25.6°

Jurf Raydah Reserve

Home of the Asir Magpie and Secrets of Wildlife

Asir

A small natural reserve in the Sarawat Mountains of Asir, characterized by juniper forests and dense plant diversity. It is home to the globally endangered Asir Magpie and rare species of birds and mammals.

Jurf Raydah Reserve is located in the southwest of the Kingdom, in the Asir region, 20 km from Abha city. It covers an area of only 9 km² with a perimeter of about 17 km, making it one of the smallest natural reserves in the Kingdom.

The reserve forms a mountainous escarpment overlooking the small agricultural village of Raydah whose population does not exceed 70 inhabitants.

It is located within the Sarawat Mountains range where the highest rainfall rate in the Kingdom is recorded, making it rich in natural habitats and biodiversity.

Its vegetation cover is dominated by juniper trees mixed with mountain forest plants, along with ferns and Matthiola flowers.

Furthermore, the ruggedness of its terrain has preserved its pristine nature, keeping it less affected by human activity compared to other sites.

The reserve is an important habitat for more than 19 species of endemic birds, most notably: The Asir Magpie (Pica asirensis), classified as globally endangered according to the IUCN Red List. • The Arabian Red-legged Francolin, the Arabian Woodpecker, and the Arabian Partridge.

It also includes species of East African origin, such as the Little Green Bee-eater, the Abyssinian Roller, and the Grey Hornbill.

The reserve also shelters some endangered mammals such as the Arabian Leopard (in small numbers), along with the Caracal, the Wildcat, the Hamadryas Baboon, the Arabian Wolf, the Fox, the Striped Hyena, the White-tailed Mongoose, and the Rock Hyrax.