Endemics and endangered species in the biodiversity hotspot of the Shada Mountains, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Shada Mountains in Saudi Arabia, separated by Maleel Wadi into twin mountains (i.e., Shada Alalah and Shada Asfal), are rich in biodiversity. We investigated the diversity of endemics and endangered species of the mountains based on the data collected from 38 stands falling in 8 elevational zones ranging from 500 to 2215 m a.s.l. Results indicated that 495 plant species falling in 314 genera and 76 families occurred in the Shada Mountains, including 19 endemic species and 43 endangered species, and accounting for 22% of the total flora in Saudi Arabia. Canonical correlation analysis indicated that physiographic features, particularly altitude play an important role in the frequency and abundance of species. Endemics were not evenly distributed in the Shada Mountains and mostly restricted in the elevation zone of 1000-1500 or >1500 m a.s.l. When the altitude reached up to 2000 m a.s.l., the endemics decreased substantially due to the significantly low temperature. The endangered species existed three different distribution patterns: (i) most endangered species distributed in the altitudes of 1000-1800 m a.s.l.; (ii) endangered trees, lianas, and shrubs occupied the altitudes 1000-1300 m a.s.l.; and (iii) endangered subshrubs and herbs inhabited the altitudes 1500-2100 m a.s.l. The results demonstrated that the biodiversity of endangered species in the Shada Mountains is high and undisturbed by invasive species, and protective measures should be taken against human disturbances to the small-scale hotspot.

The Carabidae (Coleoptera) of Shada Al-A’Ala Nature Reserve, Southwestern Saudi Arabia, with description of a new species of Paussinae

“…The vegetation is rich, with the Leguminosae (Fabaceae) and composites (Asteraceae) having the highest contribution, followed by graminoides (Poaceae) (Al Zubaide et al 2017, Thomas et al 2017). The vegetation comprises 72.4% perennials and 27.6% annuals; represented by 17.2% trees, 51.8% shrubs, and 31.1% weeds (Al Zubaide et al 2017).…”

“…The vegetation at the foothills of Shada Al-A’Ala Mountain consists predominantly of subtropical Acacia thorn woodlands extending from the base up to 1500 m a.s.l. The vegetation above 1000 m elevation is dominated by Acaciaasak (Thomas et al 2017). Higher up, above the Acacia zone, there are shrubs of Barbary fig or cactus pear, Opuntiaficus - indica (L.) Mill.…”

“…The SANR is undoubtedly one of the most interesting protected areas in SA because of the existence of unique treasure trove of biological diversity. About 22% (495 plant species) of the total SA flora has been reported from the Shada Mountains including 19 endemic plant species and 43% endangered species (Thomas et al 2017). The SANR harbours important faunas, including griffon vultures and other endemic birds of the southwestern mountains and carnivores (e.g.…”

Quantifying of plant species diversity, composition and density at Dammam Region, Eastern province, Saudi Arabia

“…Degradation of the rangeland is evident in many parts of Saudi Arabia as a result of a long history of overgrazing (camels and sheep are the main grazing animals), overcutting, and many social, economic and cultural factors (Miller and Nyberg, 1991;Schultz and Whitney, 1986;Al-Rowaily et al, 2015). Protection against overexploitation provides a chance for regeneration of vegetation and for improvement of phytomass levels (Thomas et al, 2017). This is emphasized by many investigators (Gilbert, 2011;Pan et al, 2012;Chafjiri et al, 2016).…”

Ecology of endangered Prunus korshinskyi Hand.-Mazz. in Jabal Al-Lauz, Saudi Arabia: Plant associations, size structure, and nutritional screening

“…Prunus korshinskyi Hand.-Mazz., is one of the dominant species found at high altitudes. In arid regions, the high-altitude areas are certainly the main hotspots with much species diversity in variable habitats (Thomas et al, 2017). The biodiversity in relation to vulnerable ecosystems in arid areas has been largely affected through many factors inconsists of both climate change and human impacts (Zhang and Ma, 2008).…”