IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Bates, P.J.J. | |
| Mountain refugia in southern Arabia: their zoogeographical significance and special importance for conservation | |
| 1991 Book Chapter | |
In southern Arabia, mammals adapted to mesic conditions are now confined to the mountains on the periphery of the peninsula. This is a result of the increasing aridity experienced in the region since end of the Miocene and the consequent formation of desert habitat types in the lowlands. In the Asir/Yemen mountains and in Dhofar the mammal faunas have strong Ethiopian affinities, whilst in North Oman, Irano-Oriental elements are more abundant. Isolation has led to the evolution of taxa endemic to the region. These species and subspecies have limited geographical ranges and consequently a small population sizes, making them vulnerable to extinction. The mountain regions with their favourable climates and more fertile soils area being increasingly utilised by man for agricultural purposes. There is therefore a need for judicious development policies and, where possible, the establishment of more nature reserves. |
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