Saudi Gazette report The Raidah Protected Area is one of the smallest wildlife reserves in the Kingdom. Covering an area of only 9 sq. km, Raidah is an oasis of wildlife for many of Saudi Arabia's endangered species. Located 20 km northwest of the southern city of Abha on the steep slope below Jabal Saudah, this natural reserve is home to unique flora and fauna. Raidah is famous not only for its traditional houses but also for its picturesque places, including banana gardens, coffee plantations and a wide variety of plants. Raidah is known as the “paradise” of Sarawat, which is the mountain range running parallel to the western coast of the Arabian Peninsula, according to a report in Al-Riyadh daily. Well-known for its biodiversity, Raidah is home to nearly 100 species of birds and more than 332 kinds of plants. The steep slopes of the region are densely covered with plants and trees, especially juniper trees, and there are several streams flowing from the height of the mountain and down to various parts of Raidah. The cliff at Raidah is considered part of the Arabian Shield, which is an exposure of Precambrian crystalline rocks on the flanks of the Red Sea. Raidah is a natural reserve, which is home to wide variety of plants and trees. At the top of the cliff, there is a forest of juniper trees and wild olive plants, acacia and several species of cactus. There is a high proportion of diverse and dense vegetation and plantations on the southern, western and northern mountain slopes, and these include banana trees and coffee plantations. There are also various types of flowers growing in this reserve. This crucible of nature and wildlife reserve is managed by the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development. There are several waterways flowing into Raidah and some of them flow through different paths to the juniper forest. The unique plant life here is home to nine of the 10 indigenous bird species of Saudi Arabia, including the Arabian red-legged partridge, Arabian serin, Arabian waxbill, Asir magpie, Philby's rock partridge, South Arabian wheatear and Yemen warbler. It has been recorded that the reserve is home to more than 98 species of birds and an additional 25 species in its surroundings, which means that this protected area houses about 25 percent of bird species found across the Kingdom. Moreover, several migratory birds from Europe and Africa can be found in the area. The steep walls of the Raidah valley are great for spotting many animals, including gazelles, mongoose and leopards. Baboons, caracal lynx and Arabian wolves also roam the area, where there is a ban on hunting. The Asir National Park, spread over an area of 455,000 hectares, is situated adjacent to Raidah. Established in 1980, this is the first national park in the Kingdom. The park contains a series of parks established with the objective of preserving the natural environment in the region. Raidah's northern border is close to Mount Saudah, the highest peak in the Kingdom with an altitude of 3,250 meters above sea level. Covering an area of 883 hectares, Saudah is reputed for the Sadar honey produced there. Saudah is known for the high amount of rainfall it receives and a thick, dense forest of trees. Visitors can also see ancient rock-carved inscriptions and drawings, and given the opportunity, they can climb down the steep cliffs and see various types of wildlife.
