Endemic and endangered plant in the Shada Mountains, a biodiversity hotspot in Saudi Arabia

Journal Article

2017

J., Thomas, . 2017

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.

• Volume Number: 1
• Issue Number: 9
• Magazine \ Newspaper: Journal of Arid Land
• Pages: 109-121