Cal Madow
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[edit] Ecological Importance of Calmadow Mountain, N.E, Somalia
Cal Madow (also Al Medu, Calmadow or Al Mado) is the mountain range, which situates in the northeastern Somalia extending from several kilometers west of Bosasso to the north west of Erigavo. The thickly closed mountain forest has an altitude between 700-800 m above sea level with a mean annual rainfall of 750-850mm. The highest peak of the mountain range is 2500m at Shembir beris north west of Erigavo, in addition to the rainfall Calmadow receive additional precipitation, fogs and winter rains which support isolated forests such as Juniperus, Buxus etc, mist also appears to be important in relation to the distribution of Juniperus (Dayib) which is one of the species utilized as timber by the local people. The Buxus (Dhoqos), (Dayib) and Celtis (boodaar) poles are cut from living trees in the evergreen forest for timber production. The discovery of the locust bean (Ceratonia), Lavanders and many other species has emphasized the many links Calmadow highlands have with the Mediterranean region.
Despite the current changes in land-use,? Cal Madow has internationally valuable un-exploited mineral deposits and unique natural habitats, which are part of Somalias heritage. Al Medo is considered world-class exploration plays with a petroleum system identical to and formerly contiguous with those within the Republic of Yemen. Floristically, Calmadow has approximately 1,000 plant species, 200 of which are endemic and found in this area only. The Calmadow and its neighboring areas are also richer faunitically than other parts of Somalia and harbor some of the rarest and most localized Somalias endemic species. Here a Linnet (Warsanghelia johannis, Acanthus olivae (Pigeon) and Golden-winged Grosbeak occur, as well as color full antelope, the Dorctrgus megalotis (Beira) and different species of Gazelles.
[edit] The Environment of CalMadow and its Protection
The conservation of tropical forests is now a major international concern since they contain approximately 50% of all species and play important roles in prevention of flooding, siltation, soil erosion, water catchments and regulation of climate.
Calmadows environment suffered greatly in recent years, along with its ecology, many of which are unique to Calmadow. Most of the remaining forests are small and fragmented and none are protected. Although the local knowledge of natural resources in Calmadow is great, agriculturally and social projects, United Nations and foreign-aided development schemes usually fail to consider or make use of this knowledge.
Detailed studies of conserving the Calmadow is needed to highlight the present status of these areas and provide guidelines for sustainable agricultural use and point to the benefits of conserving scarce forest resources, with the lack of proper utilization and conservation and the continuation of destroying the plants, then the livestock and the plants will die together and there will be nothing left for many generations to come. There are so many under-exploited Calmadow plants that their proper study and assessment would be sure to yield benefit both to the people and to medical science.
The flora of Somalia contains more than 3000 species of vascular plants and is thus much richer than that of Sahel region in general and this constitutes unique genetic resources. Of the 156 plant families recorded from Somalia about 21% are restricted to the north, while 11% are found in the south. Somalia houses a greater number of endemic plant species, many of which occur in the north and eastern regions notably Calmadow. Most of these species are beautiful herbs, which occur nowhere else in the world.
[edit] BOTANICAL SURVEY IN CAL MADOW RANGE
In January 1995, a Team of Botanists led by Dr. Mats Thulin of the Uppsala University, Sweden visited the Calmadow range, on behalf of Flora Somalia Project based in Uppsala. The survey was the most extensive botanical survey ever done in the area. About eight new species were discovered and this shows how far the area remained untouched for so many years. Many more plant species surely remain untouched for. A further full ecological research and investigation will undoubtedly provide many more new records for the country.
Furthermore, The area houses an important germplasm, which needs protection from the over-exploitation and senseless destruction of the humans. On the basis of the recent botanical survey in Calmadow, the team recommends that the Calmadow forest should be conserved as a national monument. They play an important role in the mountainous ecosystem and represent a valuable natural resource.
In addition, the forests offer unique opportunities for education and research. The agricultural benefit of clearing of those forests would be negligible. The development of wildlife reserve would be the use of these areas in Calmadow. International support should encourage the development of a Study Center, which would increase awareness of the value of forest and provide long-term employment benefits. Some of the degraded forest should be brought to a more natural state while other areas are developed for timber, fuel-wood and honey production. Improved systems of the present farming, education and medical facilities are crucial to the success of the Wildlife Reserve.
Finally and more importantly, despite the civil war that ravaged Somalia, the Calmadow region(Sanaag) remains relatively calm and peaceful. Therefore, the area is very safe for any project, the local people are very supportive, and peace minded. This has been fully confirmed by the Botanist Team who recently visited the area.
[edit] References
- Worldwildlife
- Thulin, M. 1994. Cal Madow, Somalia and Hobyo, Somalia.
In: S. D. Davis, V. H. Heywood & C. Hamilton (eds.), Centres of Plant Diversity, a guide and strategy for their conservation, Vol. 1: 194-197.
- Szymanski, Telka. "Fatima Jibrell: Nursing Nature Worldpress. July 2002.
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