Climatology and phytogeography of Saudi Arabia. A review

Sayed, O. H.; Masrahi, Yahya S.

doi:10.1080/15324982.2023.2169846

Cited by 6 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 364 publications

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“…It was determined that 35.7% were 16 ioregional, whereas 13 species comprised the Saharo-Sindian and Sudano-Zambezian group (SS + SZ). The relatively high contribution of these phytogeographical groups reflects the general arid climate pattern of the Arabian Peninsula [47]. The life form of identified species, denoted as chamaephytes and phanerophytes, and growth habits such as herbaceous and shrub forms, dominated all surveyed elevations; these patterns are very common in arid environments, especially in the north-west region of the Arabian Peninsula, in agreement with other studies [48,49].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

“…Raddiana, Rhazya stricta, and Vachellia tortilis. These species are unique to desert lands in the Arabian Peninsula [47,54]; it is worth explaining that environmental conditions, particularly soil characteristics, can significantly affect plant communities' colonization efficiency. CCA appears to be more pronounced; accordingly, both H. salicorncum and R. stricta in Elevation 600 (EL3) may be tolerant of soils with high CO 3 , HCO 3 , and CaCO 3 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…belonging to the Saharo-Arabian region as a general pattern of the Arabian Peninsula, which is characterized by high aridity as a part of interior climate zonation, identified species at elevation (≤100 m a.s.l.) would represent the Sudanese region's climate, with high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year [27,47]. These variations in microclimates at different elevations lead to disparities in plant diversity metrics (alpha diversity indices, indicator species, and soil characteristics).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Diversity of Indicator and Dominant Plant Species along Elevation Gradients in Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Nature Reserve, KSA

Al-Bakre

2023

Diversity

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It is essential to protect and preserve biodiversity, especially in habitats in which natural resources are scarce. The differing flora and vegetation distribution on the broad, arid landscape at the Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nature Reserve has yet to be investigated. Based on GPS coordination and the transitional zone of plant communities, 48 symmetric plots of 50 × 50 m2 were distributed evenly over six elevations. In this study, we recorded 70 species in 33 families and elucidated floristic traits correlated with elevation. High species richness was recorded for the families Fabaceae, Poaceae, Asteraceae, and Chenopodiaceae. High numbers of chamaephyte and phanerophyte species were observed. In the chorotype, the mono-regional component contained 47% of the species, the bi-regional component 35.7%, and multi-regional and worldwide species comprised 10% and 7%, respectively. This study noted the growth habits of 23 herbs, 15 shrubs, 10 trees, and a single species of grass, vine, climber, and mistletoe. Diversity indices, indicator species, dominant plant communities, and soil profiles were compared for the defined zones of elevation. Alpha and beta diversity were high at elevations of ≥1000, 800, and ≤100 ma.s.l., compared to elevations of 600 m, 400 m, and 200 m. The highest species richness and species turnover were recorded at elevations of ≥1000, 800, and ≤100 m, while species evenness was greater at elevations of 600, 400, and 200 m. Vegetation analyses and indicator species (based on relative abundance) showed species variation with elevation. Species domination was influenced by physical soil structure and soil chemistry. Microclimates, including temperature and relative humidity variations, were found to be a significant driver in the ecosystem, resulting in varying plant diversity and species distribution at different elevations. Through canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), we used an autocorrelation of elevations, plant species, and soil properties to identify three phytogeographic categories that were presumed to be a proxy of microclimate change: Category I: elevations 1000 m and 800 m, including Retama raetam, Zilla Spinosa, and Vachellia gerrardii linked with sandy soil; Category II: elevations 600 m and 400 m, including species Haloxylon salicornicum, Rhazya stricta, and Leptadenia pyrotechnica linked with enriched soils containing CaCO3 and HCO3 and having a clay texture; and Category III: elevations 200 m and 100 m, including Zygophyllum coccineum, Tamarix nilotica, and Hyphaene thebaica, which thrived in salinity and silt soils. The spatial vegetation patterns of the xeric environment and its transition zones in Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nature Reserve were also documented. It is recommended that microclimate effects on species nominated for vegetation restoration or afforestation be considered for the optimal management of this important nature reserve.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Diversity of Indicator and Dominant Plant Species along Elevation Gradients in Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Nature Reserve, KSA

Al-Bakre

2023

Diversity

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“…Temperatures range from 45 • C in mid-summer to 14 • C in mid-winter [17]. Part of the Saharo-Arabian region with sparsely vegetated areas [18], HUBR hosts at least 55 higher plant species, with dominant vegetation including Haloxylon salicornicum, Retama raetam, and Acacia woodland. In addition to species already mentioned, the HUBR hosts the regionally vulnerable Striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), regionally vulnerable Blandford's fox (Vulpis cana), regional endemic Arabian wolf (Canis lupus arabs), the regionally vulnerable Arabian gazelle (Gazella arabica), and the Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana).…”

Section: Study Areamentioning

confidence: 99%

Arabian Partridge Abundance and Limiting Factors at the Northern Boundary of Its Range

Soultan¹,

Shah²,

Almalki³

et al. 2023

Birds

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The Arabian Partridge (Alectoris melanocephala), is an endemic bird species of the Arabian Desert that lives in groups and inhabits rocky hillsides with patchy vegetation. Throughout their range, Arabian Partridges contend with hunting and habitat destruction, factors that may limit their distribution and abundance. Although the abundance of this species has been assumed to be stable, no actual estimate of its population size has been undertaken. We assessed the distribution and estimated the abundance of the Arabian Partridge at the northern boundary of its range in Saudi Arabia. The estimated density and abundance of the Arabian Partridge in Harrat Uwayrid Biosphere Reserve was 25.6 (6.16 SE) birds/km2 and ~118 individuals, respectively, with higher numbers of individuals in less disturbed sites and near rocky outcrops and hillsides. In sites where hunting occurred, as indicated by the presence of hunting shelters, partridge numbers were extremely low or absent. Our study provides the first quantitative assessment of the Arabian Partridge at the northern limit of its range and highlights the need to reduce threats from hunting, livestock grazing, and feral donkeys and to undertake conservation measures to mitigate factors associated with partridge decline.

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Systematic Overview of the Geoheritage and Geodiversity of Monogenetic Volcanic Fields of Saudi Arabia

Németh,

Moufti

2024

Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism

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Climatology and phytogeography of Saudi Arabia. A review

Cited by 6 publications

References 364 publications

Diversity of Indicator and Dominant Plant Species along Elevation Gradients in Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Nature Reserve, KSA

Diversity of Indicator and Dominant Plant Species along Elevation Gradients in Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Nature Reserve, KSA

Arabian Partridge Abundance and Limiting Factors at the Northern Boundary of Its Range

Systematic Overview of the Geoheritage and Geodiversity of Monogenetic Volcanic Fields of Saudi Arabia

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