Erf Mountain Natural Reserve

Erf Mountain Natural Reserve, also known as Jabal Erf Forest, is a mountainous natural area located in Al-Maqatirah District, Lahj Governorate, in southern Yemen. Situated on the northwestern slopes of the Maqatirah mountain range, the reserve forms a transitional ecological zone between the hot coastal plains and the cool, humid highlands.
Rising between 800 and 1,500 meters above sea level, the area is characterized by steep slopes, seasonal rainfall, and frequent fog during winter months. The reserve is renowned for its juniper woodlands and exceptional biological diversity, supporting a wide range of plant species, including rare and endemic flora, as well as diverse wildlife such as mammals, reptiles, and numerous bird species.
Traditional agriculture, grazing, and beekeeping continue to be practiced by local communities within and around the reserve.

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Erf Mountain Natural Reserve was submitted in 2025 to the UNESCO Tentative List in Yemen.