Al Reem Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 2007, in Qatar. The suite of ecotypes in the Al Reem Biosphere Reserve is representative of those found across much of the arid, desert-like Middle East biogeographic region. The varied habitat types between higher limestone mesas and low-lying sabkha plains encompass all but a few of the key Middle Eastern desert ecotypes. The varied forms of land use within the reserve create a complex mosaic of ecological systems. The reserve encompasses open gravel plain grazing pastures interspersed with water-draining wadis, numerous point-source irrigated crop farming operations, traditional Arabian village communities, a limited distribution of commercial and industrial operations, wildlife management and breeding centres, archaeological ruins, traditional artisanal fishing communities, date palm plantations and semi-nomadic animal husbandry.