Liyah Protected Area

Altitude: 
80 - 120m
Conservation Status: 
Protected Area
Access: 
Protected Area
General Site Description: 

A large fenced area split into North and South by Iron Horse Road, to the west of Highway 80. The desert habitat is slowly regenerating, but some indigenous plants and trees have also been planted to provide suitable habitat for the biodiversity in this protected area. There are plans to establish a few small pools in the northern area and this will be an added attractor for migrant and resident species.

Ornithological interest: 

As this area is fenced, the natural desert vegetation is regenerating and over time will provide natural cover for breeding desert birds like Greater Hoopoe and Crested Lark and other species. Formal surveys were conducted in Spring 2013 and an encouraging list of migrants were observed; Common Cuckoo, Eurasian Golden Oriole, many Wheatear and Shrike species, both Blue and Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush, Lesser Kestrel, Caspian Plover as well as many of the smaller passerine migrants like Common Redstart, Lesser Whitethroat, Upcher's and Barred Warbler. Bimaculated Lark has been recorded in previous years.

Other Biodiversity: 

Unkown, although Arabian Red Foxes have been seen on one survey in the southern area.

Conservation issues: 

Arrange access for KEPS members through EPA for formal and regular surveys to be conducted. There is talk that the southern area is zoned for future urbanisation, which would be a real shame - as Liyah has the potential to become a great desert reserve.