Datura plant cleared from Khor Kharfout

Khor Kharfout Archaeological Reserve is considered an environmental and cultural treasure with unique biodiversity in Dhofar. The management of Khor Kharfot Archaeological Reserve implemented a campaign to remove the invasive datura plant after detecting it at an early stage.
In its statement, the Environment Authority stated that the removal of the datura is significant 'before it bears fruit and spreads its seeds to mitigate its impact on local plants and biodiversity.' The initiative was held in coordination with the municipalities of Rakhyout and Dhalkout.
The Khor Kharfout Archaeological Reserve is located between the wilayats of Rakhyout and Dhalkout in the Governorate of Dhofar on the coast of the Arabian Sea, stretching over an area of 143.4 square kilometres.
Considered to be a periodic settlement and a wetland with unique biodiversity, Khor Kharfout achieved the status of an archaeological reserve when His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik issued the Royal Decree in 2021.
It is an important source of water. The Khor is considered to have been used as an ancient port for exporting frankincense.
The mountainous geographical range of the governorate falls under the areas affected by the annual monsoon rains.
Amongst the widespread greenery produced by the Khareef season is also the invasive datura plant, which is also considered toxic.
The diversity of the physical features of the wetland includes an environment that includes mountains, woods, valleys, coastal areas, and semi-desert areas.
The habitat has also been an attraction for migratory birds.