Aseer Biodiversity Strengthened By Protection And Rehabilitation Efforts This Winter

Aseer Region, in southwest Saudi Arabia, holds one of the Kingdom’s richest biodiversity areas, yet experts warn that this natural asset is under strain. Changes in rainfall, fog levels, and human activity place pressure on forests, rangelands, and native trees.

Environmental expert Saeed Al-Suhaimi told the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that lower rainfall and reduced fog already affect highland ecosystems. Juniper trees, which depend heavily on moisture, show clear signs of stress, while soil erosion and land fissures continue to spread.

During winter, Aseer Region’s landscapes change into dense green belts, especially across highlands and plains. Mountain peaks, valleys, and coastal zones all support varied plant life, creating an active environment where flowering trees, shrubs, and grasses provide important food sources for bees.

Fruit cultivation highlights this seasonal richness. Almonds, peaches, and plums thrive in Aseer’s highlands during the colder months, helped by the cooler climate and moist conditions. These orchards support local farmers and add to the region’s ecological and agricultural diversity.

In contrast, Tihama’s lowland strip experiences its own cycle. Early spring in this part of Aseer Region brings strong vegetation growth, with grasses and shrubs covering wide areas. Tropical trees such as mango start flowering, helping renew plant cover after the dry period.

The region’s varied elevations create several habitats that host distinctive local species. Acacia and tamarisk trees grow beside desert shrubs, while wild flowering plants appear across slopes and valleys. These plants supply honey and pollen, supporting beekeeping activities and broader biodiversity within Aseer Region.

However, Al-Suhaimi explained that human impacts have increased steadily. Excessive logging weakens forest structure, while land reclamation and urban expansion remove large areas of natural vegetation. These changes alter drainage patterns, increase soil loss, and reduce space for native plants to regenerate.

The spread of invasive plant species across Aseer Region adds another threat to biodiversity. These non-native plants compete with local species for water, nutrients, and light. Over time, they change habitat conditions, reduce local variety, and disturb ecological balance in both mountains and lowlands.

Recurring droughts compound these pressures on vegetation. Al-Suhaimi noted that natural pastures still exist in many mountain areas, yet communities rely on them less because productivity falls. This decline affects livestock numbers and reduces their traditional environmental role in shaping rangelands.

Al-Suhaimi stressed that Aseer’s forests do not manage themselves without help. Long-term protection and rehabilitation plans are necessary to restore degraded sites, support native trees, and control harmful practices. Current programmes are still at early stages but mark a step toward conserving this environmental heritage for future generations. -- SPA 19:38 Local Time 16:38 GMT 0061

With inputs from SPA