): 51-500 breeding pairs
· Yemen Serin (Serinus menachensis): 6-50 breeding pairs
· Yemen Linnet (Carduelis yemenensis): 500 breeding pairs
The climate of the region varies
considerably depending on altitude, aspect and season. The highlands receive
variable rainfall caused by the south-western monsoon, which brings damp
oceanic winds. These winds are uplifted by the mountains and trigger
thunderstorms, particularly during the summer, with most rain falling in
April/May and July/August. Annual average rainfall in the escarpment areas is
600-800 millimetres rising to over 1,000 millimetres in the wettest areas with
the high plateau receiving 300-500 millimetres. Temperatures in the highlands
are highest in the summer, reaching 20-250C, and lowest in winter
with a mean temperature of 100C, although frosts can occur above
2,000 m and snow occasionally falls on the highest peaks.
The region has a wide diversity of bird life, vegetation and
topography. Altitudes reach just over 3,000 m and the juniper Juniperus
procera forests in the highlands are probably the most extensive anywhere
in Arabia. Also in the highlands there are thickly wooded acacia valleys of
various species but Acacia tortilis and A. mellifera where the
most common noted during the present survey. Terraced agriculture growing
cereals, notably wheat and maize is in decline and many fields, especially in
the Jebal Souda area have been abandoned. However this was not the case
everywhere in the highlands, to the north and south of Jebal Souda agriculture
was more in evidence, possibly because there may have been more reliable
rainfall in these areas in recent years. There is limited animal husbandry,
small flocks of goats and sheep occur in the highlands and cows often wander
untended in the undisturbed areas. Bee-keeping and honey production is an
important occupation in the region. In the foothills below 1,500 m vegetation
becomes much more Afrotropical with numerous Ficus trees and genera such
as Commiphora, Aloe, Ceropegia and Caralluma being
well represented. These lusher habitats of the foothills soon give way on the
tihama to arid sandy deserts interspersed with very fertile irrigated fields
where water runoff from the highlands can be controlled or where water is close
to the surface. These tilled areas usually have high bunds around them and grow
a variety of crops, including sugarcane, millet and
maize.
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| Mount Soudah Park |
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| Raydah Escarpment Reserve - top section |
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| Raydah Escarpment Reserve - middle section |
Endemic birds of Arabia
Of the ten Arabian endemic species that occur in Saudi
Arabia nine were recorded on Jebal Souda and the Raydah escarpment during a
survey 4 – 23 July 2010. The tenth, Arabian Waxbill Estrilda rufibarba (which
was recorded once in 1987 on Jebal Souda) was only found in the Tihama region.
All ten species have also been seen in the Baha area of the Asir Mountains 225
kilometres north of Abha in the Golden Tulip valley and the Raghadan Forest
area.
Philby’s
Partridge (Alectoris philbyi): A rare resident of the south-west highlands, has been seen
on dry scrub covered hillside by some terraces on the Jebal Souda plateau at
2680 m and in similar habitat on the Azeezah Road as well as near Balahmah.
They prefer juniper dominated habitats where rocky knolls & clearings
occur. It occurs from 1500 – 3000 metre elevations & in 1987 it was
regarded as an uncommon resident in terraced fields of Jebal Souda. There has
been a decline since then that may have been caused by encroachment of
buildings and other development to its favoured habitat of terraced fields. The Philby’s Partridge is related to the Chukar
& Red-legged Partridge and is native to south-western Saudi Arabia and
Yemen. It can be easily identified from other partridges by the black cheeks
and throat and a narrow white stripe from the bill to behind the eye separating
the black from the greyish-blue head. Both sexes look alike, although males may
be slightly larger in size and have a tarsal knob. Seen in the top part of the
Golden Tulip valley.
Arabian
Partridge (Alectoris melanocephala): A common resident of the
south-west highlands, especially steep wooded hillsides of the western
escarpment of Jebal Souda and the Raydah Protected Area but also Farshah where
it is normally recorded on most visits. They prefer juniper dominated habitats
where rocky knolls & clearings occur.
It has also been recorded at terraced fields on the Souda Plateau and
feeds mainly on plant material, seeds and insects. They are also common in the
Tihama region at Jebal Aswad and Jebal Gaha and can be found from 250 – 2800
metres elevation. In 1987 it was a widespread and not uncommon species and
there seems to have been little change in its status since then.
They are much larger than other Alectoris species with the sexes being
similar, although females are slightly smaller. They have a black crown
extending down the nape; a broad white band begins in front of the eye and
extends to the back of the head. The chin and upper throat are also white and
are separated from the white above the eye by a narrow black band that starts
at the bill, extends to the cheek and forms a "V" on the neck. The
sides of the neck are pastel brown and the rest of the plumage is bluish grey
with pronounced barring on the sides. Seen in the top section of the Golden
Tulip Valley where birds were seen to fly down the cliff face at the back of
the Golden Tulip hotel.
Arabian Scops Owl (Otus pamelae): Keonig (2008) split Arabian Scops Owl Otus (senegalensis) pamelae as a
distinct species from African Scops Owl O. s. senegalensis but recent work
(Pons et al 2013) has shown African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis pamelae,
represents a very distinct lineage and is well differentiated phylogenetically,
morphologically and vocally from O. s. senegalensis. As a result it has been
recommend to elevate it to species status, as Arabian Scops Owl Otus pamelae.
The reasons for this are this southern Arabian taxon is highly divergent from
African senegalensis (uncorrected-p mitochondrial genetic distance = 4%). The
song of pamelae is very different from that of Eurasian Scops Owl O. scops and
Pallid Scops Owl O. brucei but more similar to that of African Scops Owl O.
senegalensis. It nevertheless differs from the latter’s song in being higher
pitched, sounding ‘scratchier’ and having more prolonged notes; the song sounds
two-parted, due to the much quieter first note (G.M. Kirwan & R. F. Porter
pers. obs., Keonig et al. 2008). In terms of biometrics, results clearly
suggest that pamelae is longer winged and longer legged than mainland African
populations of senegalensis. In comparison with populations of O. senegalensis
in continental Africa, Arabian pamelae is distinguished in being paler overall,
with less distinct streaking over the underparts and a less obvious whitish
line on the scapulars (Keonig et al. 2008). Arabian Scops Owls possess several
diagnostic genetic and phenotypic characters and it is therefore consider the
most appropriate taxonomic treatment is to recognize Arabian Scops Owl as a
species Otus pamelae, and not as a subspecies of O. senegalensis as it was
originally described based solely on morphological data. This change means that
Arabian Scops Owl becomes a new Arabian endemic, found in South-west Saudi
Arabia, South-west Yemen and north-east to southern Oman and African Scops Owl
Otus senegalensis is now no longer found in Arabia but instead occurs in parts
of Ethiopia, Eritrea & Somalia.
Arabian Woodpecker (Dendrocopos dorae): An uncommon but widespread resident of the south-west highlands, Jebal Souda plateau on the dry east side as well as at Raydah Farm on the Raydah escarpment and Wadi Jaw at 1350 m. Also occurs at Yazeed south of Abha. Birds are usually associated with acacia trees but can be found in a variety of wooded habitats. The species also occurs in the Tihama at Jebal Gaha and Raith. The Arabian Woodpecker is a rather small, olive-brown woodpecker with white bars across its wings and red patch on the rear of the head of a male. Both sexes show a pale red patch down the centre of the belly. It has a distinct call which accelerates and, then descends “kek-kek-kek-kek-kek-kek”. It is the only woodpecker breeding in Arabia, has a typical woodpecker undulating flight, and only drums weekly and infrequently. They occur locally in the Red Sea foothills and western uplands of south-west Arabia, from the Yeman boarder to 26°N in Saudi Arabia. It is generally uncommon to rare where it occurs with approximately 0.1-1.0 mature individuals per km2. The total population is therefore inferred to be fewer than 10,000 mature individuals and it is classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List 2006 as it has a small population of less than 10,000 mature birds, which is likely to be declining as a result of excessive cutting and lopping of trees for charcoal, firewood and fodder. Birds occur in a wide variety of fragmented woodland-types, from sea level up to 3,000 metres on mountain slopes, including: groves of fig Ficus, date-palm Phoenix or pandan Pandanus at lower altitudes; subtropical, evergreen riparian forest; traditional shade-coffee plantations and well-developed succulent shrubland at middle-altitudes; woods, groves and parklands of Acacia, Juniperus, Olea and Dracaena at higher altitudes (often on slopes terraced for agriculture); and old-established orchards in the highlands. Breeding records (February-May) are restricted to the highlands (1,450-2,400 m) with the nest-site being a small hole excavated in the trunk or major branch of a large tree. Seen in dead trees in the Golden Tulip valley where there drumming was an obvious sound.
Arabian Woodpecker (Dendrocopos dorae): An uncommon but widespread resident of the south-west highlands, Jebal Souda plateau on the dry east side as well as at Raydah Farm on the Raydah escarpment and Wadi Jaw at 1350 m. Also occurs at Yazeed south of Abha. Birds are usually associated with acacia trees but can be found in a variety of wooded habitats. The species also occurs in the Tihama at Jebal Gaha and Raith. The Arabian Woodpecker is a rather small, olive-brown woodpecker with white bars across its wings and red patch on the rear of the head of a male. Both sexes show a pale red patch down the centre of the belly. It has a distinct call which accelerates and, then descends “kek-kek-kek-kek-kek-kek”. It is the only woodpecker breeding in Arabia, has a typical woodpecker undulating flight, and only drums weekly and infrequently. They occur locally in the Red Sea foothills and western uplands of south-west Arabia, from the Yeman boarder to 26°N in Saudi Arabia. It is generally uncommon to rare where it occurs with approximately 0.1-1.0 mature individuals per km2. The total population is therefore inferred to be fewer than 10,000 mature individuals and it is classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List 2006 as it has a small population of less than 10,000 mature birds, which is likely to be declining as a result of excessive cutting and lopping of trees for charcoal, firewood and fodder. Birds occur in a wide variety of fragmented woodland-types, from sea level up to 3,000 metres on mountain slopes, including: groves of fig Ficus, date-palm Phoenix or pandan Pandanus at lower altitudes; subtropical, evergreen riparian forest; traditional shade-coffee plantations and well-developed succulent shrubland at middle-altitudes; woods, groves and parklands of Acacia, Juniperus, Olea and Dracaena at higher altitudes (often on slopes terraced for agriculture); and old-established orchards in the highlands. Breeding records (February-May) are restricted to the highlands (1,450-2,400 m) with the nest-site being a small hole excavated in the trunk or major branch of a large tree. Seen in dead trees in the Golden Tulip valley where there drumming was an obvious sound.
Yemen Warbler (Sylvia
buryi): A
common resident of the south-west highlands in bushy areas especially on the
Raydah escarpment, and slightly less frequently in similar habitats on the
Jebal Souda plateau. The species is local in its occurrence. In 1987 it was
recorded more frequently than in 2010, especially on the plateau area. It is native to south-west Saudi Arabia and west
Yemen and is a rather plain-looking warbler with a large head, short wings and
a long tail. Both sexes are sooty-grey to dark brown above, with a darker head,
especially around the eye and a distinctively white iris, contrasting with the
dark orbital ring. The dark upperparts are clearly demarcated from the pale
underparts, which are white on the throat and buffish on the belly, with a dull
apricot patch between the legs. It is classified as vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN
Red List 2006 and has a population of less than 10,000 mature birds. They have
a slow song that is quite loud as well as a thrush like warble and are very
active, almost always in pairs where they search for insects in the centre of
thick acacias, frequently hanging upside down. Their flight is weak and low,
with an upwards swoop when landing on a branch. In Saudi Arabia, this species
is found mostly within well-developed Juniperus woodland between 1500
& 2900 metres above sea level. They nest in bushes or trees, normally at a
low height and breed from March to July. Their diet consists primarily of
insects, but fruits will also be taken when available.
Yemen Thrush (Turdus menachensis): A common & widespread
resident of the of the south-west highlands, favouring areas of thick bush
mainly at Jebal Souda and Al Jarrah. In 1987 it was also common and widespread
in the highlands and no apparent change in population seems to have occurred
over this period. Also occurs in the Tihama around jebals such as Jebal Aswad
and Jebal Gaha. It is a medium-sized (23 cms), plain brown bird with the male
being olive-brown above, paler and greyer below, with dark narrow streaks
radiating across the buff-grey chin and throat onto the breast. The stout bill
is orange-yellow, the legs are flesh-coloured to yellow and, in flight, the
orange underwing-coverts can be seen. The female is very similar but paler
overall, being buff below, often with dark shaft streaks on the belly and
flanks, and with a duller-coloured bill. It has a fluty song, mostly heard at
dawn, containing a series of high-pitched phrases and an explosive call
‘chuck-chuck’, from which it is most easily located. It is classified as
Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List 2006 as its population is likely to be small,
2500 to 9999 birds and declining owing to excessive exploitation and clearance
of its montane woodland habitat although in Saudi Arabia its woodland habitat
is protected in at least two protected areas: Raydah Reserve and Asir National
Park. It is native to the mountains of south-western Saudi Arabia and western
Yemen and has a very local distribution. It can be very skulking in nature,
remaining motionless for long periods of time. The species is confined to
mountainous areas with a dense cover of native trees and shrubs including
woodlands, thickets, copses, orchards and large gardens, although adjacent open
areas are also frequented. This species occurs from 1,200 to 3,100 m above sea
level, mainly above 1,700 m, and at its lowest elevations it is restricted to
thick vegetation along watercourses. This small forest bird forages on the
ground among dead and rotting vegetation, feeding on terrestrial invertebrates
such as snails, and on fruits such as those of Rosa, Juniperus, Olea
and Ficus species. The Yemen thrush breeds from March to August, with
the nest positioned one to four metres above ground in a bush or tree-fork,
usually in dense cover. The nest consists of a firm cup made of dry grass,
small twigs, moss and thin bark strips, with a mud interior lined with fine
grass and rootlets, into which one to three eggs (usually two) are laid. Birds
are relatively common in the Baha area in the middle section of the Goldebn
Tulip valley and the Raghadan Forest area.
Arabian Wheatear (Oenanthe
lugentoides): A
rather scarce resident of the south-west highlands, but is also found in Oman,
Palestine and Yemen, mainly in rocky, bushy sites but widespread on the Jebal
Souda plateau, Wadi Tale’a, Pipeline Road, near Farshah, Gara’a and Tanumah. It
was not recorded on the Raydah escarpment in 2010. In 1987 it was recorded more frequently so
the species may have declined slightly, with disturbance not thought likely to
be the reason as it is often associated with gardens and regularly breeds near
human sites. Also occurs in the Tihama mainly around jebals such as Jebal Aswad
and Jebal Gaha. They nest in holes in terrace walls and feed largely on
insects. They are common in the upper reaches of the Raghadan Forest and the
upper parts of the Golden Tulip valley.
Arabian Waxbill (Estrilda
rubibarba): A
rather scarce resident of the Tihama region where they have beens seen on Jebal
Faifa summit and at Jebal Gaha. The Arabian Waxbill is endemic to Saudi Arabia and Yemen and occurs in
the mesic uplands of the Tihamah foothills, occasionally straying onto the
lowland Tihamah proper. The species is described as rare in southern Saudi
Arabia and the population is suspected to be in decline due to habitat loss as
a result of the increasing use of modern agricultural techniques. They are
highly social, and occur from 250-2,500 m in fertile cultivated Wadis, plains,
rocky hillsides and terraced slopes, usually with a dense cover of trees and
bushes. The species roosts communally in this dense vegetation, and recently
fledged juveniles have been recorded in May. It has become closely associated
with regularly irrigated agricultural areas with flowing water. Birds have also been seen in
the Raghadan Forest area of Baha.
Arabian Golden-winged Grosbeak (Rhynchostruthus percivali): Previously considered conspecific with R louisae amd R socotranus but morphological and plumage differences are thought sufficient to warrent specific status. Occurs in southwest Saudi Arabia, west & east Yemen and southwest Oman. Scarce breeding resident occuring where Euphorbias are common.
Arabian Serin (Serinus rothschildi): A rather scarce resident of the south-west highlands occurring in scrub land and acacia sites, recorded twice on Raydah escarpment at Raydah Farm and once on the plateau along the Azeezah Road. In 1987 it was recorded more frequently than in 2010, suggesting a possible decline in numbers. Also occurs in the Tihama around Jebal Gaha where a few were seen. Birds have also been seen in the Raghadan Forest area of Baha.
Arabian Serin (Serinus rothschildi): A rather scarce resident of the south-west highlands occurring in scrub land and acacia sites, recorded twice on Raydah escarpment at Raydah Farm and once on the plateau along the Azeezah Road. In 1987 it was recorded more frequently than in 2010, suggesting a possible decline in numbers. Also occurs in the Tihama around Jebal Gaha where a few were seen. Birds have also been seen in the Raghadan Forest area of Baha.
Yemen Serin (Serinus
menachensis): A
scarce species of the south-west highlands only recorded once at the Raydah
farm in 2010. In 1987 it was seen on three occasions. Also occurs in the Tihama
around Jebal Gaha. Birds have also been seen in the Raghadan Forest area of
Baha.
Yemen Linnet (Carduelis
yemenensis): A
common resident of the south-west highlands, frequenting weedy terraced fields
which had been harvested, where it was often seen in flocks of up to 200 birds.
It was also recorded on the Raydah escarpment along the Raydah Pipeline Road,
Al Jarrah and Al Azah. In 1987 it was also common and widespread so there
appears to have been no change in its status during this period. Habitat
preference is for subtropical to tropical dry shrubland. Flocks have been seen
in the Baha area in the Golden Tulip valley where they frequent cultivated
areas and allotments.
Endemic Sub-species
Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica asirensis): A rare sub-species, although sometimes treated as a full species, that is endemic to the south-west Saudi Arabia highlands. It is probably in significant decline and was not seen at the summit of Jebal Souda in 2010, unlike 1987, but was recorded a few kilometres north of Balamah near the village of Al Azah at 2606 metres, at Sharma village in the Wadi Tale’a of the Souda plateau and at the reserve entrance to the Raydah Protected Area, on a radio antennae at 2795 metres. It has also been recorded in the Tihama region at Jebal Aswad and Jebal Gaha. At Jebal Gaha they occur near the lip of the sandstone plateau at 1850-1950 metres. The world population estimate of 135 pairs may be an overestimation.
Arabian Green Bee-eater (Merops cyanophrys): This subspecies is sometimes treated as a full species (e.g. Handbook of birds of the World). It is usually treated as conspecific with M. viridissimus and M. orientalis, but differs from both by its very short stub-ended central tail feathers; bright blue forehead, supercilious and throat and bluer lower belly; broader, smudgier black breast-bar; marginally larger size and clearly longer tail (minus the tail extensions) than the other taxa. Proposed race najdanus (from central plateau) now included within muscatensis. Two subspecies currently recognised. M. c. cyanophrys from southern Israel, western Jordon and west and south Arabian coasts and M. c. muscatensis from central Arabian plateau and eastern Arabia (eastern Yemen to Oman and United Arab Emirates).
