Eleven additional potential IBAs were
identified in Yemen, which included the vast gravel plain along
the coast west of Aden, which supports mature acacia savanna,
where the continued presence of Arabian bustard was confirmed (one
record). This area may still hold a nationally important
population of the species. One of the largest remaining tracts of
juniper forest in Yemen, discovered on Jabal Iraf on the old
North/South Yemen border north of Aden, supported populations of
Arabian woodpecker Dendrocopos dorae, Arabian waxbill and
golden-winged grosbeak, as well as plain nightjar Caprimulgus
inornatus (of which there are only very few previous records
from Yemen). In the Mahra region of eastern Yemen there is a
substantial zone of drought deciduous woodland, covering many
square kilometers (an extension of the Dhofar region in Oman),
which probably supports the highest breeding density of
golden-winged grosbeak in Yemen, together with spotted eagle owl
Bubo africanus and breeding didric cuckoo Chrysococcyx
caprius. A largely unvegetated desert plain ca. 40km west of
al-Ghayda, (ca.QB09) held a small population of lappet-faceted
vultures Torgos tracheliotus. Internationally important numbers
of crab plovers Dromas ardeola (170) were found on the
Dhubab Flats, on the Red Sea coast north of Bab al-Mandab, along
with large numbers of migratory waders. Other notable finds
involving migratory species included substantial passage of rufous
bush robin Cercotrichas galactotes and barred warbler
Sylvia nisoria. In contrast was the complete absence of
Abyssinian roller Coracias abyssinicus, a rains-migrant
from sub-Saharan Africa.
On Socotra, sites on the lowland coastal
plain, through the mid-altitude zone and up to montane habitats of
about 1,100 m, were surveyed. The island's four endemic bird
species were all found, three in good numbers: Socotra sunbird
Nectarinia balfouri (very common), Socotra Warbler
Cisticola incana (relatively common in suitable habitats)
and Socotra grackle Onycognathus frater (also relatively
common in suitable habitats). Somewhat surprisingly perhaps, only
one Socotra bunting Emberiza socotrana was discovered, in
rocky terrain at about 400 m. In contrast its congener the
cinnamon-breasted rock bunting Emberiza tahapisi was
encountered frequently in many habitats. Several sites merited
IBA status, in particular Wadi Ayhaft, a well-vegetated wadi on
the north coast. The Socotra race of rufous sparrow Passer
motitensis insularis (considered by some to be a separate
species) is abundant. Forbe-Watson's swift Apus berliozi
is a fairly common mid-high altitude species. One individual
was mist-netted.
