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

Journal Article

2016

THOMAS, Jacob . 2016

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 endemic 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, including19 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 lowered 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.

• Magazine \ Newspaper: Journal of Arid Land