Saudi comprises multiple reserves that form a national treasure that keeps in the wild life and nature. Shada Mountain Reserve is a primary destination of ecotourism and protects numerous types of life in the Kingdom, so let’s discover all the fascinating features of this reserve.
About Shada Mountain Reserve
In 2001, Shada Reserve was established during the reign of King Fahad ibn Abulaziz. Then, it started its responsibilities as the second smallest reserve under the supervision of the National Center For Wildlife.
It’s worthy mentioning that this reserve is the only one located in Al Baha Region, radiant in its beauty amid granitic and basaltic mountains. It also features steep ridges and valleys descending from the highlands, creating diverse habitats within the reserve.
Since it is a mountainous region, the mountain heights reach approximately 2,200 meters above sea level, while the valley drops to around 500 meters.
Also read about: The National Center for Vegetation Development.
Shada Mountain Reserve location
This reserve is located in the north west of Al Makhwah governorate, Al Baha. For accuracy, it is located approximately 20 km from the center of the governorate, in addition to extensions that reach 69 sqm.
Also it is divided into two main sectors: one for wildlife and one for the environment and trees.
Protection areas in Shada Mountain Reserve
The reserve divided into many sectors, each one has a certain task to do with wildlife reserving process, such as the following:
Protecting the Vegetation Cover and the Environment
It’s one of the noble tasks and reasons for establishing this reserve, through protecting trees and rare plants. As well as, the following:
- Preserving soil.
- Preventing erosion from rainwater, especially in the highland areas of the mountains.
Wildlife Reserving
This sector protects wildlife by monitoring endangered species and rehabilitating them, in addition to preventing poaching and addressing any encroachment on animal habitats.
Historical and Environmental Heritage
Despite all the environmental features and facilities, Shada Mountain Reserve contains archeological inscriptions and sites. For example, Masjid Ibraheem and Shoaib Al Jouf.
The reserve also preserves the traditional practices of local communities, including traditional agriculture such as Shadawi coffee cultivation.
Monitoring and Awareness
This process includes numerous tasks to do, for example:
- Foot and vehicle patrols for monitoring.
- Awareness programs for schools, universities and the local community.
- Engaging the local community in protecting the reserve and preventing environmental violations.
Activities in Jabal Shada Reserve
With such a wide range of land area and biodiversity, it provides multiple opportunities and activities that open new horizons for visitors to see the magical features of the reserve. For example:
Hiking and Triking
The reserve’s rugged terrain, steep ridges and deep valleys make it ideal for hiking and triking. Along the way, hikers can see unique rock formations, cliffs and caves.
Camping Amid Nature and Eco-Stays
Designated camping spots allow overnight stays under the stars, enjoying cool highland climate and making the best memories with family and friends.
Some local villages offer eco-lodges of farm stays, combining traditional architecture with nature immersion.
Also read about: Tourism in Wadi Al Dawasir.
Wildlife Observation
For nature lovers, this reserve is the perfect place. It hosts varied bird species, including raptors and endemic birds.
Visitors may also spot Arabian wolves, foxes and ibex from safe distances, in addition to the guided tours that help photography and wildlife observation.
Botanical Exploration
Plant enthusiasts can explore nearly 500 species of plants, including juniper, wild olive and endemic herbs. Also, some seasonal visits allow observation of flowering cycles and rare plant species.
The Biological Diversity of the Reserve
Jabal Shada al-A’la Nature Reserve contains a real diversity of biological life, including wildlife and vegetation cover. Here are the prominent types:
Plant Diversity
As we mentioned before, over 500 hundred species of plants have been registered, including trees, shrubs, annual and perennial plants, and grass. The most popular kinds are:
- Medicinal and fragrant plants, such as Barak, Shath, Athrab and others.
- Trees like Atm, Juniper, Tamarind and Aden Somal.
Animal Diversity
Jabal Shada Reserve is habitat to numerous large and endangered mammals, resident and migratory birds, and some reptiles. For Example:
- Large and endangered mammals, such as:
- Arabian wolf.
- Arabian leopard.
- Various fox species.
- Striped hyena.
- Reptiles and other species, such as:
- Rock lizard.
- Freshwater turtles.
- Some snake species.
- Resident and migratory birds, such as:
- Gyrfalcon.
- Griffon vulture.
- Lanner falcon.
- Hoopoe lark
The National Center For Wildlife
The NCW’s key tasks with the Shada Mountain Reserve is the following:
- Protecting animal and plant species.
- Preventing poaching.
- Stopping any environmental violations.
- Supporting scientific research to study:
- Plant and animal species.
- Historical inscriptions.
- Understand biodiversity.
- Engaging the local community in monitoring, protecting and awareness activities.
Finally, Shada Mountain Reserve is a real representative of Saudi Arabia’s vision to protect the environment and develop wildlife. With Bayut Blog, you can discover all the Kingdom’s future plans to enhance and improve the awareness of nature’s importance.
