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Water : Some permanent water seeps are present at several points in
the reserve. Nearest the track in the upper central region is a spring fitted with a tap
to provide an ablution site for a small praying area.
Vegetation : Relatively undisturbed, mature juniper woodland, dominated by
Juniperus procera down to around 1700 m asl, with sclerophyllous scrub and
succulents such as Aloe providing cover below 1700 m asl. There is a zone of juniper
die-back below ~2300 m asl, that has attracted research attention in recent years.
The reserve contains eight endemic or near endemic plant species, and 25 species
that are rare in Saudi Arabia.
Scenic values : The upper reaches of the reserve provide panoramic views over
dense juniper cloud forest.
Key animals : The following mammals have been recorded in Raydah:
Arabian wolf (Canis lupus), striped hyena (Hyena hyena), Hamadryas baboon (Papio
hamadryas), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), caracal (Felis caracal), wild cat and feral cat (F.
silvestris), African small-spotted genet (Genetta felina), ratel (Mellivora capensis),
Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica), Wagner's gerbil (G. dasyurus), King jird
(Meriones rex), Egyptian spiny mouse (Acomys cahorinus), Rock rat (Praomys
fumatus), and severla species of bat, including Geoffroy’s bat (Myotis emarginatus),
and the Epauleted fruit bat (Epomophorus labiatus). Arabian leopards (Panthera
pardus nimr) have been recorded in the region in recent times, but are no longer
believed to be present.
The current bird list for Raydah contains 125 species, including a high
density of endemic species and resident or breeding Afro-tropical forest species.
Probability of seeing top six key animals :
Endemic birds 2
Hamadryas baboon 2
Wild cat/red fox 3
Porcupine 3
Genet/ratel 4
Hyena/wolf 4
Key sites : Dense mature juniper woodland above 2300 m asl contains the
highest biodiversity.
Key seasons : Rock falls and washouts during early spring and summer
rainfall may make the unsealed track hazardous.
Cultural Features
Traditional uses : The Raydah area has, and still is, used for cattle and goat
herding, although this considered incompatible with the preservation of the natural
vegetation. Bee-keeping also continues in the reserve; the hives are tended by
residents of Raydah village at the bottom of the escarpment. Some collection of dead
wood takes place.
Cultural importance : With a plant list of around 350 recorded species, it is possible
that Raydah provides incidental protection for plants used in traditional medicines.
Raydah has been a hema (traditional form of protected area) for the protection of
trees for at least 200 years
Historical features : There are some stone watch towers that are at least 100
years old, in the lower reaches of the escarpment, possibly just outside the lower
boundary of the reserve.