Biodiversity Sites in Hadramout

Wadi Sweidf: 16.1658982, 49.1001293
Wadi Al-Dhahab: 16.1727404, 48.8650233
Wadi Al-Hazir: 15.9250224, 48.9080221
Wadi Jaima: 16.1378790, 48.6426534

Wadi Hadramawt is one of the largest valleys on the Arabian Peninsula, located in eastern Yemen. It lies within an arid region, extending from the Ramlat Al-Sabateen desert in the west to its outlet into the Arabian Sea in the east. It is situated between latitudes 15° and 17° North and longitudes 46° to 51° East, at elevations ranging between 600 and 700 meters above sea level.

The Hadramawt Plateau represents the most extensive sedimentary feature not only in Yemen but also in southern Arabia. The terrain is largely homogeneous and dominated by vast plains comprising two main plateaus: the northern and southern plateaus. Numerous valleys descend from these plateaus, and Wadi Hadramawt drains southward via the Al-Masilah Basin toward the Arabian Sea, while some internal drainage heads north toward the Empty Quarter desert. The valleys are generally wide with gentle gradients, particularly those in the western part of the system, which are located at higher elevations on the northern plateau and contain more abundant water resources.

Wadi Hadramawt is characterized by a unique biodiversity. The most representative zones of this ecological richness include:

• The eastern extension of Wadi Sweidf
• The northern extension of Wadi Al-Dhahab
• The southern extension of Wadi Al-Hazir
• The western extension of Wadi Jaima

These wadis are home to numerous species of wildlife such as:

• Canis lupus (gray wolf)
• Hyaena hyaena (striped hyena)
• Gazella gazella (mountain gazelle)
• Vulpes vulpes (red fox)
• Lepus capensis (Cape hare)
• Procavia capensis (rock hyrax)
• Papio (baboon)
• Capra nubiana (Nubian ibex, an endangered species)
• Caracal caracal (caracal)

Additionally, 34 species of birds have been recorded, including:

• African swallow (Hirundinidae)
• Nile Valley sunbird (Hedydipna metallica)
• Yellow-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus xanthopygos)

Two amphibian species have also been documented:

• Dhofar toad (Bufo dhufarensis)
• Arabian skittering frog (Euphlyctus ehrenbergii)

Nine reptile species, such as lizards and agamas, have been recorded, as well as three species of freshwater fish:

• Garra cf. mamshuqa
• Cyprinion acinaces
• Barbus arabicus

Invertebrates include butterflies and dragonflies. The flora of the wadis includes species such as:

• Commiphora habessinica (Myrrh tree)
• Jatropha spinosa
• Acacia species
• Salvadora persica (toothbrush tree)
• Tamarix aphylla (Athel tree)
• Various grasses and other plant species.

The site also contains unique geological formations that enhance its distinctiveness, as well as human settlements on the plateaus and within the wadis that date back to the Bronze Age.

The site’s primary justification for Outstanding Universal Value lies in the presence of endangered species—particularly the Nubian ibex—and the area’s exceptional and unique biodiversity.

Criterion (x): The site is one of the most important habitats for the endangered Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) and supports a rich and diverse ecosystem of animals, plants, reptiles, and birds, contributing to global biodiversity conservation.

The presence of endangered species such as the Nubian ibex and the area's rich biodiversity are actively monitored through continuous observation and evaluation programs led by the local branch of the Environment Protection Authority in Wadi and Desert Hadramawt. These efforts aim to ensure the sustainable use of the site and its resources.