Six new variants of the Terminalia cloud forest in the Dhofar Mountains of Oman

Background and Aims: The Terminalia cloud forest is endemic to a 200-km stretch of coastal mountains in southern Arabia. This research aims describe patterns variation the species composition Dhofar, Oman examine causal environmental factors. Study area: Jabal Qamar mountain range, Oman. Methods: Hierarchical cluster analysis indicator were used identify variants forest. Topoclimatic factors, vegetation characteristics disturbance factors compared between using ordination ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: Six new are described. These Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustifolia shrubland variant, Cadia purpurea-Olea europaea Euclea racemosa-Jasminum grandiflorum Gymnosporia dhofarensis-Ficus sycomorus woodland Jatropha dhofarica-Zygocarpum dhofarense sparse variant Premna resinosa-Hybanthus durus variant. A seventh was identified, which previously described by Kurschner et al. (2004); broad-leaved Blepharispermum hirtum shrubland. conditions indicate that two result anthropogenic disturbance, whilst other well separated along fog density topographic position gradients. Conclusions: Distinct from spatial variability associated with complex topography, monsoon distributions, disturbance. results this study could assist practitioners rapidly prioritise these for conservation.