UTMAH: Wildlife Sanctuary [Archives:1999/13/Culture]

A seminar was held during the period 14-15 March 1999 to declare Utma a protected district, in order to preserve nature and the wild life. The seminar was organized by the agricultural society in Utma in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Council and various other parties.
A Historical Glimpse of Utma District
Location:
Utma district lies within the natural extension of the As-Sarah range of mountains that begin in Aden and end at southern peripheries of the Fertile Crescent and the northern part of the Arabian Peninsula. These are mountainous plateaus in the internal central highlands.
Utma district is made up of high mountains over which straddles the terraces and grazing grounds. It has forests, many internal valleys, flood courses and is the crucible in which gathers the rain water coming down from the high slopes.
The lowest point in Utma region is 920m above sea level, while the highest point is about 2,600 – 2,800m above sea level.
The medicinal and perennial trees has produced an environmental and biological balance. The presence of a verdant and extensive cover has made the district’s population bound to the raising of many numbers and types of animals and birds. This also has resulted in providing new sources of income for the residents of the district.
Area:
The aerial area between the eastern and western boundaries is 232 km and the utmost width of the district from the northern and southern sides is 27 km.
Natural beauty:
Utma is distinguished by its verdant plains and mountains and the diversity of its climate. It also differs from other Yemeni regions owing to the presence of perennial, medicinal and odorous trees, such as Cordia africana, Ficus vasta, Acacia Etbaica, Aloe.
Civilization landmarks:
We have presented a very brief glimpse of Utma districts history. It is a must that we also mention part of its distinctive landmarks, the most important of which are the numerous historic citadels and fortresses scattered throughout the district. Each landmark, of course, has its colorful history filled with successive events since centuries.
Population:
According to the 1994 population census the district has a population of some 131,628 persons, out of them 122,008 persons resident in the district and 9,620 internal and external emigrants.
Agricultural Crops:
Utma, district is considered to be a principal producer of various cereals, especially fine sorghum of 12 types which is exported to many regions of the Republic. Furthermore, the mountainous farming terraces and the district’s wadis produce white and yellow maize, millet, wheat barley and various types of tubular. The region is also unique in the production of all types of vegetables and fruit, such as orange, lemon, mango, papaya, mandarin, plums, guava, various types of tamarind and apricots. It also produces ordinary and circular coffee.

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