Erf Mountain Natural Reserve

Al-Maqatirah is one of the districts in Lahj Governorate, located approximately 83 km northwest of Al-Hawtah city. It borders Al-Madaribah and Al-Arah District to the west, and the Tur Al-Bahah District to the south and east. To the north, it borders parts of Taiz Governorate.

Jabal Erf Forest is located in the southern part of Lahj Governorate, on the northwestern slopes of the Maqatirah mountain range, near the border with Al-Qabbaytah. It is a mountainous plateau that stretches from east to west and is bounded on the east and south by steep slopes. The elevation ranges from 800 to 1500 meters above sea level.

This forest marks a transition zone between the hot, arid coastal regions and the cool, humid mountain zones. It covers an area of approximately 400 hectares, while the total area of Al-Maqatirah District is around 476 square kilometres. The mountain is home to about 800 residents, distributed across 16 small villages.

Jabal Erf Forest is historically known for its juniper trees, which are characterized by their columnar or conical shapes and their remarkable adaptability to diverse climatic conditions. These trees can tolerate both acidic and alkaline soils. The forest boasts a unique ecological and biological diversity.

Jabal Erf is one of Yemen’s recognized terrestrial nature reserves and belongs to one of the country's four major ecological regions: the “Arabian Forest Region,” which holds international ecological significance. The forest is among the last remnants of cliffside woodland habitats and has been classified as part of the Middle Eastern ecological zone.

It is one of Yemen's most prominent forested areas and has been proposed as a natural reserve due to its exceptional ecological value, particularly its juniper woodlands. The forest supports a diversity of plant life, including rare, endemic, and near-endemic species.

The fauna of Jabal Erf is equally diverse, including species such as leopards, foxes, wolves, wildcats, hyenas, monkeys, scorpions, hedgehogs, and wild rabbits. Reptilian life includes snakes and chameleons. The area is also rich in bird species like the bulbul, fan-tailed raven, black starling, palm dove, and hoopoe, along with many other birds yet to be identified.

In addition, the reserve supports traditional agriculture and domesticated animals such as goats, sheep, cattle, and donkeys. Local residents also engage in beekeeping, adding to the forest’s economic and ecological value.

Criterion (x): Jabal Erf is one of the most prominent sites of tropical forest ecosystems in Yemen. It is characterized by a semi-humid tropical climate: hot in the summer and relatively cold in the winter, with an average annual rainfall ranging between 400 and 600 millimeters. During the months of November, December, and January, the peaks of Jabal Erf are frequently shrouded in fog, creating a striking image of the mountain summits merging with white clouds, and resulting in relatively high humidity. The forest of Jabal Erf is a vital habitat for a rich and distinctive biodiversity.

Jabal Erf Forest is well-known for its exceptional biological diversity, particularly its dense and unique plant life. It hosts numerous endemic and near-endemic plant species, such as Aloe irafensis, a newly identified endemic species named after the mountain itself. The slopes of the mountain are also home to juniper woodlands (Juniperus spp.), alongside a wide variety of perennial and annual plants.