Habitat and Flora of King Salman Royal Protected Area: Prof. Yassin M. Al-Sodany

Habitat and Flora of King Salman Royal Protected Area
Prof. Yassin M. Al-Sodany
1
Contents
Subject Page
Executive Summary 3
Arabic Summary 4
1. Introduction 5
1.1. Initial assessment Objectives 5
1.2. Literature Review 6
2. Site Description 8
2.1. Location 8
2.2. Climate 9
2.3. Topography 10
2.4. Geology 11
3. Materials & Methodology 13
4. Results & Discussion 17
4.1. Ecoregions and vegetation types of KSRPA 17
4.2. Floristic Composition 27
4.3. Life Forms 27
4.4. Chorotype 28
4.5. Economic Uses 29
4.6. Noteworthy species 30
4.7. Floristic Composition in relation to regions of King 34
Salman Reserve
4.7.1. Harret Alharrah Protected Area 34
4.7.2. Al-Tubyaq Protected Area 37
4.7.3. Al-Khunfah Protected Area 39
4.7.4. Hail region ad Nufud 41
5. Threats and Conflicts 52
6. Recommendations 53
7. References 56
8. Appendices 61
2
Executive Summary
King Salman Royal Reserve is located in the northern part of the Saudi Arabia
and includes two provinces; Hail and Al-Jouf Provinces, including the three
declared protected areas: Al-Khunfa, Tubyak and Harret Al-Harrah. It covers an
area of 130,700 Km2 represents 6.1% of the total area of the country . The
northern part of Saudi Arabia had a little attention of studies, especially
vegetation and flora, so the present report aims at determining the habitat types,
floristic composition and analyzing the vegetation of King Salman Royal
reserve; provides a floristic list of the vascular plants, their uses and global
phytogeographical distribution. This is very useful for planning with refer to
protection, reclamation and management of valuable species. the King Salman
Royal Protected Area characterized by eight types of habitats: sandy desert,
sandstone mountains, large extended sand dunes, mudflats, alluvial fans and
escarpments, Hammada (chert plains), Harra (black basalt boulders) and
seasonal to semi-permanent wetlands.
A total of 235 species belonging to 163 genera and 39 families were recorded in
King Salaman Royal Reserve. The highly represented families were Asteraceae,
Brassicaceae, Poaceae, Boraginaceae, Fabaceae, Caryophyllaceae and
Chenopodiaceae. Four endemic species were recorded in the protectorate
(Asphodelus sp. aff. aestivus, Ajuga Arabica, Cyperus conglemeratus and
Reichardia tingitana var. arabica) and seventeen ( 17) species of the recoded
species are threatened based on national assessments rather that IUCN
redlisting. Annual herbs constituted the largest floristic group, followed by
perennials, shrubs, grasses and trees. Chronological analysis of the species in
King Salman Royal Reserve revealed that the Saharo Arabian region have the
highest share of species, followed by Mediterranean, Irano Turanian elements
3
‫‪and Sudano-Zambezian, while twelve were cosmopolitan species. About 71.5%‬‬
‫‪of total recorded species are grazing, 50.2% are medicinal and 11.1% are edible.‬‬
‫‪Arabic Summary‬‬
‫السعودية وتشمل‬ ‫تقع محمية الملك سلمان الملكية في الجزء الشمالي من المملكة العربية‬
‫الطبيق ‪،‬‬
‫تش‪h‬تمل علي ثالث محميات معل‪h‬نة هم‪ h‬الخنفة ‪،‬‬ ‫منطقتين هما حائل والجوف ‪ ،‬كما‬
‫وحارة الحارة‪ .‬ويبلع مساحة محمية الملك سلمان الملكية حوالي ‪ 130700‬كيل‪h‬ومتر مربع بما‬
‫العربية‬
‫يمثل من ‪ 6.1٪‬إجمالي مساحة المملكةد‪ .h‬لم يحظى الجزء الشمالي من المملكة‬
‫إلى تحديد‬
‫التقرير‬ ‫بالقليل من بالدراسات الخاصة بالفلورا‪ ،‬لذا يهدف هذ‬ ‫السعودية سوى‬
‫ا‬
‫أنواع الموائل والتركيب الفلوري وكذلك تحليل الغطاء النباتي لمحمية اإلمام سعود مما يوفر قائمة بالنباتات‬
‫الوعائية ‪ ،‬واستخد‪h‬اما‪h‬تها‪ h‬والتوزيع الجغرافي العالمي لها‪ ،‬وهذا مفيد لغاية‬
‫لتخطيط لعملية الصون واستصالح وإدارة األنواع الهامة‪ .‬و تميز محمية الملك سلمان‬
‫والكثبان‬
‫الرملية ‪ ،‬والجبال الصخرية ‪،‬‬ ‫الصحراء‬ ‫من الموائل‬ ‫بثمانية أنواع‬ ‫الملكية‬
‫هي‪:‬‬
‫وسهول الحمادة‬
‫الرملية الممتدة‪ h،‬والمسطحات الطم ية ‪ ،‬والمراوح الغرينية والجرافات ‪،‬‬
‫(سهول الكيرت) ‪ ،‬والحارات (حجارة البازلت السوداء) واألراضي الرطبة شبه الدائمة‪.‬‬
‫تم تسجيل مائتين وخمس‪h‬ة وثالثون نوعا نباتيا في مواقع مختلفة في المحمية تنتمي إلى ‪39‬‬
‫إجمالي النباتات المسجلة‪،‬‬
‫جنس‪ .‬و تميز الفصيلة المركبة بأعلى نسبة من‬ ‫فصيلة و ‪163‬‬
‫تليها‪ h‬الفصيلة الخردلية‪ ،‬والنجيلية ‪ ،‬والبوراجينية‪ ،‬والبقولية‪ ،‬والقر فن لية ثم‪ h‬الرمرامية‪ .‬كما تم‬
‫تسجيل أربعة أنواع متوطنة في المحمية هي‪ :‬البروق ‪ ،‬الوبيرة‪ ،‬التندة أو العندب ‪ ،‬والخزام‬
‫المسجلة ‪ ،‬تليها األعشاب المعمرة‬
‫وان األعشاب الحولية أعلي نسبة من النباتات‬ ‫أو النكد ‪،‬‬
‫والشجيرات وا نل جيليات وا‪h‬ألشجار‪ .‬اظهرت نتائج التوزيع العالمي أللنواع في محمية اإلمام‬
‫سعود أن المنطقة الصحراوية العربية لد‪h‬يها أكبر حصة من األنواع ‪ ،‬تليها عناصر البحر‬
‫‪4‬‬
‫‪ -‬الزامبيزية ‪ ، ،‬كما‬
‫‪ ،‬والعناصر السودانية‬ ‫‪،‬و‪h‬المنطقة االيرانية التورا‪h‬نية‬ ‫األبيض المتوسط‬
‫اوضحت النتائج أن ‪ 17‬نوعا من األنواع المسجلة مهددة نب اء على التق يمات المحلية ‪ ،‬وفيما‬
‫يتعلق باالستخدامات االقتصادية ‪ ،‬فان ‪ ٪ 71.5‬من إجمالي األنواع المسجلة نباتات رعوية‪،‬‬
‫وأن ‪ ٪ 50.2‬منها نباتات طبية‪ ،‬و ‪ ٪ 11.1‬تؤكل بواسطة االنسان‪.‬‬
‫‪5‬‬
1. Introduction
One of the basic objectives of the NCWCD is to develop and maintain a

representative system of effective protected areas in the country. This plan
builds on the ancient tradition of himas, which have been in existence for
hundreds of years in Saudi Arabia and are still used for the conservation,
allocation and proper use of renewable resources. Protected areas elsewhere in
the world were often created in the past to protect spectacular or unique natural
features. With the expanded pragmatic role that nature reserves are now
expected to fulfill in support of sustainable development, the selection of
appropriate areas and the achievement of adequate coverage has become a much
more objective process. Other things being equal, it is logical in selecting areas
to ensure adequate coverage of widespread ecological types and their elements
in preference to small, less representative types. Increasing the amount of land
under a high level of protection needs to be a deliberate process of raising the
level of coverage of the country's biological diversity according to a well-
considered set of priorities (Child & Grainger, 1990).
Protected areas can only serve their purpose if they are managed correctly.
Deciding on management objectives and how to achieve them was, and still is,
no easy task. However, by using the documents and maps outlining the
justification for the need for the protection of a certain area as baseline, this is
readily transformed into a framework that then became the initial management
plan for the area. This set of preliminary management goals, in turn, gives
direction to the staff on the ground and supports their actions with the
enforcement of law (Grainger & Liwellyn, 1992).
1.1. Initial assessment Objectives

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The present study aims at determining the floristic composition and analyzing
the vegetation of King Salman Royal Protected area. It also provides a floristic
list of the vascular plants, their uses, global phytogeographical distribution in
this area. This study is very useful for planning with refer to protection,
reclamation and management of valuable species.
1.2. Literature Review
Saudi Arabia (Lat. 32_ 340N–16_ 830N, Long. 34_ 360E–560E) is a vast
arid desert with an area of about 2250,000 sq kms covering the major part of the
Arabian Peninsula. Accordingly, xerophytic vegetation makes up the prominent
features of the plant life in the kingdom (Zahran, 1982). Several reports have
been published on the Flora of the country, the most comprehensive are two
Floras; the first was written by Mighaid in 1974 and published four times, the
last in 1996 (Mighaid, 1996) and the other is the three volume Flora written by
Chaudhary (1999, 2000, 2001). Other publications on the Flora of Saudi Arabia
include the illustrated flowers of Saudi Arabia by Collenette (1999) and a
number of reports on regional on certain parts of the Kingdom.
The northern part of Saudi Arabia had a little attention of studies,

especially vegetation and flora. However, to our knowledge no studies have
dealt with the vegetation analysis in relation to the florestic composition and
habitat variation in the region. One of the few studies is that carried out by Al-
Turki and Al-Olayan (2003) who published synoptic analysis of the Flora of
Hail reveals that 338 wild plants representing 221 genera spread over 61
families in Hail region. The study by Sharawy and Alshammari (2008)
represents a contribution to the poisonous plants in the Aja Mountains, North of
Hail. Another study that of El-Ghanim et al. (2010) on Floristic composition and
vegetation analysis in Hail Region. They recorded A total of 124 species
7
representing 34 families were recorded. The family Asteraceae is represented by
the highest number of species (21 species) followed by the Poaceae (17 species)
and the Brassicaceae (10 species) whereas, 15 families including Acanthaceae,
Convolvulaceae, Moraceae, Nyctaginaceae and Primulaceae, are represented by
a single species each. The more recent study was carried out by El-Sheikh et al.
(2019) on the threatened Prunus arabica in Harret Al-Harrah Protectorate with
special emphasis of floristic diversity and plant associations. They recorded a
total of 82 species belonging to 70 genera and 23 families were recorded from
various sampled stands. The highly represented families were Compositae,
Cruciferae, Poaceae, Caryophyllaceae and Fabaceae.
On the other hand, the lack of such information is more obvious for Al-
Jouf province in northern Saudi Arabia. To the present author’s knowledge, the
flora and plant communities of Al-Jouf area have not been previously studied,
except that of Gomaa (2012) on Composition and diversity of weed
communities in Al-Jouf province. He recorded a total of 71 plant species
belonging to 22 families and 61 genera on cultivated orchards that planted by
olive, date palm, wheat crop and watermelon crop.
8
2. Site Description
2.1. Location
King Salman Royal Reserve is located in the northern part of the country
and includes two provinces; Hail and Al-Jouf Provinces, including the three
declared protected areas: Al-Khunfa, Tubyak and Harret Al-Harrah protected
areas (Fig. 1). It covers an area of 130,700 Km2 represents 6.1% of the total area
of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. King Salman Royal Reserve is bordered to the
north by Jordan, to the west by Tabouk and Al-Madinah regions, to the south by
Al-Qassim and to the east by the Northern Frontier region. It also covers the Aja
mountain chains that includes Ugdah and Jubbah areas and extends north to Al-
Khuttah and further North West to cover part of An-Nafud Al-Kabir sand dune
desert and South West to Gazzala. The study area also covers the Wadies in the
western parts of Salma mountains to the east of Hail town and also several
gardens and orchards in Hail town and Al-Khuttah farms.
Fig. 1. Map showing the protected areas of Saudi Arabia including King Salman
Royal Protectorate (Al-khunfah, Tubayk , Harret Al-Harrah abd Hail and Al-
Jouf regions including Nufud).
9
2.2. Climate
The climate of Saudi Arabia is generally hot and dry. It is affected by two
climatic types, namely: Monsoon and Mediterranean. The Monsoon climate
affects the southern part while the northern part is affected by Mediterranean
climate. The weather system in the Hail regions is general arid to extra arid. It is
influenced by two main pressures, namely Siberian high in winter and tropical
low in summer months. According to El-Ghanim et al. (2010), the records of
Hail metrological station for the period 1998–2006, it is characterized by a mean
minimum temperature of 10.8˚C in January and a mean maximum temperature
of 34.1˚C in August with an annual mean temperature of 25.6˚C. The rainfall in
the region is erratic and irregular; it is mainly winter fall, the high precipitation
occurs in November (32.0 mm/day) and the average annual rainfall is 104.4
mm/day, however in the summer months no rain has been detected. The relative
humidity is extremely low in summer as it reached 15.0% in July and relatively
high January (53.0%); the mean annual average is 31.0%. The average annual
wind velocity in the study area is 68.4 km/h and the mean number of stormy
days may reach 25 per year, storms are more frequent in the spring from the
North East direction. The rate of evaporation in the area is generally low; it
ranges between 6.6 mm in January and 8.7 mm in November.
AL-Jouf area is characterized by dry climate with hot summer and cool
winter. According to the records of Al-Jouf Airport meteorological station for
the period 2000–2010 (Gomaa, 2012), the mean monthly air temperature ranges
between 9.8˚C during January and 33.8˚C during August. The mean monthly
relative humidity varies between 16% during June and 53% during January. The
average annual wind speed is 13 km/h. The rainfall in the region is erratic and
irregular and the mean annual rainfall is 55 mm, with the rainy season stretching
from October to May.
10
On the other hand, the weather in Harret Al-Harrah reserve is generally
very hot in the summer and cold winters (El-Sheikh, 2019). Frost can occur in
the mid- winter and temperatures may drop to below freezing. The average
annual temperature is (20.1˚C). January is the coldest month with the lowest
average temperature (7.1˚C), and the hottest month is August with the highest
average temperature (33.6˚C). Precipitation is scanty and unpredictable. The
average annual precipitation is 8.1 mm, which usually falls during the winter
months; however, the inter-annual variability of rain is high, and extreme
rainfall can be more than 100 mm.
2.3. Topography
Hail region is characterized by its variation in topography and
geomorphology. According to Chapman (1978) the area belongs to the Arabian
shield and the great An-Nafud (Nafud Al-Kabir), which is connected by Dahma,
to the Rub Al-Khali to the south of Saudi Arabia. The great An-Nafud, which
represents a principal part of Hail region, is a very large depression filled up
with masses of sand and covers an area of almost 64,000 sq km. One striking
aspect of this great body of sand is the lack of oases of sand and rivers system.
The mountain chains; Jabal Aja (100 km long and 25–30 km wide) to the west
of Hail town and Jabal Salma (60 km long and 13 km wide) to the east are
granite rocks formation.
The topography of Al-Jouf is characterized by its ease in most of its parts.

It is noted that it overlaps in many places with the desert of the Empty Quarter,
so it also has a desert climate. The southern part of the Al-Jawf area is formed
from the northern stretch of Al-Nafud Desert with a variety of different dunes.
The width of the dune can reach 100 m. This provides an environment suitable
for sports: riding camels, horses, racing cars, and driving on the sand (or so-
11
called local snorkeling) or so-called desert tourism. Many of the wadis in Al-
Jouf area are beautiful parks surrounded by trees where abundant groundwater
and fertile land are natural parks frequented by the people of the region, some of
which are wonderful natural lakes surrounded by dunes of Rumaila to give them
more joy and beauty, the most important valleys and the valley of Sarhan, In the
region and Wadi Shuweihtip and the valley of the bitter. The height of the
surface ranges between 300 - 1200 m above sea level and falls below 300 m in
the northern part covering part of Wadi Sarhan, Wadi Yasser and Wadi Hasaida
The region of Al-Jouf is famous for its many mountains, which contain
drawings and archaeological inscriptions dating back to ancient times. From
these mountains, Mount Prince is an old mountain with ancient drawings of
people in a dancing scene. Next to it are ancient inscriptions mixed with Arabic
inscriptions. In addition to Jabal al-Saidi, which is located in an expansive land
with an amazing natural diversity, where there are trees and sulfuric eyes. The
valley valley is a unique circular and conical mountain with bright colors formed
from its clay nature and its height is about 30 m (National Authority for Tourism
and National Heritage 2019).
Harrat Al- Harrah lies to the east of the Arabian Shield formation, in an
area of ancient volcanic activity, a landscape dominated by numerous uplifted
extinct volcanic cones and black basaltic boulders of the middle Miocene dating
from 2 to 50 million years ago. The protected area, mainly undulating desert
steppes, volcanic rock mountain and some sabkhas, laying at about 850 m a.s.l.,
with Jabal Liss the highest point at about 1120 m. The reserve area comprises
three major sectors, Liss, Tawqah and Ma’arik (Seddon et al., 1997).
2.4. Geology
12
The Arabian shield extends to steep wadies and hills characterized by its
limestone sand. The primary source of sand is the large granite mass intrusive
igneous rock underlying the Arabian Shield. However, the sand that we see in
form of sand sheets and sand dunes appears to be of secondary or more usually
tertiary origins from Paleozoic and Mesozoic sand stones. Cultivation is the
main activity in the Hail region but the cultivated areas are only about 92,000
hectares, which represents a small fraction of the total area of Hail region.
The quadrangle includes the southeastern rim of the Sirhan-Turayf

basin, and is underlain by sedimentary rocks of Paleozoic to Cenozoic age. More
than half of the quadrangle is covered by surficial deposits. The Phanerozoic
sedimentary rocks were deposited under both marine and continental conditions.
Marine deposits, produced by transgressions and regressions of the sea, are of
outer shelf to near-shore and coastal-lagoon origin, and the continental deposits
are largely of fluvial and deltaic origin. Part of the Miocene-Pliocene rocks are
believed to have been deposited in a lacustrine environment. Tensional
structures, such as linear macro joints, grabens, block-faulting, and some folding
are characteristic of the geology of the map area, and reflect a combination of
Red Sea rifting and movement of the Hail Arch. This report introduces a new
structural concept that extends the Wadi as Sirhan graben complex
southeastward in the Al-Jouf quadrangle into the An Nafud (Great Desert). This
concept greatly increases the area of interest in the potentially oil-and-gas-
bearing rocks of the Wadi as Sirhan region to include those of the An Nafud
basin. Discovery of the largest specimen of Prototaxites sp. in the world, in the
Al Jubah area of the northeastern part of the quadrangle, has helped solve a
long-standing stratigraphic problem involving Devonian and Cretaceous rocks
of the southeastern part of the Sirhan-Turayf basin. Phosphorite, a commodity of
major economic basin, is exposed in the map area along escarpments of the
13
basin. The grade of the phosphorite is a beds are thin and lenticular (Meissner,
1989).
3. Materials & Methodology

Using a set of transects and random observations method all covering habitat
types were identified,, but concentrating on relevant habitat types. Drive and
stop when required along the transect to collect all required information. all
species observed within the project site were recorded during the site visit (5
days field work). For habitat mapping, satellite images from Google Earth and
field observations were used to determine the types of habitats within the project
site.
 One hundred and twenty nine (27 in hail and NUFUD; 37 in Al-Khunfa,
43 in Tubyak and 22 in Harret Al-harrah) stands were selected to
represent the main habitats and prevailing vegetation communities in the
King Salman Royal Reserve (Figs. 2, 3, 4,5). In each stand, the following
data were recorded:
1) list of the annual and perennial species

2) the dominant species of flora
3) a visual estimate of the total vegetation cover (%)
4) Disturbance that have occurred in each stand (e.g., grazing,
cutting, erosion, dredging, etc.)
 For flora, the recorded species (235 species of plants) in the examined
stands (129 stands) was compiled into a raw data table. Nomenclature
used within the table was based on Migahid (1978), Chaudhory (2000),
Collenette (1999) and Boulos (1999, 2000, 2002, 2005 and 2009).
 Life forms of the species were identified to annual herb, Perennial herb,
shrub, grasses and tree. .
14
 The global geographical distribution of the recorded species in the study
area was determined from Zohary (1966; 1973; 1987), Feinbrun-Dothan
(1978; 1986), and Boulos (1999; 2000; 2002; 2005; 2009). This will help
in assessing the rarity forms of these species. The global distributions (i.e.
floristic regions) are coded as follows:
1) SA: Saharo-Arabian,
2) SZ: Sudanian,
3) IT: Irano-Turanian,
4) TR: Tropical,
5) ME: Mediterranean and
6) PAN: Pantropic.
 The potential and actual economic uses of wild plants will be assessed on
three bases; field observations, information collected from local
inhabitants, and literature review. (Allred 1968, El-Kady 1980, Zohary
1966, 1987, Feinbrun-Dothan 1978, 1986, Danin 1983, Boulos 1983,
1989, Mossa et al. 1987, and Mandaville 1990, Heneidy and Bidak, 2002,
2005). The potential economic uses are coded as following:
1) M: medicinal
2) G: grazing,
3) E: edible by man,
4) F: fuel uses and
5) O: other uses (e.g. ornamental uses, sand binder, soap
manufacture and oil and dye extraction etc.).
15
Fig. 2. Map showing the selected stands in King Salman Royal Reserve.
Fig. 3. Map showing the selected stands in Al-Khunfah Reserve.
16
Fig. 4. Map showing the selected stands in Tubyak Reserve.
Fig. 5. Map showing the selected stands in Harret Al-HarrahReserve.
17
4. Results & Discussion
4.1. Ecoregions and vegetation types of King Salman Royal Protected
Area
Ecoregions or bioregions are geographical units with characteristic flora, fauna

and ecosystems. Terrestrial Ecoregions of the World is a biogeographic
regionalization of the Earth's terrestrial biodiversity. Biogeographic units are
ecoregions, which are defined as relatively large units of land or water
containing a distinct assemblage of natural communities sharing a large majority
of species, dynamics, and environmental conditions. Source: Mittermeier et al.
(2004) Hotspots Revisited. CEMEX
Ecologically the reserve is divided into 2 main ecoregions (Fig. 6); the Arabian
Desert, and Red Sea-Nubo-Sidian tropical desert and semi desert. Each of this
ecoregions consists of different landforms and unique micro ecosystems and
micro habitats, including sandy desert, sandstone mountains, large extended
sand dunes, mudflats, alluvial fans and escarpments, gravel plains, Hammada
(chert plains), Harra (black basalt boulders) and seasonal to semi-permanent
wetlands.
18
Fig. 6. Ecoregions within King Salman Royal Protected Area .
4.1.1. Arabian Desert Ecoregion
The Arabian Desert Ecoregion covers an area of 75,700 km 2 of the total area of
King Salman Royal Protected Area. This ecoregion is the largest on the Arabian
Peninsula. It is a vast desert wilderness stretching from Yemen to the Arabian
Gulf and from Oman to Jordan and Iraq. At 500,000 square kilometers, it is one
of the biggest continuous bodies of sand in the world. Gazelles, oryx, sand cats,
and spiny-tailed lizards are just some of the desert-adapted species that survive
in this extreme environment, which features everything from red dunes to
quicksand. The region is characterized by dense bush vegetation in wadis. Main
characteristic indicator plant species include Tmarix, Artemisia, and several
annual herbs.
19
Arabian Desert Ecoregion
4.1.2. Red Sea-Nubo-Sidian tropical desert and semi desert Ecoregion
The Red Sea-Nubo-Sidian tropical desert and semi desert Ecoregion covers an
area of 55,000 km2 of the total area of King Salman Royal Protected Area. This
ecoregion consists mainly of huge flat expanses of sand, gravel plains,
monotonous in character and incised periodically by gullies (wadis). In some
areas the flat relief is punctured by isolated granite and sandstone mountains.
This ecoregion is characterized by African floral elements (Acacia spp) in
adition to rocky sudanian vegetation, and also by extensive penetration of the
1
Red Sea-Nubo-Sidian tropical desert and semi desert
Vegetation types
The classification of vegetation types in this study follows the methodology of

vegetation types of Jordan by Dawud Al Eisawi 1996, (Vegetation of Jordan).
Vegetation types are based on field investigation and are described by including
their location and association or leading species of each type.
 Steppe vegetation ( steppe vegetation and penetration of Saharo Arabian

vegetation types)
 Chert Hamada vegetation
 Sandy Hammada vegetation
 Sand dune vegetation
 Weathered Sandstone and granite scrub vegetation
 Harra scrub vegetation
The vegetation types are showed in Fig. 7.
2
Fig. 7. The vegetation types of King Salman Royal Protected Area.
2
4.2. Floristic Composition
King Salaman Royal Reserve. The highly represented families were Asteraceae
or Compositae (48 species = 20.4% of the total recorded species), Brassicaceae
or Cruciferae (32 species = 13.6% of the total recorded species), Poaceae or
Graminae and Boraginaces (18 species = 7.74% of the total recorded species),
Fabaceae or Leguminosae (16 species = 6.8% of the total recorded species) and
Caryophyllaceae and Chenopodiaceae (13species = 5.5% of the total recorded
species). The dominance of members of Asteraceae, Poaceae and Brassicaceae
coincides with the findings reported by Al-Turki and Al-Olayan (2003), the only
detailed study available on the Flora of Hail region. Four endemic species were
recorded in the protectorate (Asphodelus sp. aff. aestivus, Ajuga Arabica,
Cyperus conglemeratus and Reichardia tingitana var. arabica). On the other
hand seventeen ( 17) species of the recoded species are threatened based on
national assessments rather that IUCN redlisting. They are: Chrysanthemum
coronarium, Crepis aspera, Senecio lyratus, Anchusa aegyptiaca, Anchusa
ovate, Malcolmia crenulata, Matthiola Arabica, Prunus Arabica, Sinapis alba,
Sisymbrium septulatum, Minuartia picta, Silene apetala, Sphaerocoma aucheri,
Salsola lachnantha, Ephedra aphylla, Gagea commutate, Cistanche tubulosa
var. albiflora and Ziziphus spina-christa.
4.3. Life Forms

Annual herbs constituted (126 species = 53.6%) the largest floristic group,
followed by perennials (52 secies = 22.1%), shrubs (25 species = 10.6%),
grasses (17 species = 7.2%) and 12 trees (5.1%) (Table 1; Fig. 8).
2
Fig. 8. Life forms spectra of the recorded species in King Salman Royal
Reserve.
4.4. Chorotype
Chronological analysis of the species in King Salman Royal Reserve revealed

that the Saharo Arabian region have the highest share of species (139 species)
representing 59.1% of the total species (Fig. 9), followed by Mediterranean (64
species = 287.2% species), Irano Turanian elements (59 spp = 25.1% species)
and Sudano-Zambezian (50 species = 21.3%). Twelve (12) were cosmopolitan
species.
2
Fig. 9. Chorotypes of the recorded species in King Salman Royal Reserve.
4.5. Economic Uses

Regarding to economic uses, 71.5% of total recorded species are grazing, 50.2%
are medicinal, 11.1% are edible by man, 22.6% used as fuel and 13.6% used as
other economic uses (Fig. 10). Evaluation of the effects of the environmental
factors threatening the wild life should be taken in consideration.
Fig. 10. Economic uses of the recorded species in King Salman Royal Reserve.
2
4.6. Noteworthy species
4.6.1. Terfazia spp. (Desert Truffles)
The desert truffles were traditionally grouped into the Terfeziaceae family of
fungi, within the order Tuberales. The Terfeziaceae, or desert truffles, is a
family of truffles (Berber: Tirfas, Arabic: ‫ كمأ‬Kamā') endemic to arid and semi-
arid areas of the Mediterranean Region, North Africa, and the Middle East,
where they live in ectomycorrhizal association with Helianthemum species and
other ectomycorrhizal plants. This group consists of three
genera: Terfezia, Tirmania, and Mattirolomyces. In certain habitats, such as
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, parts of the Magreb, and the Kalahari, fruit bodies of
desert truffles have been collected and appreciated as a food or delicacy from
ancient times to this day (Trappe, 1990).
4.6.1.1. Nutritive value
Less than exhaustive studies of the composition and nutritional value of desert
truffles have been carried out in those countries where they are known and
appreciated. It appears that the dry matter (about 20% by weight) consists of 20–
27% protein, some 85% of which is digestible by humans (although it was
recently concluded that the protein quality of four studied species is low); 3–
7.5% fat, including unsaturated as well as saturated fatty acids; 7–13% crude
fiber; close to 60% carbohydrates; and appreciable amounts (2–5%) of ascorbic
acid (Ackerman et al., 1975; AlDelaimy, 1977; Al-Shabibi et al., 1982; Sawaya
et al., 1985; Dabbour and Takruri, 2002; Murcia et al. 2003). High levels of
potassium and phosphate and fair amounts of iron have been reported (Saqri,
1989). Some studies of suitable methods for their preservation have been
undertaken (Murcia et al., 2003). No known toxic compound has been detected
(Ahmed-Ashour et al., 1981). On the contrary, it was shown that the Saudi
desert lore claiming that truffle extract is effective against the eye disease
2
trachoma has a scientific basis (Al-Marzooky, 1981), and evidence of a rather
broad antibiotic activity of truffle extracts has emerged (Janakat et al., 2004;
2005),
4.6.1.2. Symbionts
Terfezia spp. and Tirmania spp. form mycorrhizae mainly on roots of members
of the Cistaceae family, including different species of the genus Helianthemum
(Roth-Bejerano et al., 1990; Morte et al., 1994), but have other symbionts as
well. Both perennial (Roth-Bejerano et al., 1990) and annual (Awameh and
Alsheikh, 1978) plants of the above family may support Terfezia and Tirmania
mycorrhizae, though possibly, with some specificity as to the truffle species.
4.6.1.3. Soil and Climatic Parameters
Most of the species develop in high pH calcareous soils (Giovannetti et al.,

1994), but some are found in soils with below neutral pH values (Taylor et al.,
1995). Most occur in rather sandy soils. In several countries there are legends
connecting truffle appearance to thunderstorms early in the rainy season. The
only verified fact is that desert truffle yields in the wild are highly dependent on
rainfall and rain distribution during the rainy season, though as little as 200–250
mm per season may bring forth a good yield.
4.6.1.4. Medicinal uses
Results showed that the truffle juice was very effective against trachoma in the
third phase of the disease (Alhussaini et al 2016). There was clear reduction of
symptoms in patients with cortisone compounds in the form of drops plus truffle
juice drops. There were also complete healing of the conjunctiva and healing of
the keratitis. Partial curing was observed when cortisone plus cream of
chloramphenicol was added included healing of trachoma without any change of
fibrosis in the conjunctiva. In the treatment of trachoma with cortisone drops
2
and cream plus truffle juice, complete of healing was observed but continued
swelling in the capillaries with no fibrosis occurred. It was clearly noticed that in
all of the treatments, there was a noticeable reduction in fibrosis of the affected
site in the eye. It was also concluded that truffle juice seems to prevent fibrosis
of trachoma by a large extent. On the other hand, the use of chemical antibiotic
or cortisone-based compounds produced several side effects. Though these
chemicals reduced the toxins caused by trachoma thereby reducing the
enlargement of the cells. We can therefore clearly recommend adding truffle
juice to the traditional treatment for trachoma at all stages (Alhussaini et al
2016).
4.6.1.5. Cultivation
Cultivation of desert truffles is not trivial, and for decades was not a priority, as
desert truffles are considered inferior to the much-praised forest truffles. As
mentioned above, desert truffles are becoming more desirable of late, and some
research is now dedicated to their cultivation. However, the only report of
successful man-made desert truffle plantations to date comes from Spain, where
T. claveryi was cultivated in symbiosis with Helianthemum almeriense
(Honrubia et al., 2002; Hall et al. 2007). The recent interest in desert truffles,
especially of the genera Terfezia and Kalaharituber, as potential candidates for
cultivation (Honrubia et al., 2002) will, it is hoped, motivate more investigation
of these genera; it has already generated several (albeit limited) biochemical
studies of enzymatic activities in one species of desert truffle (Perez-Gilabert et
al., 2001a; 2001b; 2004; 2005).
2
4.6.2. Prunus arabica
Prunus arabica is one of the endangered plants in Saudi Arabia due to

excessive grazing, habitat loss and poor regeneration capability. It is growing in
arid and semi arid regions, on limestone and volcanic rocky slopes, mountains
and savannas; often along riversides, and gorges, dry gullies and wadis habitat,
at elevations between 500 and 2700 m. It grows in well-drained light (sandy),
medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic
(alkaline) soils. It can grow in Prunus arabica (Oliv.) Meikle is an endangered
shrub with a restricted distribution, which inhabits banks semi-shade (light
woodland) or no shade area. It prefers dry or moist soil (Bown, 1995).
P. arabica is an important soil controller plant (phytogenic plant), which

has a distinctive broom like habit, with early deciduous leaves during drought
season and the lack of short shoots. It is known to local inhabitants by the arabic
name ‘Luwaiza’. There is very few information about this plant in Saudi Arabia.
P. arabica is so far, recorded from the, Harrat Al-Harrah in few patches along
the banks of flood flow of three channels or small wadis only, with area about 7
m _ 50 m per channel. of flood flow channels in small sites of ancient volcanic
activity dominated by black basaltic boulders within the Harrat Al-Harrah
protectorate, Northern Saudi Arabia.. The present study concludes that the main
reasons for its threatened and endangerment are seemingly due to overgrazing,
poor rainfall, drought, shifting and destruction of its suitable habitat area (El-
Sheikh et al. 2019).
2
4.7. Floristic Composition in relation to regions of King Salman
Reserve
4.7.1. Harret Alharrah Protected Area

Harrat Al Harra protected area occure within the Arabian Desert Ecoregion and
includes two main vegetation types: harra or lava (black basalt desert) and
Hammada (Chert plains), through which the following habitat types occur:
Harra, Hammada, sandy desert, some sabkhas (seasonal wetlands), and silty
depressions (Qaa').
Dense vegetation in Harret Al-Harrah

Harret Alharaah protected area. The highly represented families were Asteraceae
(Compositae), Brassicaceae (Cruciferae), Poaceae (Graminae), Caryophyllaceae
and Fabaceae (Leguminosae). Three endemic species were recorded in the
protectorate (Asphodelus sp. aff. aestivus, Reichardia tingitana var. arabica and
Ajuga Arabica). Annual herbs constituted (103 species = 59.6%) the largest
floristic group, followed by perennials (39 secies = 22.5%), shrubs (16 species =
2
9.2%), grasses (12 species = 6.9%) and only two trees (Table 1; Fig. 11).
Chronological analysis of the species in Harret Alharrah revealed that the
Saharo Arabian region have the highest share of species (102 species)
representing 59% of the total species (Fig. 12), followed by Irano Turanian
elements (51 spp = 29.5% species) and Mediterranean (50 species = 28.9%
species) and Sudano-Zambezian (29 species = 16.8%). Twelve (12) were
cosmopolitan species.
Fig. 11. Life forms spectra of the recorded species in Harret Alharrah
Protectorate.
3
Fig. 12. Chorotypes of the recorded species in Harret Alharrah Protectorate.
Vegetation Types
The vegetation of Harret Al-Harrah protected area can be recognized and

subdivided into two main vegetation types (Fig. 7): lava or harra scrub
vegetation and Chert hammada vegetation. In between there are sandy hammada
and Mud flats vegetation.
Lava or Harra scrub vegetation:
The Harra (Basalt Desert) covers a large area in the northern part of the King
Salman Royal Protected Area. It is a natural extension of the lava desert of Syria
and Jordan. The lava rock outflow in the Saudi part of this unique landscape is
smaller and scattered across various large extension landscape at various
geomorphological altitudes ranging f flat and undulating to volcanic hills and
even mountainous volcanic features. This habitat supports some shrubs such as
Lycium shawii, a wide range of annual herbs such as Salvia desertii, Anthemis
deserti, Matricaria aurea and Asteriscus graveolens.
Hammada vegetation
3
This type of vegetation occupy about 40% of the protectorate and subdivided to
two types: Chert and sandy Hammada. The chert Hamada is the largest part and
dominated allover the protectorate. It is made of mostly clayey loam covered by
gravels, while sandy Hammada exist at the border of the protectorate and
composed of sandy soil covered by gravel or pebbles. The area of this type of
vegetation is intersected in many areas by large wadies with scrub vegetation
dominated by some trees such as Acacia ehrenbergiana, Acacia etabica, Acacia
gerrardii, Acacia tortolis and Acacia tortolis ssp. Raddiana; bushes (e.g.
Artemisia monosperma and Achillea fragrantissima, Ochradenus baccatus, Olea
europea, Prunus arabica and Artemisia seiberi; and annual herbs of Diplotaxis
harra, Matthiola longipetala, Filago desertorum, Centaurea pseudosinaica,
Helianthemum lippii, Geranium biuncinatum, Anchusa aegyptiaca, Cynomorium
coccineum and Citrullus colocyanthis.
Habitat types of Harrat Al Harra Protected Area
Harra (black basalt desert)
The Harra (Basalt Desert) covers a large area in the northern part of the King
Salman Royal Protected Area. It is a natural extension of the lava desert of Syria
and Jordan. The lava rock outflow in the Saudi part of this unique landscape is
smaller and scattered across various large extension landscape at various
geomorphological altitudes ranging from flat and undulating to volcanic hills
and even mountainous volcanic features. This region harbours the most unique
phenomenon within the King Salman Royal Protected Area with several isolated
hills and chain of volcanic eruptions within this basalt shield. The unique basalt
colour of this landscape has reflected on many inhabiting fauna across this
region as known from Jordan and Syria where some birds and reptiles have
adapted dark forms, like the Trapellus pallidus, and the dark form of the Desert
Lark (Ammomanes deserti) and the dark morph of the Mourning
Wheatear (Oenanthe lugens).
3
This habitat supports some shrubs such as Lycium shawii, a wide range of
annual herbs such as Salvia desertii, Anthemis deserti, Matricaria aurea and
Asteriscus graveolens. Also it support several breeding birds including Little
Owl (Athene noctua), Temminck’s Lark (Eremophila bilopha), Trumpeter Finch
(Carpodacus erythrinus), Desert Lark (Ammomanes deserti), Hoopoe Lark
(Alaemon alaudipes) and White-crowned Wheatear(Oenanthe leucopyga).
Hammada (Chert Plains)
Large extended desert floor either flint or limestone hamada. It is undulating

plateau with altitude ranging between 500-900 m ASL. This habitat is covered
by Hammada soil and sandy soils. The area is intersected in many areas by large
wadies with scrub vegetation dominated by some trees such as Acacia
ehrenbergiana, Acacia etabica, Acacia gerrardii, Acacia tortolis and Acacia
tortolis ssp. Raddiana; bushes (e.g. Artemisia monosperma and Achillea
fragrantissima, Ochradenus baccatus, Olea europea, Prunus arabica and
Artemisia seiberi; and annual herbs of Diplotaxis harra, Matthiola longipetala,
Filago desertorum, Centaurea pseudosinaica, Helianthemum lippii, Geranium
biuncinatum, Anchusa aegyptiaca, Cynomorium coccineum and Citrullus
colocyanthis.
Mud flats vegetation (Qaa').
The mud flat places results from water accumulation and the soil is made of very
fine particles, mainly clay and silt. After the water evaporates, the soil becomes
solid and very hard, which does not help any plant to germinate and survive. So
it is a highly compact area with a very poor vegetation except on the margins.
The most common plant species are: Chrysanthemum coronarium, Cistanche
tubulosa var. albiflora, Citrullus colocyanthis, Cleome amblyocarpa, Coronopus
3
didymus, Crepis aspera, Cutandia memphitica, Terfezia spp., Cynodon dactylon,
Diplotaxis acris, Diplotaxis harra, Echium arabicum, Emex spinosa, Ephedra
aphylla, Ermobium aegyptiacum ssp. Lineare, Ermobium lineare, Erodium
laciniatum, Erucaria hispanica and Fagonia burguieri.
Sandy Desert
Extended low relief desert floor characterized by monotonic allevation and

ecological components. Cultivation is wide spread in this part. This habitat is
covered by Hammada sandy soils ( Sandy Hammada). Plant associations include
parts of Salsola vermiculata and Anabasis articulata, Centaurea damascene and
Lactuca orientalis.
Sabkha Seasonal Wetlands
This type of habitat forms after good wet seasons and plants of such habitat are
similar to mud flat vegetation. The most common plant species are:
Chrysanthemum coronarium, Cistanche tubulosa var. albiflora, Citrullus
colocyanthis, Cleome amblyocarpa, Coronopus didymus, Crepis aspera,
Cutandia memphitica, Terfezia spp., Cynodon dactylon, Diplotaxis acris,
Diplotaxis harra, Echium arabicum, Emex spinosa, Ephedra aphylla, Ermobium
aegyptiacum ssp. Lineare, Ermobium lineare, Erodium laciniatum, Erucaria
hispanica and Fagonia burguieri.
3
4.7.2. Al-Tubyaq Protected Area
Al-Tubyaq protected area occur largely within the Saharo Arabian Ecoregion
and includes the following types of habitats: Hammada, Mud Flats Sandy Desert
and seasonal wetlands.. In addition, the rugged, rocky terrain found in this
reserve is the preferred habitat of the Nubian Ibex. Composed of ancient
sedimentary sandstone, this escarpment is one of the few remaining areas in
Saudi Arabia were these animals still exist in the wildlife in the (12105 square
kilometers) reserve includes gazelles, wolves, foxes, hares, and such birdlife as
falcons, eagles, and partridges.

Al-Tubyaq protected area. The highly represented families were Asteraceae
and Fabaceae (Leguminosae). Annual herbs constituted (56 species = 50.9%) the
largest floristic group, followed by perennials or herb (25 secies = 22.7%),
shrubs (14 species = 12.7%), grasses (8 species = 7.3%) and only 5 trees
represenging 4.6% (Table 1; Fig. 13). Only one endemic species was recorded
in the protectorate (Ajuga Arabica). Chronological analysis of the species in Al-
Tubyaq protected area revealed that the Saharo Arabian region have the highest
share of species (74 species) representing 67.3% of the total species (Fig. 14),
followed by Mediterranean (31 species = 28.2% species), Irano Turanian and
Sudano-Zambezian elements (each 25 spp = 22.7% species). Ten (10) were
cosmopolitan species.
3
Fig. 13. Life forms spectra of the recorded species in Al-Tubyaq protected
area
Fig. 14. Chortype of the recorded species in Al-Tubyaq protected area.
Vegetation types
Weathered Sandstone and granite scrub vegetation is the most dominant
vegetation type in Al-Tubyaq protectorate with steppe and sandy hammada
vegetation through which a scattered areas of sand dunes vegetation.
3
Weathered Sandstone and granite scrub vegetation
A large lunar landscape of extensive dramatic granite mountains embedded

within the semi flat undulating mixed sand dune and sandy hammada landscape.
the mountains are often separated by large extensive sandy corridors that often
climes the mountains forming a scenic landscape. The most dominant vegetation
of the area include Haloxylon salicornicum, Acacia tortolis, Gagea commutate,
Salsola tetrandra, Salsola spinescens, and Allium sp.
Sandy Hammada vegetation
This type of vegetation occupy the east part of the protectorate. It composed of
sandy soil covered by gravel or pebbles. It is undulating plateau with altitude
ranging between 500-900 m ASL. This habitat is covered by Hammada soil and
sandy soils ( Sandy Hammada). The most dominant species are Acacia
gerrardii, Acacia tortolis and Acacia tortolis ssp. raddiana; Artemisia
monosperma, Achillea fragrantissima, Ochradenus baccatus, and Artemisia
seiberi; and annual herbs of Diplotaxis harra, Matthiola longipetala, Filago
desertorum, Centaurea pseudosinaica, Anchusa aegyptiaca, Cynomorium
Steppe vegetation
This vegetation is confined to Irano-Turanian region and may intrude to Saharo-

Arabian region. The common features of this type of vegetation are the presence
of shrubs and bushes and the absence of the trees. The most dominant species
are Aizone canariense, Anthemis pseudocotula, Mesembryanthemum forsskalii,
Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum, Anisosciadium isosciadium, Artemisia judiaca,
Artemisia monosperma, Ifloga spicata, Heliotropium ramosissimum,
3
Moltkiopsis ciliate, Diplotaxis acris, Diplotaxis harra, Haloxylon salicornicum,
Stipa capensis, and Stipagrostis plumose.
Sand dune vegetation
Most of the sand dune habitats are either extension of the Nafud Desert or
isolated buckets of medium to large extended undulating sand dune tracts. This
type of vegetation located at the south eastern region of the protectorate with a
small area and notable for its very limited flora and fauna diversity. The sand
formations supports scarce vegetation communities dominated by Haloxylon
salicornicum, Heliotropium ramosissimum, Plantago amplexicaulis, Plantago
ciliate, Plantago cylindrica, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago ovate, Filago
desertorum and Ifloga spicata.
Habitat types of Al-Tubyaq Protected Area
Hammada

plateau. This habitat is covered by Hammada soil and sandy soils. The area is
intersected in many areas by large wadies with scrub vegetation dominated by
some trees such as Acacia ehrenbergiana, Acacia etabica, Acacia gerrardii,
Acacia tortolis and Acacia tortolis ssp. Raddiana; bushes (e.g. Artemisia
monosperma and Achillea fragrantissima, Ochradenus baccatus, Olea europea,
Prunus arabica and Artemisia seiberi; and annual herbs of Diplotaxis harra,
Matthiola longipetala, Filago desertorum, Centaurea pseudosinaica,
Helianthemum lippii, Geranium biuncinatum, Anchusa aegyptiaca, Cynomorium
Mud flats
3
Sandy Desert

Lactuca orientalis.
3
4.7.3. Al-Khunfah Protected Area
Al khunfah is an immense flat plain lying on the western edge of the Great
Nafud Desert, Primarily steppe and sand desert, it covers an area of (19339
square kilometers). The protected area occur within the 2 main ecoregions,
saharo Arabian and sudanian where the latter forms the majority of the reserve.
The protectorate is occupied by the following types of habitats : Hammada, Mud

flats, Sandy desert and seasonal wetlands.

Al-Kunfah protected area. The highly represented families were Asteraceae
and Fabaceae (Leguminosae). Only two endemic species were recorded in the
protectorate (Asphodelus sp. aff. aestivus, and Ajuga Arabica). Annual herbs
constituted (38 species = 50%) the largest floristic group, followed by perennial
herbs (16 secies = 21.6%), shrubs (11 species = 14.9%), and trees and grasses
(each 5 species = 6.8%) (Table 1; Fig. 15). Chronological analysis of the species
in Al-Kunfah protected area revealed that the Saharo Arabian region have the
highest share of species (47 species) representing 63.5% of the total species
(Fig. 16), followed by Sudano-Zambezian (22 species = 29.7%), Mediterranean
(18 species = 24.3% species) and Irano Turanian elements (12 spp = 16.2%
species). Six (6) were cosmopolitan species.
4
Fig. 15. Life forms of the recorded species in Al-Khunfah protected area.
Fig. 16. Chortype of the recorded species in Al-Khunfah protected area.
Vegetation Types
Al-Khunfa protectoratehas three types of vegetation which are Weathered

Sandstone and granite scrub vegetation , Steppe vegetation ( steppe vegetation
and penetration of Saharo Arabian vegetation types) and sand dunes vegetation.
4
Weathered Sandstone and granite scrub vegetation
A large lunar landscape of extensive dramatic granite mountains embedded

within the semi flat undulating mixed sand dune and sandy hammada landscape.
the mountains are often separated by large extensive sandy corridors that often
climes the mountains forming a scenic landscape. The most dominant vegetation
of the area include Haloxylon salicornicum, Acacia tortolis, Gagea commutate,
Salsola tetrandra, Salsola spinescens, and Allium sp.
Steppe vegetation
This vegetation is confined toIrano-Turanian region and may intrude to Saharo-

Arabian region. The common features of this type of vegetation are the presence
of shrubs and bushes and the absence of the trees. The most dominant species
are Aizone canariense, Anthemis pseudocotula, Mesembryanthemum forsskalii,
Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum, Anisosciadium isosciadium, Artemisia judiaca,
Artemisia monosperma, Ifloga spicata, Heliotropium ramosissimum,
Moltkiopsis ciliate, Diplotaxis acris, Diplotaxis harra, Haloxylon salicornicum,
Stipa capensis, and Stipagrostis plumose.
Sand dune vegetation
Most of the sand dune habitats are either extension of the Nafud Desert or
isolated buckets of medium to large extended undulating sand dune tracts.
This type of vegetation located at the south eastern region of the protectorate
with a small area and notable for its very limited flora and fauna diversity. The
sand formations supports scarce vegetation communities dominated by
Haloxylon salicornicum, Heliotropium ramosissimum, Plantago amplexicaulis,
Plantago ciliate, Plantago cylindrica, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago ovate,
Filago desertorum and Ifloga spicata.
4
Habitat types of Al Khunfa Protected Area
Hammada

plateau with altitude ranging between 500-900 m ASL. This habitat is covered
by Hammada soil and sandy soils. The area is intersected in many areas by large
wadies with scrub vegetation dominated by some trees such as Acacia
ehrenbergiana, Acacia etabica, Acacia gerrardii, Acacia tortolis and Acacia
tortolis ssp. Raddiana; bushes (e.g. Artemisia monosperma and Achillea
fragrantissima, Ochradenus baccatus, Olea europea, Prunus arabica and
Artemisia seiberi; and annual herbs of Diplotaxis harra, Matthiola longipetala,
Filago desertorum, Centaurea pseudosinaica, Helianthemum lippii, Geranium
biuncinatum, Anchusa aegyptiaca, Cynomorium coccineum and Citrullus
colocyanthis.
Mud flats vegetation (Qaa').
Sandy Desert
4
Lactuca orientalis.
4.7.4. Hail region ad Nufud

King Salman protected area. The highly represented families were Asteraceae
and Fabaceae (Leguminosae). Three endemic species were recorded in the
protectorate (Asphodelus sp. aff. Aestivus, Reichardia tingitana var. Arabica
and Cyperus conglemeratus). Annual herbs constituted (75 species = 57.3%) the
largest floristic group, followed by perennials (24 secies = 18.3%), and shrubs
grasses and trees (each 10 species = 7.6%), grasses (12 species = 6.9%) and only
two parasites (Table 1; Fig. 17). Chronological analysis of the species in King
Salman protected area revealed that the Saharo Arabian region have the highest
share of species (84 species) representing 64.1% of the total species (Fig. 18),
followed by Mediterranean (38 species = 29% species), Sudano-Zambezian (28
species = 21.4%) and Irano Turanian elements (22 spp = 16.8% species). Eight
(8) were cosmopolitan species.
4
Fig. 17. Life forms of the recorded species in King Salman protected area.
Fig. 18. Chorotype of the recorded species in King Salman protected area.
Vegetation Types
The sand dunes vegetation covers almost the rest area of King Salman Royal
reserve due to its location in An Nufud Al-Kabeer Desert. The desert has been a
barrier to travel for ages; its frequent sandstorms shape immense dunes and is
noted for its sudden violent winds. It characterized by its very limited flora and
4
fauna diversity. The most dominant species are Anthemis pseudocotula,
Haloxylon persicum, Haloxylon salicornicum, Calligonum comosum,
Heliotropium ramosissimum, Plantago amplexicaulis, Plantago ciliate,
Plantago cylindrica, Plantago ovate, Filago desertorum and Ifloga spicata
4
Table 1. List of the recoded species in the study area
Hail&
Species Family Life form Chorotype Uses Harrah Khunfa Tubyak Arabic name
Nufud
Aizone canariense Aizoaceae Perennial herb COSM G,O + + + + ‫هداك‬--‫ حدق‬-‫دعاع‬
Aizone hispanicum Aizoaceae Annual herb SA,IT,ME +
Mesembryanthemum forsskalii Aizoaceae Perennial herb SA,SZ E + +
Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum Aizoaceae Annual herb SA,SZ,ME + + ‫سبيب‬
Allium sp. Alliaceae Perennial herb SZ + ‫كراث‬
Anisosciadium isosciadium Apiaceae Annual herb ME M,G + + + + ‫بسباس‬
Ferula ovina Apiaceae Annual herb IT + ‫كلخ – محروث‬
Foeniculum vulgare Apiaceae Annual herb SA M,G,E + ‫ شمر – شمر حلوة‬- ‫شيح‬
Pergularia tementusa Asclepiadaceae Shrub M,G,F + ‫غلقة – لبن الحمارة‬
Asphodelus sp. aff. aestivus Asphodelaceae Perennial herb endemic M,G + + + ‫بروق – برواق‬
Asphodelus tenuifolius Asphodelaceae Annual herb SE,IT,SZ,ME M,G + + ‫بروق – برواق‬
Achillea fragrantissima Asteraceae Perennial herb ME,IT M,G,F + + ‫قيصوم‬
Ambrosia maritima Asteraceae Shrub ME +
Anthemis deserti Asteraceae Annual herb SA M,G + + + + ‫نوار – ربيان أصفر‬
Anthemis pseudocotula Asteraceae Annual herb SA,IT,SZ,IN M,G + + + + ‫أقحوان‬
Anthemis sp. Asteraceae Annual herb SA M,G + ‫أقحوان‬
Anvillea garcinii Asteraceae Perennial herb SA + ‫نقد‬
Artemisia judiaca Asteraceae Shrub ME M,G,F + + ‫ بعيثران‬- ‫شيح‬
Artemisia monosperma Asteraceae Shrub ME M,G,F + + + + ‫عاذر‬-‫عدار‬
Artemisia seiberi Asteraceae Perennial herb SA M,G,F + + ‫شيح‬
‫عرار ـ ربلة الحمار ـ نقد‬
Asteriscus graveolens Asteraceae + +
Perennial herb SA M,G ‫أصفر‬
Asteriscus heirochunticus Asteraceae Annual herb SA M,G + + ‫ نقد‬-‫ عين البقر‬-‫بركات‬
‫ شوك‬-‫بهيمة – خرشف‬
Atractylis carduus Asteraceae Perennial herb +
M,G ‫خشيرة‬- ‫جمال‬
Atractylis mernephthae Asteraceae Annual herb SA M,G + + ‫خشرة‬
Calendula arvensis Asteraceae Annual herb ME-IT M,G + + + ‫حنوه‬
4
Hail&
Nufud
Centaurea pseudosinaica Asteraceae Perennial herb SA,SZ,ME M + + + ‫ مرار‬- ‫بركعان‬
Centaurea sinaucus Asteraceae Annual herb SA G + + ‫ مرار‬- ‫بركعان‬
Chrysanthemum coronarium Asteraceae Annual herb SA,ME M,G + + +
Crepis aspera Asteraceae Annual herb SA G + + ‫لبنه‬
Cymbolaena griffithii Asteraceae Annual herb SA + +
Filago desertorum Asteraceae Annual herb SA-IT G + + ‫ قريط‬- ‫قطيبة‬
Flavaria trinervia Asteraceae Annual herb SZ,SA G + ‫شجيرة‬
Geigeria alata Asteraceae Perennial herb SZ M,G +
Ifloga spicata Asteraceae Annual herb COSM G + + + + ‫شجرة المعزة – ذيل القط‬
Lasiopogon muscoides Asteraceae Annual herb SA G +
Launaea capitata Asteraceae Annual herb COSM G + + + + ‫حواء‬
Launaea mucronata Asteraceae Annual herb SA G + + + ‫يمرور – حقيد‬
Launaea nudicaulis Asteraceae Annual herb SA M,G,E,F + + ‫حواء غنم – صفارة‬
Leontodon laciniatus Asteraceae Annual herb SA-IT M,G + ‫ربيان‬
Leysera lyseroides Asteraceae Annual herb SA + ‫رقيقة‬
Matricaria aurea Asteraceae Annual herb SA M,G + ‫بابونج‬
Picris asplenioides Asteraceae Annual herb SA M,G + + + + ‫حوذان‬
Picris babylonica Asteraceae Annual herb SA M,G + + + + ‫حوذان‬
Picris damascena Asteraceae Annual herb M,G + ‫حوذان‬
Picris radicata Asteraceae Annual herb M,G + ‫ خودان‬- ‫خو الضب‬
Pulicaria crispa Asteraceae Shrub SA M,G,E,F + + ‫ جثجاث‬- ‫عرفج‬
Pulicaria undulata Asteraceae Perennial herb SA-SM M,G,E,F + + ‫عطر الراعي‬
Reichardia tingitana Asteraceae Annual herb ME-SA G + + + h‫خزام – نكد – لبين‬
Reichardia tingitana var.
Asteraceae Annual herb + +
arabica endemic G h‫خزام – نكد – لبين‬
Rhantherium eppaposum Asteraceae Shrub M,G,F + + ‫العرفج‬
Scorzonera musillii Asteraceae Annual herb IT M,G + ‫الثعلوق‬
Scorzonera schweinfurthia Asteraceae Perennial herb SA,ME M,G + + ‫مشع‬
Scrozonera papposa Asteraceae Perennial herb SA,ME M,G + ‫ربحلة – حبردول – ربحلي‬
4
Hail&
Nufud
Senecio flavus Asteraceae Annual herb SA G + ‫حمض بهايم‬
Senecio galucus Asteraceae Annual herb SA G + + ‫جرجير – عر أصفر‬
Senecio lyratus Asteraceae Annual herb SZ G + +
Silybum marianum Asteraceae Perennial herb SA M,G,E,F + ‫شوك الجمل‬
Sonchus oleraceus Asteraceae Annual herb COSM M,G,E,F + + ‫حواء بقر‬
Zoegea purpurea Asteraceae Annual herb SA-IT +
Anchusa aegyptiaca Boraginaceae Annual herb ME G + + ‫ كحيل‬- ‫ االكحيل‬- ‫الكحالء‬
Anchusa ovata Boraginaceae Annual herb SA G +
Arnebia decumbens Boraginaceae Annual herb SA M,G,O + ‫كحيل –نبيت المطر‬
Arnebia hispidissima Boraginaceae Annual herb SA M,G,O + + + + ‫كحيل – فنون‬
Arnebia macrocalyx Boraginaceae Annual herb SA M,G,O + ‫كحيل – فنون‬
Brandella erythraeae Boraginaceae Annual herb SM +
Echium arabicum Boraginaceae Perennial herb M,G,O + + ‫كحل الملعونة‬
Echium sp. Boraginaceae Perennial herb SA M,G,O + ‫كحل الملعونة‬
Gastrocotyle hispida Boraginaceae Annual herb SA-IT +
Heliotropium arbainense Boraginaceae Shrub SZ,ME M,F + + ‫رمرام‬
Heliotropium bacciferum Boraginaceae Perennial herb SA- M,F + ‫رمرام‬
Heliotropium ramosissimum Boraginaceae Perennial herb M,F + + + ‫رمرام‬
Heliotropium sp. Aff. Strigosum
Boraginaceae +
var crodifanum Perennial herb M,F ‫ رمرام‬- ‫ إرهبة‬- ‫رقراق‬
Lappula spinocarpos Boraginaceae Annual herb SA-IT + ‫ سليسلة‬- ‫نفيلة‬
Lithospermum ruderale Boraginaceae Annual herb +
Moltkiopsis ciliata Boraginaceae Perennial herb SA,ME M,G,O + + + ‫حلم – حماط‬
Trichdesma ehrenbergii Boraginaceae Perennial herb SZ,ME M,F + + + ‫حمحم‬
Trichdesma sp. Aff. Orientalis Boraginaceae Shrub M,F + + + ‫حمحم‬
Anastatica hierochuntica Brassicaceae Annual herb SA M,G,F,O + + ‫كف مريم – شجرة الكف‬
Brassica tournefortii Brassicaceae Annual herb SA-ME M,G,O + + + ‫ قراص‬- ‫خردل بري‬
Brassica sp. Brassicaceae Annual herb SA M,G,O + + ‫خردل‬
4
Hail&
Nufud
Capsella pursa-pastoris Brassicaceae Annual herb Pluri. M,G + ‫كيس الراعي‬
Carrichtera annua Brassicaceae Annual herb SA M,G + + ‫ام قرين‬
Coronopus didymus Brassicaceae Annual herb Pluri. G +
Diplotaxis acris Brassicaceae Annual herb SA,SZ M,G,E.O + + + ‫جرجير بري‬
Diplotaxis harra Brassicaceae Annual herb SZ,SA,ME,IT,IN M,G,E.O + + + ‫ كنيزة‬, ‫خفش‬
Ermobium aegyptiacum ssp.
Brassicaceae Annual herb + +
Lineare SZ,SA,ME,IT G ‫تربة‬
Ermobium lineare Brassicaceae Annual herb SA G + ‫تربة‬
Erucaria hispanica Brassicaceae Annual herb ME M,G,E + +
Farsetia aegyptia Brassicaceae Annual herb SZ,SA,ME,IN G + + ‫جريبة‬- ‫جريبة – مطي‬
Farsetia stylosa Brassicaceae Annual herb SZ,SA,IN G + + + + ‫جرية – حما‬
Hirschfeldia incana Brassicaceae Annual herb SA,EU G + ‫خزامي‬
Isatis lusitanica Brassicaceae Annual herb ME-IT G +
Lepidium aucheri Brassicaceae Annual herb SA,SZ,ME,IT,IN G + + + ‫كيسوم‬
Malcolmia africana Brassicaceae Annual herb SA-ME M,G,E + + + +
Malcolmia crenulata Brassicaceae Annual herb IT M,G,E + + + +
Matthiola arabica Brassicaceae Annual herb ME M,G,O + ‫منثور – شقارة – غمغم‬
Matthiola longipetala Brassicaceae Annual herb SA,ME,IT M,G,O + + + ‫شقارة‬
Morettia paeviflora Brassicaceae Annual herb SZ,ME G + + ‫ربل‬
Moricandia sinaica Brassicaceae Annual herb SZ,IN G + ‫يرق – أذن الحمار‬
Neotorularia tortulosa Brassicaceae Annual herb SA +
Notoceras bicorne Brassicaceae Annual herb SA + ‫هثارا‬
-‫جلجالن – رشاد جبلي‬
Savigaya parviflora Brassicaceae Annual herb + + +
Pluri. G ‫قلقون‬
Schimpera arabica Brassicaceae Annual herb SA G + + ‫ صفيرة‬- ‫صفراء – صفارا‬
Schouwia purpura Brassicaceae Perennial herb CP M,G,E +
Sinapis alba Brassicaceae Annual herb SA + +
Sisymbrium erysimoides Brassicaceae Annual herb SA-ME M,G,E + + + ‫قراص حمار‬
Sisymbrium irio Brassicaceae Annual herb ME-IT M,G,E + + ‫قراص حمار‬
5
Hail&
Nufud
Sisymbrium septulatum Brassicaceae Annual herb SA.SZ M,G,E + ‫قراص حمار‬
Zilla spinosa Brassicaceae Annual herb SA G + + + + ‫ شبرم‬, ‫سلة‬
Cleome amblyocarpa Capparaceae Annual herb SA-SM + + + + ‫ عفينة‬- ‫خنيزة‬
Maerua oblongifolia Capparaceae Tree SZ M,G,F,O + ‫سرح‬
- ‫سر‬-‫ قرضي‬h-‫جرد‬
Gymnocarpos decander Caryophyllaceae + +
Perennial herb IT,IN,SZ,ME G ‫ قرضة‬- ‫قصيص‬
‫عشب‬-‫سليح –خمسات‬
Gypsophila capillaris Caryophyllaceae Annual herb IT +
‫ رقيجة‬-‫الذهبي‬
Herniaria hirsuta Caryophyllaceae Annual herb ME-Eu.sib-IT + + ‫ شوالة‬-‫ كرش‬-‫غبرة‬
Minuartia picta Caryophyllaceae Annual herb SA G +
Paronychia arabica Caryophyllaceae Annual herb SA,SZ,IT,ME G + ‫ شدق الجمل‬-‫بصاط العرض‬
Polycarpea repens Caryophyllaceae Annual herb SZ,SA,IN G + + + + ‫رقيقة – مكر‬
Polycarpea spicata Caryophyllaceae Annual herb SZ,SA,IN,IT +
Pteranthus dichotomus Caryophyllaceae Annual herb SA-IT + ‫ ضريسة‬- ‫هراس‬
Sclerocephalus arabicus Caryophyllaceae Perennial herb SA,ME,SZ,IT +
Silene apetala Caryophyllaceae Annual herb ME + + + + h‫ تربة‬-‫قرحان‬
Spergula fallax Caryophyllaceae Annual herb COSM G + + ‫قليقلة‬
Spergularia diandra Caryophyllaceae Annual herb ME-IT-Eu.sib G + + + ‫ عضيد – أم ثريب‬-h‫نعيمة‬
Sphaerocoma aucheri Caryophyllaceae Perennial herb SZ,SA,IT,IN + +
Anabasis lachnantha Chenopodiaceae Shrub SA,IT G,F + + +
Atriplex leucoclada Chenopodiaceae Shrub SA G,F + + + ‫قطف‬
Bassia eriophora Chenopodiaceae perennial herb SA,SZ,ME,IT,IN +
Bassia muricata Chenopodiaceae Annual herb SA,SZ + + + + ‫ هويمدان‬-‫ هيثم‬-‫ذنبان‬
Chenopodium album Chenopodiaceae Annual herb COSM G + + ‫زربيح‬
Chenopodium murale Chenopodiaceae Annual herb SA,SZ,Me G + h‫ خبيثة‬- ‫ جخيراء‬- ‫زربيح‬
Haloxylon persicum Chenopodiaceae Shrub SA G,F + + + + ‫ الغضا‬- ‫غضا‬
Haloxylon salicornicum Chenopodiaceae Perennial herb SA G,F + + + + ‫ الرمث‬- ‫رويثة‬
Salsola imbricata Chenopodiaceae Shrub COSM G,F + ‫ خريت‬- ‫خريط – هرم‬
Salsola lachnantha Chenopodiaceae Perennial herb SA-IT G,F + +
5
Hail&
Nufud
Salsola spinescens Chenopodiaceae Shrub SZ,IT,IN G,F + +
-‫زمران‬-‫ ضمران‬-‫فرس‬
Salsola tetrandra Chenopodiaceae + + +
Shrub SZ,ME G,F ‫ فرس‬- ‫غرد‬
Traganum nudatum Chenopodiaceae Shrub SA,IT G,F +
Helianthemum lippii Cistaceae Perennial herb SA-SM M,G + + + ‫ رقروق‬- ‫ رقة‬-‫هشيمة‬
Helianthemum salicifolium Cistaceae Perennial herb SA.SZ.IT M,G + ‫ رقروق‬- ‫ رقة‬-‫هشيمة‬
Convolvulus pilosellifolius Convolvulaceae Perennial herb IT + ‫خاتمي‬
Cuscuta campestris Convolvulaceae Perennial herb + ‫حامول ـ دباي‬
Citrullus colocyanthis Cucurbitaceae Perennial herb SA,SZ,IT,IN,ME M,G,E,O + + + + ‫ حنظل‬- ‫حدق حنظل شرى‬
Cynomorium coccineum Cynomoriaceae Parasite M + + ‫طرطوث‬
‫تندة – عندب – مسيح – ثرا‬
Cyperus conglemeratus Cyperaceae Perennial herb +
endemic G ‫ مصيع‬-
Ephedra aphylla Ephedraceae Shrub SA M,F + ‫ علندي‬- ‫علندة‬
Ephedra sp. Ephedraceae Shrub SA-SM M,F + + ‫ علندي‬- ‫علندة‬
- ‫ نيلة‬, ‫نوم – حديقان تنوم‬
Chrozophora oblongifolia +
Euphorbiaceae Shrub SA,SZ M ‫رين‬
Acacia ehrenbergiana Fabaceae Tree SZ,SA M,G,F,O + ‫ سلم‬- ‫السلم‬
Acacia etabica Fabaceae Tree SZ M,G,F,O + ‫ سيال‬- ‫قرضة‬
Acacia gerrardii Fabaceae Tree SZ,ME,SA M,G,F,O + + + ‫طلح‬
Acacia tortolis Fabaceae Tree SA.SZ,ME M,G,F,O + + + + ‫سمر‬
Acacia tortolis ssp. raddiana Fabaceae Tree SA.SZ,ME M,G,F,O + + + ‫سمر‬
Astragalus crenatus Fabaceae Annual herb SA G + + + ‫قفعاء‬
Astragalus eremophilus Fabaceae Annual herb SA G + + + + ‫قفعاء‬
Astragalus schimperi Fabaceae Annual herb SA G + + + + ‫كريدون أسود‬
Astragalus schimperi var.
+
subsessilis Fabaceae Annual herb SA M,G ‫كريدون أسود‬
Astragalus sparsus Fabaceae Annual herb ME M,G + +
Astragalus spinosus Fabaceae Perennial herb SA M,G + + + ‫قتاد – كثاد‬
‫ بقل – شويط‬- ‫بيض الجمل‬
Astragalus tribuloides Fabaceae Annual herb SA-IT + +
G ‫– قتاد‬
5
Hail&
Nufud
Medicago laciniata Fabaceae Annual herb SA G + + ‫مداد – نفل – حسك‬
Melilotus indicus Fabaceae Annual herb COSM G + ‫حندقوق‬
Trigonella stellata Fabaceae Annual herb SA G + + + + ‫ روضي‬- ‫قرقاص‬
Vicia sativa Fabaceae Annual herb COSM G +
-‫ رقمة‬- ‫ منشقة‬- ‫قرنوة‬
Erodium laciniatum Geraniaceae Annual herb + +
SA,SZ,IT,IN G ‫شقرا‬
Geranium biuncinatum Geraniaceae Annual herb SZ G + + ‫عقيربان‬
Geranium mascatense Geraniaceae Annual herb SZ,IT,IN,SA G + ‫عقيربان‬
Monsonia nivea Geraniaceae Perennial herb SZ,SA,ME G + + + + ‫خزام – بهق – دهمة‬
Gynandiris sisyrinichium Iridaceae Perennial herb SA,IT,ME,IN M,G + ‫ – عنقود‬h‫عنصالن‬
Ajuga arabica Lamiaceae Perennial herb endemic M,G + + + ‫وبيرة‬
Salvia desertii Lamiaceae Perennial herb ME M,G + ‫جنع‬
Salvia lanigra Lamiaceae Perennial herb SA,ME M,G + ‫مريمية – جريبة‬
Salvia palaaestina Lamiaceae Perennial herb ME M,G + ‫المرو – األذنة‬
Teucrium polium Lamiaceae Perennial herb ME-IT M,G,E,F,O + + ‫ جعدة‬- ‫جعد‬
– ‫ أبو جريص‬- ‫السعيد‬
Gagea commutata Liliacea +
Perennial herb SA M,G ‫بصيل‬
Althaea ludwigii Malvaceae Annual herb SA M,G,F,O + ‫ختمة‬
Malva parviflora Malvaceae Annual herb ME-IT M,G + + + + ‫ خبيز‬- ‫خبيزة‬
Neurada procumbens Neuradaceae Annual herb SA G + + + ‫سعدان‬
Olea europea Oleaceae Tree SA M,G,E,F,O + ‫عتم‬
Cistanche tubulosa var. albiflora Orobanchaceae Parasite SA M + + ‫ذانون‬
Orobanche cernua Orobanchaceae Annual herb ME-SA-IT M + + ‫هالوك‬
Phoenix dactylifera Palmae Tree SA,IN M,G,E,F,O + + ‫نخيل ـ بلح‬
Hypecoum pendulum Papaveraceae Annual herb ME-IT + ‫ديدحان حشيش – هشيم‬
Papaver glaucum Papaveraceae Annual herb ME-Eu.Sib-IT M,G + ‫ – ديدحان‬h‫ديدجان‬
Plantago amplexicaulis Planataginaceae Annual herb SA G + + + + ‫خنانة النعجة – موسباك‬
Plantago ciliata Planataginaceae Annual herb SA G + + + + ‫قريطة – قرينة‬
Plantago cylindrica Planataginaceae Perennial herb SA,ME G + + ‫لسان الحمل‬
5
Hail&
Nufud
Plantago lanceolata Planataginaceae Perennial herb COSM G + + + + ‫لسان الحمل‬
Plantago ovata Planataginaceae Annual herb SA-IT M,G + + + + ‫لقمة النعجة‬
Plantago psammophila Planataginaceae Annual herb SA G + + + + ‫ربلة‬
Limonium lobatum Plumbaginaceae Perennial herb SA + ‫سبساب‬
Aristida congesta Poaceae Grass G + ‫الدراري‬
Arundo donax Poaceae Grass M,G + ‫غاب ـ قلم‬
Avena barbatus Poaceae Grass ME-Eu.Sib-IT G + ‫دنبان‬
Bromus danthoniae Poaceae Grass IT G + ‫زريع‬
Bromus sericeus Poaceae Grass IT G + ‫حنيطة‬
Centropodia forsskalii Poaceae Grass G + + ‫حلفا – حصاد‬
Cutandia memphitica Poaceae Grass SA-IT G + + + ‫ثيل – خافور‬
Cynodon dactylon Poaceae Grass G + + + ‫ثيل – نجيل‬
Hordeum murinum Poaceae Grass ME-IT G + ‫شعير بري‬
Lolium multiflorum Poaceae Grass G + + + ‫هيبان ـ زيوان‬
Phalaris minor Poaceae Grass ME-IT G + + ‫ذيل القط‬
Phragmites australis Poaceae Grass G + ‫قصب ـ غاب‬
Polypogon viridis Poaceae Annual herb G + ‫ذيل القط – شعر الفأر‬
Schismus arabicus Poaceae Grass SA G + + + + ‫خافور – بهمة – سيسفان‬
Schismus barbatus Poaceae Grass SA-IT G + + + + ‫خافور – بهمة – سيسفان‬
Stipa capensis Poaceae Grass SA-IT G + + + + ‫صمعاء – صمعة – بهمة‬
Stipagrostis obtusa Poaceae Grass G + ‫سبط ـ نصي‬
Stipagrostis plumosa Poaceae Grass G + + ‫نصي ـ ثيغام‬
Calligonum comosum Polygonaceae Shrub SA M,G,F + + ‫أرطي‬
Emex spinosa Polygonaceae Annual herb COSM M,G,F + + + + ‫حمباز‬
Polygonum palaestinum Polygonaceae Annual herb ME M,G,F +
Rumex vesicarius Polygonaceae Annual herb SA M,G,F + + + + ‫ حميضا‬- ‫حميض‬
Adonis dentata Ranunculaceae Annual herb SA-IT G + ‫أدونيس‬
Ochradenus baccatus Resedaceae Shrub SA M,G,F + + + ‫قرضة‬
5
Hail&
Nufud
Oligomeris linifolia Resedaceae Annual herb SA M,G +
Reseda alba Resedaceae Annual herb SA M,G + + + ‫ذيل الخروف – ذنبان‬
Reseda decursiva Resedaceae Annual herb SA M,G + + + ‫ذيل الخروف – ذنبان‬
Rhamnus lycioidea ssp. oleoides Rhamnaceae Tree SA M,G,F +
Ziziphus spina-christa Rhamnaceae Tree SA M,G,E,F,O + + ‫سدر‬
Prunus arabica Rosaceae Shrub SA-IT M,G,E,F,O + ‫لويزة‬-‫لوز بري‬
Hyocyamus desertorum Solanaceae Shrub ME M,G,E,F,O + ‫نب ج صفاري‬
‫نب ج ـ سيكران ـ خراساني‬
Hyocyamus muticus Solanaceae + +
Shrub IT M,G,E,F,O ‫اجوائن‬
Lycium shawii Solanaceae Shrub SZ M,G,E,F + + + ‫عوسج – عوسيز‬
Withania sominifera Solanaceae Shrub SZ,SA M,G,F,O + ‫ عبعبة‬- ‫ سكران‬, ‫سم الفراخ‬
Raumuria hirtella Tamaricaceae Perennial herb SZ M +
Tamarix amplexicaulis Tamaricaceae Tree SA M,F,O + ‫طرفة‬
Tamarix aphylla Tamaricaceae Tree SA M,F,O + + ‫اثل‬
Forsskaolea tenacissima Urticaceae Perennial herb SZ,SA,ME,IT,IN + ‫ لصاق‬- ‫لصيق‬
Urtica pilufera Urticaceae Annual herb SZ,ME + ‫الحريق‬
Fagonia burguieri Zygophyllaceae Perennial herb COSM M,G + + + + ‫جنيبة – شطاعة‬
Fagonia glutinosa Zygophyllaceae Perennial herb SA M,G + + + + ‫شكعة – جنب الضب‬
Fagonia indica Zygophyllaceae Perennial herb SA M,G + + + + ‫ جنيبة‬, ‫ضريمة‬
Tribulus terrestris Zygophyllaceae Annual herb Eu-Sib-ME-IT M,G + ‫شرشير – دريسة‬
-‫حرم – أم ثريب – حمض‬
Zygophyllum simplex Zygophyllaceae Annual herb + + +
SZ G ‫قرمل‬
Terfeziacea fungus M,G,E + ‫الكمأة‬-‫الفقع‬
5
5. Threats and Conflicts
 Overgrazing in the area. About 7000 or so camels have been a severe
obstacle to habitat recovery and the NCWCD is now engaged in a
programme to reduce their number substantially. The removal of camels
from the core areas of the National Ibex Reserve (by fencing), where there
is no tradition of sheep and goat grazing, appears to have had a beneficial
effect on the relict ibex population.
 Overcutting of perennials shrubs especialy Haloxylon persicum and
Calligonum comosum.
 Collecting of the noteworthy species such as the desert truffles (Terfazia)
and Prunus sp. from Harret Al-Harrah
 During the past five decades, extensive human activities (livestock
grazing, fuel wood cutting and temporary arid land cultivation) have put
great pressure on vegetation in this regions of Saudi Arabia and lead to
vegetation change.
 A change in grazing or the lack of it may change an ecosystem from
desert grassland to thorn-thicket, or to a barren landscape, and such
changes can be practically irreversible; simply relieving grazing pressure
will not restore them to their previous state.
 The core areas of the three protectorates are not fenced.
5
6. Recommendations
 A glimpse on the floristic composition of these two groups indicates the
need to consider the Aja Mountains and their wadies in Hail as a protected
area. This area provides all the supplements for the conservation on
natural vegetation in a region exposed to increasing agricultural activities.
 Studies carried out so far on the carrying capacity of the region for
grazing and cutting of shrubs and acacia trees should be updated
periodically. Results of these studies are the only basis for designing a
scientifically sound programme aiming at the control of over-grazing and
wood cutting.
 Establishment the fence of the core areas of the three protectorates.
 Environmental impact assessment of the future development projects in
the region are urgently needed. Results of such updated studies will be
immensely valuable in formulating appropriate plans of action aiming at
the minimization of any adverse environmental impacts of these projects.
 The present gaps in our knowledge of some taxonomic groups of plants
and animals (e.g. soil microflora and other groups of terrestrial algae,
lichens, nematodes, insects, arachnids and other arthropods) will have to
be bridged through intensive studies. Updated inventories of such groups
will be critical for their conservation. Behaviour of certain groups and
species of animals (e.g. reptiles) should be studied carefully in order to
design appropriate schemes for their conservation.
 Establish stations for collecting soil samples for physico-chemical
analysis. Samples should cover all habitat types. Report sudden unusual
changes, especially those that might affect biodiversity. Take appropriate
measures to combat or minimize their impact.
5
 Organize general training courses for rangers. Specialized training courses
geared towards the qualification of technicians taking part in monitoring
schemes and assisting in research programmes in the Reserve should be
undertaken. These courses may be accommodated in the visitor center or
the trainees may join appropriate courses in universities and training
centers elsewhere.
 Developing and implementing awareness programmes for visitors and
guides. Promotion of ecotourism and development of publicity material.
 The zonation plan in relation to habitat types, vegetation and important
zones in the protected area according to IUCN guidelines. Clear signposts
carrying place names and coloured arrows should be fixed at all cross-
roads inside the protectorate.
 Referral collections should be the nucleus of a local natural history
museum in the Protectorate and one of its main attractions. Establish the
following:
 herbarium with dried, poisoned and authentically identified
specimens of higher plants; duplicates should be put on public
display,
 a collection of soil samples to cover all soil types in the site; a
specific system of classification of soil types should be adopted
and indicated on the labels of samples,
 seed collection of all flowering plants ,
 a complete collection of all lichen species with precise
identifications and field information should be put on display.
 Determining ecological carrying capacities and develop grazing systems
that maintain use within the limits of the carrying capacity. It is
essential that all elements of biodiversity be taken into account when
determining the carrying capacity, not just production of edible
herbage.
5
 Subsidy policies that promote sustainable use and conservation of
biodiversity need to replace subsidy policies that favour inefficient and
unsustainable methods of range management.
 A strategy and management plan should be implemented and reviewed
periodically towards achieving the goals and targets set out in it.
5
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6
8. Appendices
Appendix 1. Coordinates of the selected stands
Hail Region and Nufud

No Latitude Longitude Alt No Latitude Longitude Alt
(N) (E) (m) (N) (E)
1 27.57297 41.63043 1066 15 27.77159 40.70426 857
2 27.55922 41.60769 1088 16 27.73540 40.54402 905
3 27.63858 41.65761 985 17 27.73098 40.53741 863
4 27.62146 41.61313 1040 18 27.71870 40.53082 879
5 27.58606 41.44421 1113 19 27.67650 40.35683 925
6 27 35.1639 41 26.6533 1113 20 27.63603 40.13273 912
7 27.57344 41.44155 21 27.62259 38.56004 810
8 27.98471 41.21651 1125 22 29 10.8104 40 03.8659 758
9 28.02861 41.48419 865 23 28 50.5384 40 14.5594 857
10 28.02879 40.97745 830 24 28 44.7606 40 24.6776 874
11 27.77323 41.40047 789 25 28 45.7674 40 26.7129 846
12 28.02919 40.92012 26 28 07.3094 40 52.708 891
13 27.88775 40.79288 795 27 28 02.1959 40 55.2913 841
14 27.71699 40.65087 822
Al-Khunfah Protectorate
(N) (E) (m) (N) (E)
1 27.99259 38.33038 872 21 28.29011 38.42426 938
2 28.02161 38.32659 896 22 28.30706 38.43869 921
3 28.03333 38.32067 890 23 28.34380 38.43706
4 28.07475 38.29409 931 24 28.38513 38.50966 913
6 28.09869 38.28880 963 25 28.40691 38.50837 922
7 28.10464 38.28833 953 26 28.44793 38.50023 931
8 28.11667 38.29116 942 27 28.46472 38.49949 913
9 28.17069 38.27476 929 28 28.48555 38.50160 917
10 28.18898 38.36582 913 29 28.48805 38.50170 927
11 28.20432 38.25970 919 30 28.53552 38.48651 913
12 28.23075 38.32309 31 28.55047 38.48017 904
13 28.24228 38.34629 912 32 28.59023 38.44768 928
14 28.25739 38.38098 933 33 28.60380 38.50821 977
15 28.25262 38.38551 34 28.59249 38.49650 975
16 28.35309 38.40332 35 28.69003 38.52285 892
17 28.35687 38.41515 937 36 28.72387 38.52758 856
18 28.27262 38.42652 946 37 28.87717 38.49409 803
19 28.28174 38.41347
20 28.28725 38.41181 957
6
Tubyak Protectorate
(N) (E) (m) (N) (E)
1 29.35864 37.52151 840 24 29 24.9887 36 53.1397 1072
2 29.35744 37.51404 847 25 29 28.7729 36 53.4896 1188
3 29.36059 37.49297 962 26 29 32.303 37 00.9717 1116
4 29.35292 37.47812 862 27 29 24.4063 37 14.7669 1330
5 29.34843 37.45374 881 28 29 23.290 37 14.395 1270
6 29.34240 37.39623 29 29 22.2656 37 14.2077 1314
7 29.34250 37.39351 923 30 29 21.4860 37 14.5418 1301
8 29.34563 37.37127 941 31 29 21.993 37 17.1023 1178
9 29.35594 37.29410 1038 32 29 22.923 37 35.9077 818
10 29.35955 37.29153 1039 33 29 24.9764 37 36.5728 774
11 29.39831 37.32246 1086 34 29 25.6834 37 36.498 786
12 29.35680 37.33484 933 35 29 33.0933 37 35.9998
13 29 17 34.92 37 18 30.0 982 36 29 33.8411 37 35.7551 832
14 29 17 13.08 37 17 14.63 1003 37 29 34.0513 37 30.2663 1060
15 29 16 32.68 37 15 00.25 1046 38 29 42.0124 37 32.8531 1017
16 29 15 58.46 37 11 15.44 1181 39 29 40.5703 37 34.2829 914
17 29 20 24.14 37 09 19.99 1144 40 29 39.8285 37 37.7306 865
18 29 22.4137 37 07.5113 1134 41 29 36.0819 37 43.0228 783
19 29 22.8363 37 02.5722 1249 42 29 41.2814 38 04.4846 683
20 29 24.8338 37 00.3538 1203 43 29 42.5123 38 06.7437 653
21 29 25.6563 37 00.0163 1199
23 29 25.0699 36 55.4828 1090
Harret Al-Harrah
No Latitude Longitude Alt No Latitude Longitude (E) Alt
(N) (E) (m) (N)
1 31 20.2912 39 12.7069 790 12 31 20.6344 38 37.335 816
2 31 17.7691 39 13.8083 803 13 31 18.006 38 36.6885 799
3 31 12.5119 39 15.5913 14 31 15.7103 38 35.8443 812
4 31 10.4384 39 14.7191 813 15 31 13.8422 38 37.3986 781
5 31 08.6196 39 13.873 837 16 31 2.234 38 36.2779 803
6 31 05.111 39 13.1769 851 17 31 08.293 38 31.2283 842
7 30 51.7057 39 15.2941 924 18 31 05.0466 38 30.9533 782
8 30 50.9535 39 14.403 939 19 31 00.5109 38 30.5801 745
9 30 59.573 39 17.7813 894 20 30 52.3754 38 27.5755 652
10 31 10.2648 39 19.0577 797 21 30 52.3693 38 27.3687 652
11 31 12.945 39 19.2105 793 22 30 36.9755 38 36.4088 583
6
Appendix 2. Photos of the Habitat Types
Appendix 3. Coloured Plates of some recorded plant species
Ajuga Arabica Astragalus crenatus
Anthemis deserti Anthemis pseudocotula
Anastatica hierochuntica Arnebia hispidissima
6
Asphodelus sp. aff. aestivus Astragalus spinosus
Artemisia judiaca Artemisia monosperma
Centaurea sinaucus Cynomorium coccineum
6
Chrysanthemum coronarium Cistanche tubulosa var. albiflora
Diplotaxis acris Diplotaxis harra
Erodium laciniatum Echium arabicum
7
Gagea commutata Gynandiris sisyrinichium
Hirschfeldia incana Hyocyamus desertorum
Lasiopogon muscoides Launaea capitata
7
Lepidium aucheri Haloxylon persicum
Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum Mesembryanthemum forsskalii
Moltkiopsis ciliata Pergularia tementusa
7
Ochradenus baccatus Rumex vesicarius
Papaver glaucum Plantago ciliata
Prunus arabica
7
Reseda decursiva Reichardia tingitana
Salvia lanigra Salvia desertii
Silybum marianum Scrozonera papposa
7
Schismus barbatus Rhantherium eppaposum
Senecio galucus Senecio flavus
Stipa capensis Schouwia purpura
7
Terfezia
Trigonella stellata Tamarix amplexicaulis
Zilla spinosa Grazing in Harret Al-Harrah

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What are the main habitat types found in King Salman Royal Protected Area?

What are the main habitat types found in King Salman Royal Protected Area?

What are the main plant families represented in the flora of King Salman Royal Protected Area?

What are the main plant families represented in the flora of King Salman Royal Protected Area?

Habitat and Flora of King Salman Royal Protected Area

Prof. Yassin M. Al-Sodany

One of the basic objectives of the NCWCD is to develop and maintain a

1.1. Initial assessment Objectives

1.2. Literature Review

The northern part of Saudi Arabia had a little attention of studies,

The topography of Al-Jouf is characterized by its ease in most of its parts.

The quadrangle includes the southeastern rim of the Sirhan-Turayf

3. Materials & Methodology

1) list of the annual and perennial species

Fig. 3. Map showing the selected stands in Al-Khunfah Reserve.

Fig. 5. Map showing the selected stands in Harret Al-HarrahReserve.

Ecoregions or bioregions are geographical units with characteristic flora, fauna

4.1.1. Arabian Desert Ecoregion

4.1.2. Red Sea-Nubo-Sidian tropical desert and semi desert Ecoregion

The classification of vegetation types in this study follows the methodology of

 Steppe vegetation ( steppe vegetation and penetration of Saharo Arabian

 Chert Hamada vegetation

 Sandy Hammada vegetation

 Sand dune vegetation

 Weathered Sandstone and granite scrub vegetation

 Harra scrub vegetation

The vegetation types are showed in Fig. 7.

4.3. Life Forms

Chronological analysis of the species in King Salman Royal Reserve revealed

4.5. Economic Uses

4.6.1.1. Nutritive value

4.6.1.3. Soil and Climatic Parameters

Most of the species develop in high pH calcareous soils (Giovannetti et al.,

4.6.1.4. Medicinal uses

Prunus arabica is one of the endangered plants in Saudi Arabia due to

P. arabica is an important soil controller plant (phytogenic plant), which

4.7.1. Harret Alharrah Protected Area

Dense vegetation in Harret Al-Harrah

The vegetation of Harret Al-Harrah protected area can be recognized and

Lava or Harra scrub vegetation:

Habitat types of Harrat Al Harra Protected Area

Harra (black basalt desert)

Hammada (Chert Plains)

Large extended desert floor either flint or limestone hamada. It is undulating

Mud flats vegetation (Qaa').

Extended low relief desert floor characterized by monotonic allevation and

Sabkha Seasonal Wetlands

A total of 110 species belonging to 78 genera and 26 families were recorded in

Fig. 14. Chortype of the recorded species in Al-Tubyaq protected area.

A large lunar landscape of extensive dramatic granite mountains embedded

Sandy Hammada vegetation

This vegetation is confined to Irano-Turanian region and may intrude to Saharo-

Sand dune vegetation

Habitat types of Al-Tubyaq Protected Area

Large extended desert floor either flint or limestone hamada. It is undulating

Extended low relief desert floor characterized by monotonic allevation and

Sabkha Seasonal Wetlands

The protectorate is occupied by the following types of habitats : Hammada, Mud

A total of 74 species belonging to 55 genera and 24 families were recorded in