Arabia's Hidden Valley: A Unique Habitat in Dhofar Captures Arabia's Past

Title

Arabia's Hidden Valley: A Unique Habitat in Dhofar Captures Arabia's Past

Publication Type

Journal Article

Year of Publication

2013

Authors

Aston, Warren P. (Primary)

Journal

WildLife Middle East

Pagination

2-4

Volume

6

Issue

4

Abstract

A secluded valley on the southern coast of Dhofar in Oman is a unique microcosm of a distant era in Arabia’s past. It is the last vestige in Oman of the subtropical deciduous forests that flourished in parts of Arabia anciently. Fed by monsoonal run-off from the Qamar mountains that have isolated it, Khor Kharfot protects an extensive range of fauna and flora. Some extant species, such as the Arabian Leopard (Panthera pardus nimr), are critically-endangered. However, other species are known of only anecdotally as no thorough survey in any field has yet been made. The opportunity to do so, and to perhaps implement protective strategies, is fast vanishing as this once pristine site is now under severe environmental stress.

Subject Keywords

Arabia
Khor Kharfot
Oman
Bountiful (Old World)
Climate
Conservation

Bibliographic Citation

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