The Hobyo grass and Shrubland

Description

The Hobyo grassland and shrubland ecoregion is part of the Somali-Masai regional center of plant endemism. The Hobyo grassland stretches along the southeast coast from Galkacyo to Warsheik, forming a narrow strip of coastal with white and orange sand dunes. It is dominated by perennial dune grasslands and shrublands, with the dunes reaching heights of 160 m. The dune field spans a width of about 10 to 15 km wide along its entire length, and it is dominated by perennial grasslands and sedges. There are occasional rocky outcrops, especially in the northern part of the region. The climate in this area is hot and dry, with minimal temperature variation throughout the year. Maximum temperatures can reach 33°C, while minimum temperatures can dip to 21°C. The average annual rainfall is around 200 mm, with the majority occurring from April to June as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) moves north and then south. Vegetation in the eco-region has adapted to the severe climate in various ways. 

Along the coast, bushy vegetation, which is sandblasted by powerful winds, forms a specialized community of low, dense thickets of Aerva javanica, Indigofera sparteola, Jatropha pelargoniifolia (glandulosa), and Tephrosia filiflora. The first colonizers of the dunes consist of wind-tolerant grasses and sedges, including the near-endemic Cyperus chordorrhizus and the endemic Aristolochia rigida. Thorny, endemic species such as Solanum arundo, which can grow up to 5–6 m tall, are important features of the shrubland.

The grassland is one of the endemic centers of Somalia that supports unique flora and fauna, Early exploration revealed that 215 species are endemic in central Somalia, with the most threatened ones including  Yeheb (Cordeauxia edulis) Vulnerable by IUCN, Dirachma somaliensis (isolated and next site is in Socotra) and it is listed as Endangered by IUCN, Gymnocarpos gracilicaulis (next place is Socotra and Oman) Endemic, and Gymnoscarpos  parvibractus (next place is Socotra and Oman) Endemic. Two endemic grassland birds present in the protected areas are endemic Obbia Lark (Spizocorys obbiensis), Ash Lark (Mirafra ashi). However, the population of the Somali Ostrich found in these areas is declining due to livestock competition. The Hobyo eco-region also supports several unique and highly endangered mammals,  such as  Dibatag (Ammodorcas  clarkei),  speke’s  Gazelle (Gazella spekei),  soemmerring’s  Gazelle (Nanger Soemmerringi),  Beisa Oryx (Oryx beisa, Rueppell 1835) Near Threatened,  and  the Silver Dikdik  (Madoqua  piacentinii) which is restricted to a tiny strip of coastal areas.

Justification de la Valeur Universelle Exceptionnelle

Criterion (ix): The Hobyo protected area provides a unique wilderness experience with a vast variety of biomes not found in any other place in the world and it is recognized as a world ecoregion by WWF. The Hobyo Protected lies within one of the endemic centers in Somalia, many plants and animals evolved from the endemic center and extend their range into the Horn of Africa such as Gerenuk (Litrocranius walleri) and Dibatag (Ammodorcas  clarkei), in addition, the protected area  has diverse natural habitats that support important populations of resident species, and it is also a very significant stop-over and wintering ground for Palearctic and trans-equatorial migrants.

Criterion (x): Hobya grass and shrubland support about 215 endemic plants and over 100 animal species, the high diversity makes the area to be international importance for conservation of arid flora and fauan. The area is part of the Somali-Masai regional centre of plant endemism. There are around 1000 vascular plant species with high endemism including many of the cushion plants shaped by sand-laden winds. Secculants are also common and several monotypic genus occur in the areas. One of the two endangered species of Dirachmaceae family is located in the protected areas and it holds also two endemic birds such as Hobbia Larka (Spizocorys obbiensis) and Ash Lark (Mirafra ashi). Mammals of conservation concern that occur, or which used to do so, include Panthera leo (VU), Acinonyx jubatus (VU), Hyaena hyaena (LR/nt), Oryx beisa (LR/cd), Ammodorcas clarkei (VU), Madoqua piacentinii (VU), Gazella soemmerringii (VU) and G. spekei (VU). The area is also important for a number of the plants endemic to the coastal strip.

Déclarations d’authenticité et/ou d’intégrité

The Hobyo Grassland Conservation Area is a semi-arid region located along the Indian Ocean. Spanning over 2000 km2, the park encompasses a low-lying plateau and is protected by the Forest and Wildlife Law enactedon January 25, 1969. However, the collapse of the Somali state in 1991 and the following civil war of two decades interrupted the conservation effort of the government and restoration of the park management and demarcation is underway.

The wildlife in the coastal strip was seriously decimated during the 1980s, 90s, and 2000s, due to an increasing trade of leather between Somalia and the Middle East. During the civil war, despite international pressures to stop the trade of endangered antelope species, the export of cheetah, lion and several antelope’s skins was very common.  The livestock population is increasing in the adjacent area of the park and it may cause degradation and exert high competition with the wildlife. The new federal states also started to develop a seaport and road infrastructures that may affect the movements of wildlife.

Comparaison avec d’autres biens similaires

The Hobyo grassland and shrubland are unique in their floristic and faunistic composition. The Hobyo protected areas is similar to the open grassland with scattered bushes and shrubland found in Tasvo national parks. The western part of the park is predominantly Acacia-Commiphora woodland, and contains important endemic plants. The park supports threatened antelopes such as the Dibatag ( Ammodorcas  clarkei),  speke’s  Gazelle  (Gazella spekei),  soemmerring’s  Gazelle ( Nanger Soemmerringi),  Beisa Oryx (Oryx beisa), and  Silver Dikdik  (Madoqua  piacentinii). The Hobyo grass and shrubland area is significant as a stop-over and wintering ground for Palaearctic and trans-equatorial migrants. This grassland ecoregion is important as ecologically important as it provides a home for endangered species and harbor diverse of biological species.