MUSCAT: The Environment Authority has highlighted the ecological importance of the Jabal Samhan Nature Reserve in Dhofar Governorate, describing it as a unique habitat for a wide range of terrestrial and marine wildlife, birds and native plant species.
Covering an area of around 4,500 square kilometres, the reserve was established under Royal Decree No. 48/97. It is located in Dhofar Governorate and extends across areas including Mirbat, Sadah, Shalim and the Hallaniyat Islands.
The reserve is home to several important terrestrial species, including the Arabian leopard, Arabian wolf, striped hyena, Arabian gazelle, Nubian ibex, red fox, rock hyrax, lynx and honey badger.
Its marine environment also supports dolphins, whales and sea turtles, while a variety of bird species are found within the reserve, including the black eagle, eastern imperial eagle, Arabian partridge, Egyptian vulture, kestrel and striped sandgrouse.
Jabal Samhan is also known for its native vegetation and trees, including frankincense, wild fig, wild olive and acacia species, further adding to the ecological significance of the protected area.
The Environment Authority said the reserve represents a distinctive natural habitat for biodiversity in Dhofar.
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