Cal Madow - Ecology

Ecology

The dense mountain forest sits at an altitude of between 700–800 m above sea level, and has a mean annual rainfall of 750–850 mm. In addition to rainfall, Cal Madow receives additional precipitation in the form of fog and winter rains, which sustain isolated forests of juniperus, buxus etc. Mist also appears to be important in the distribution of juniperus (dayib), one of the species locals use for timber. For timber production, the buxus (dhoqos), buxus and celtis (boodaar) poles are cut from living trees in the evergreen forest. The discovery of the locust bean (ceratonia), lavenders and many other plant species has emphasized the many links the Cal Madow highlands have with the Mediterranean region. The Lamadaya waterfalls is one of the best scenery in Cal Madow.

Despite the current changes in land use, Cal Madow has internationally valuable unexploited mineral deposits and unique natural habitats. It is considered a key area for oil exploration, and has a petroleum system identical to and formerly contiguous with those within the Republic of Yemen. Florally, Cal Madow has approximately 1,000 plant species, 200 of which are only found this mountain range.

Cal Madow and adjacent areas also have richer fauna than many other parts of Somalia, and harbor some of the rarest and most localized of Somalia's endemic animal species. Here, linnets (Warsanghelia johannis), pigeons (acanthus olivae) and golden-winged grosbeaks can be observed, as can antelopes such as the beira (dorcatragus megalotis), and different sub-species of gazelle.