Shada Mountain Reserve Explained

Shada Mountain Reserve is a natural reserve in Saudi Arabia managed by the Saudi Wildlife Authority.^[1] The reserve is home to key plant and animal species including the endangered Arabian leopard.

Overview

The 68.62 km² area reserve is located in Al Baha with an altitude up to 2,222 meters above sea level. It was listed as a protected reserve in 2002.^[2]

Plant and animal species

The reserve is known for the largest variety of flora in the region.^{[3] [4]} There are approximately 500 plant species reported in this reserve. The Arabian leopard, one of the endangered species, is inhabiting this reserve. There are other species in this reserve including Arabian wolf, caracal, rock fox, striped hyaena and genet.^[5]

See also

• List of protected areas of Saudi Arabia

Notes and References

1. Web site: Jabal Shada - Saudi Wildlife Authority. www.swa.gov.sa. 2019-10-20.
2. Web site: Jabal Shada al-A‘la. Protected Planet. 2019-10-20.
3. Web site: Exploring Saudi Arabia: Pre-historic caves that make Shada Mountain unique. english.alarabiya.net. en. 2019-10-20.
4. Thomas, Jacob & El-Sheikh, Mohamed & Alatar, Abdulrehman. (2016). Endemics and endangered species in the biodiversity hotspot of the Shada Mountains, Saudi Arabia. Journal of Arid Land. 9. 10.1007/s40333-016-0025-8.
5. Web site: Wildlife in Saudi Arabia. www.hziegler.com. 2019-10-20.