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Cal Madow

Cal Madow, also known as the Golis Mountains, is a prominent mountain range in northern , situated in the region of and extending approximately 1 million hectares from the Ethiopian border in the northwest to in the northeast. This range runs parallel to the , forming a narrow coastal that rises abruptly from the surrounding arid lowlands, with elevations averaging 1,800–2,100 meters and reaching a maximum of 2,460 meters at , located 19 kilometers northwest of . The of Cal Madow is characterized by steep slopes, plateaus, and fault scarps that mark the ancient separation of the Arabian and Somalian plates, creating a diverse of rocky hillsides, shallow valleys, and stream-fed wadis. Benefiting from higher annual rainfall of over 700 millimeters—primarily from seasonal monsoons and orographic —the range supports a cooler climate with average temperatures of 20–22°C, contrasting sharply with the hot, dry deserts of northern . This elevational gradient fosters vegetation zones, from sparse desert scrub at lower altitudes (above 800 meters) to dense montane forests on upper slopes and plateaus, where moisture from and streams sustains contour-like bands of greenery. Ecologically, Cal Madow stands out as a in an otherwise ecologically impoverished region, hosting over 1,000 plant species, including approximately 200 endemics such as Boswellia sacra () and Commiphora myrrha () trees, as well as Juniperus procera, Olea africana, and various species. The area is dominated by closed and open shrublands interspersed with woodlands, providing habitat for rare and endemic animals, including the Warsangli linnet bird and other species adapted to rocky, high-altitude environments. Despite its richness, the range faces significant threats from for production, by , agricultural expansion, and human settlement, which have led to a decline in forest cover since the , underscoring the urgent need for efforts.

Geography

Location and extent

Cal Madow is a prominent mountain range situated in the region of , forming an integral part of the broader Ogo Mountains (also known as the Golis Mountains) system in the . It lies along the northern edge of the country, extending eastward from near the town of toward the border areas with , encompassing a rugged terrain that marks the transition between the Somali Peninsula's interior highlands and its coastal zones. Representative coordinates for the range place it at approximately 10°44′09″N 47°14′42″E, near key features such as the Lamadaya waterfalls. The range runs parallel to the as a narrow coastal , spanning approximately 100 km in length and varying in width from a few kilometers to about 10-20 km. Its boundaries are defined to the north by a fault line separating it from the by a narrow (often less than 1 km wide in eastern sections and up to 60 km in the west), while to the south it merges into the sub-coastal hills and the broader Ogo plateau. This positioning creates a dramatic elevational , with the range rising sharply from to its crestline averaging 1,800-2,100 m. The highest elevations in Cal Madow reach up to 2,460 m at , located about 19 km northwest of , which stands as Somaliland's loftiest peak and contributes to the range's overall maximum height of around 2,410-2,500 m across its summits. The surrounding landscape transitions from arid coastal plains dominated by scrub vegetation at lower altitudes to steeper sub-coastal hills and the montane plateaus of the range itself, influencing local ecological zonation through altitudinal variation.

Geology and topography

The Cal Madow mountain range, part of the broader Golis Mountains, is underlain by a basement complex consisting of metamorphic rocks such as schists, gneisses, and quartzites, along with igneous intrusions including granites and gabbros. Overlying this basement are thick sequences of sedimentary rocks deposited from the to the Recent periods, including Lower to continental sandstones and conglomerates of the Formation, Upper marine carbonates and shales of the Bihendula Group, fluvio-deltaic sandstones of the Nubian and Jesomma Formations, and carbonates and evaporites such as the cherty Auradu limestones (up to 380 m thick), Formation anhydrites and gypsums, and Karkar limestones. These sedimentary layers reflect a history of shallow marine, deltaic, and evaporitic environments influenced by regional sea-level changes and sedimentation patterns. The geological formation of Cal Madow is tied to tectonic processes in the , beginning with orogenic events that folded and metamorphosed the basement rocks, followed by marine transgressions and depositions. Significant uplift occurred during the to , associated with the initial rifting of the from the , and intensified in the Oligocene-Miocene with the opening of the , which produced structures and normal faulting along northwest-southeast trends. This rifting led to the elevation of the range as a fault-bounded horst block, with neotectonic activity causing further differential uplift and the development of escarpments through faulting and erosional downcutting. The northern margin is marked by a prominent fault zone that separates the uplifted plateau from the adjacent coastal plain of the . Topographically, Cal Madow exhibits steep escarpments, including the Daallo and Al Madow escarpments that form dramatic north-facing cliffs sloping toward the , narrow fault-controlled ridges, and deeply incised valleys carved by seasonal streams (toggas). The range rises from lower elevations of 700–800 meters along its southern foothills, supporting transitional zones, to high plateaus at 1,200–1,900 meters and rugged peaks exceeding 2,400 meters, with reaching 2,460 meters as the highest point. These features create a dissected with karstified plateaus in the north and more rolling hills in the east, where the range meets the coast near . The varied topography influences local microclimates by trapping moisture on windward slopes. Cal Madow harbors unexploited mineral deposits with potential for metals such as and iron, as well as gems, linked to belts and associated shear zones in the basement exposed in the Daallo and Cal Madow areas. The region is also a prospective area for oil exploration, owing to its rift basins and systems that extend from and mirror those in Yemen's and Shabwa basins, including shared source rocks like the Bihendula shales and reservoir sandstones, separated by the rift but with analogous tectono-stratigraphic evolution. Historical surveys from the mid-20th century identified shows, underscoring the basin's underexplored potential.

Climate

Weather patterns

The weather patterns of Cal Madow are shaped by its coastal position and elevation, resulting in a mild distinct from the surrounding arid lowlands. The region experiences two primary rainy periods influenced by winds from the : the Gu season from to June and the Deyr season from October to December, interspersed with dry intervals. Winters from November to February are characterized by cool, gy conditions under the northeast , which delivers relatively dry air but promotes persistent coastal that enhances . Summers, from July to September, are predominantly dry and warmer, with occasional gusty winds during the southwest transition. Prevailing wind systems play a key role in moisture distribution, as the northeast dominates the cooler months, carrying ocean air that condenses into along the slopes. This , common in the , interacts with the to sustain elevated levels, particularly near the . The southwest in summer introduces stronger winds that can bring sporadic moisture but often result in drier overall conditions inland. Microclimate variations arise from the range's , with higher elevations above 1,500 meters featuring cooler temperatures and more consistent cloud cover due to . In contrast, lower coastal areas experience warmer, more variable conditions influenced directly by sea breezes. These elevation-driven differences create localized atmospheric pockets that moderate extremes compared to the broader northern Somali coast. As a topographic barrier parallel to the coast, Cal Madow influences regional weather by channeling moist ocean air to its windward slopes, fostering wetter microclimates there while contributing to drier conditions on the leeward inland side. This dynamic enhances the range's role in creating contrasting atmospheric conditions across short distances.

Precipitation and temperature

The Cal Madow mountain range receives annual precipitation ranging from 750 to 850 mm, primarily driven by winter rains and monsoon activity, with higher totals occurring at altitudes of 700–800 m where lush forests are sustained. Fog and mist from the adjacent Gulf of Aden provide additional moisture, contributing significantly to the overall hydrological balance, though exact quantification remains limited in available studies. This precipitation regime is notably higher than in the surrounding Somali lowlands and deserts, which typically receive less than 200 mm annually. Temperatures in the Cal Madow vary markedly with altitude, maintaining a relatively stable profile overall but cooling progressively toward higher elevations. The average annual across the range is 20–22°C. In contrast, warmer conditions prevail at the coastal bases, where daytime temperatures can reach up to 30°C. These patterns are influenced by the range's , which moderates extremes compared to the arid lowlands.

Ecology

Flora

The flora of Cal Madow exhibits exceptional diversity, with approximately 1,000 species recorded, around 200 of which are endemic to the range and not found elsewhere. This botanical richness surpasses that of much of the , owing to the region's varied microclimates and isolation as a center of within the Somalia-Masai . Prominent species include the pencil cedar (), which forms remnant old-growth forests at higher elevations, and the boxwood (Buxus hildebrandtii), a key component of scrubs along the . Other notable plants are locust bean trees (Ceratonia oreothauma), linking the flora biogeographically to Mediterranean regions, and various lavender species ( spp.) that thrive in rocky, well-drained soils. Succulents such as Aloe eminens and Euphorbia mitriformis are also characteristic, with the former reaching up to 18 meters in height and featuring striking red inflorescences. Vegetation transitions across altitudinal zones, reflecting the influence of , seasonal rains, and that trap moisture to support forest growth despite the arid surroundings. At intermediate elevations of 700–800 m, lush montane woodlands dominated by and species prevail, interspersed with and trees. Lower slopes feature arid scrub communities of sparse - bushland, gradually giving way to semi-desert vegetation on the coastal plains. Higher escarpments host denser evergreen scrubs with , , Cadia, , and , culminating in forests on plateaus and peaks. Distinctive elements include extensive frankincense groves of Boswellia frereana and B. sacra, which form critical habitats in sub-coastal and escarpment areas and support unique mycorrhizal associations. A botanical survey in 1995, led by Mats Thulin as part of the Flora of Somalia project, identified eight previously unknown plant species, highlighting ongoing discoveries in this under-explored area.

Fauna

The Cal Madow mountain range supports a notable diversity of fauna adapted to its montane and arid environments, including over 300 bird species, dozens of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, many of which are rare or endemic due to the region's isolation. This fauna is richer than in much of the surrounding Horn of Africa, with species thriving in varied elevations from coastal escarpments to highland forests. The area's remoteness has preserved habitats for undiscovered endemics, contributing to its status as a regional biodiversity hotspot amid the ecologically arid Horn region. Key avian species include the Warsangli linnet (Linaria johannis), an endangered endemic restricted to the juniper forests of higher elevations, where it forages in the canopy. The Somali pigeon (Columba oliviae), also endemic to and classified as , inhabits the escarpments and sub-coastal hills, often near rocky outcrops. Another notable bird is the (Rhynchostruthus louisae), a adapted to forested and areas in the range. Among mammals, the vulnerable beira (Dorcatragus megalotis), a small arid-adapted species endemic to the , occurs in the limestone hills and escarpments, with sightings of groups recorded in 2009. Reptiles in Cal Madow, part of the Somali montane xeric woodlands ecoregion, include endemics such as the snake Spalerosophis josephscorteccii, which favor the rocky, semi-arid slopes and plateaus. Forest-dwelling species, like certain birds and small mammals, rely on the higher-elevation woodlands for shelter and food, while arid-adapted such as antelopes and reptiles dominate the lower escarpments and coastal plains. The isolation of these habitats fosters high rates, with at least four endemic birds and several vertebrate species unique to the area, underscoring its importance for regional .

Conservation

Threats

The Cal Madow mountain range, also known as the Golis Mountains, faces significant environmental threats primarily from human activities that degrade its unique ecosystems. driven by local wood harvesting for construction, fuel, and , as well as production for , has led to substantial loss, with unregulated cutting exposing slopes to further . by livestock, intensified during droughts when pastoralists seek refuge in the range, compacts soils and prevents regeneration, exacerbating across the approximately 1 million hectares of historical . Additional risks include potential disruptions from oil and gas exploration activities in , which could involve seismic surveys and infrastructure development that disturb sensitive habitats and increase risks. further compounds these pressures by intensifying aridity in the surrounding lowlands, reducing overall water availability and pushing more into the range, while altered rainfall patterns threaten the moisture-dependent within it. In June-July 2025, a massive ravaged the Daallo Mountains within Cal Madow, burning approximately 60 square kilometers of pristine woodland and farmland, further threatening endemic species habitats and underscoring vulnerabilities to natural disasters amid ongoing human pressures. These threats result in the loss of habitats for endemic , such as trees and unique shrublands, diminishing the range's role as a refuge in an otherwise arid region. Soil erosion on steep slopes accelerates due to vegetation removal, leading to in downstream areas and long-term land productivity decline. Habitat preservation in Cal Madow largely depends on local communities, who derive up to 90% of their benefits from the but face increasing extraction pressures. External factors, such as regional conflicts involving groups like Al-Shabaab that profit from the , heighten vulnerability by limiting and efforts.

Protection efforts

The local population in the region has played a central role in preserving the habitats of the Cal Madow range through traditional practices, including customary management of trees by elders' councils that regulate harvesting to prevent . These systems, rooted in the , emphasize sustainable resource use and have helped limit in key forest areas like Daallo. Community-based initiatives, such as the ECOTERRA program since 1989 in the Juniper forests, further involve local Warsangeli clan leaders in promoting and drought-resistant farming to safeguard . A pivotal 1995 botanical survey led by Dr. Mats Thulin of , in collaboration with the Flora of Somalia project, documented around 1,000 plant species in Cal Madow, including 200 endemics and eight new discoveries, significantly raising awareness of the range's unique and underscoring the need for . This effort informed subsequent proposals, such as the 2006 Fauna & Flora International initiative recommending the re-establishment of Cal Madow as a to protect its forests, study , and address gully erosion and unsustainable practices like production. The Daallo within the range has been recognized as a reserve, highlighting potential for broader status to mitigate exploitation from timber cutting and . Modern initiatives build on these foundations, with projects like Save Frankincense focusing on research and sustainable frankincense economies to combat threats such as over-tapping and , while engaging local communities in balancing tree health with livelihoods. The European Union-funded "Your Environment is Your Life" project (2013–2017) supported sustainable land management in through village development committees, including regreening and controls. Calls for international aid persist to strengthen anti-deforestation measures, including community dialogues on sustainable harvesting. These efforts have achieved partial success in maintaining through traditional oversight and targeted interventions, though formal policies remain essential to regulate emerging pressures from the minerals and oil sectors.

History

Exploration and surveys

Exploration of the Cal Madow range prior to the was minimal, with scant documented records reflecting the remote and rugged terrain that limited access. During the under British administration, the area formed part of broader surveys of the Ogo Mountains in , including geographical and topographical assessments conducted as part of mapping efforts. Ecological studies of Cal Madow in the late focused on patterns and contributed foundational to understanding the range's high levels of plant within the . These investigations highlighted woodland associations on substrates unique to the region, aiding later assessments. A landmark botanical expedition took place in January 1995, when a team led by Dr. Mats Thulin of conducted a survey on behalf of the of Somalia project. This effort documented the range's diverse , resulting in the documentation of numerous species and contributions to the of Somalia, underscoring Cal Madow's role as a center of floral , with findings integrated into subsequent volumes of the of Somalia. In the 2000s, geological assessments targeted the range's potential mineral and hydrocarbon resources, building on earlier reconnaissance to evaluate deposits amid Somaliland's post-independence resource mapping. These activities identified prospects for oil exploration, given the range's geological continuity with Yemeni petroleum systems across the Gulf of Aden. Aerial and satellite imagery has further advanced documentation of Cal Madow's features, particularly its forested highlands. NASA's Landsat 8 captured detailed views in 2015, revealing deeply incised plateaus and vegetation contrasts against surrounding deserts. Similarly, the European Space Agency's analysis of ALOS data from 2014 emphasized the range's ecological diversity, including endemic plant habitats visible in darker vegetated patches. More recent assessments, such as the 2020 World Bank Country Environmental Analysis, have continued to document the range's ecological and resource challenges.

Tourism and human use

Cal Madow's rugged terrain and diverse ecosystems have long attracted interest for , particularly and eco-tourism activities that highlight its unique montane forests and coastal escarpments. In the late , the range was promoted as a destination for enthusiasts, but tourism declined sharply due to the [Somali Civil War](/page/Somali Civil War) and ongoing regional instability, which disrupted access and safety. Recent efforts focus on its potential revival through small-scale, sustainable initiatives to diversify local incomes while protecting . Human settlements in the Cal Madow range are sparse, primarily consisting of nomadic and semi-nomadic pastoralist communities in the region who rely on the mountain slopes for seasonal of such as , sheep, and camels. These groups access natural sources like springs and seasonal streams on the escarpments, supporting their traditional livelihoods amid the arid surroundings. The area's isolation and challenging limit permanent villages, with nearby towns like and Badhan serving as hubs. Economic activities center on the traditional harvesting of resin from trees, which grows wild in the Cal Madow forests and provides a vital source for local harvesters, often comprising a significant portion of household revenue in the absence of other opportunities. Communities collect the resin through sustainable tapping methods passed down generations, exporting it globally for use in perfumes, , and , though overharvesting poses risks to tree populations. Beyond resins, rearing dominates, with potential for expanded non-timber products like production. Sustainable eco-tourism is seen as a complementary economic avenue, offering guided treks and cultural experiences to generate employment and reduce pressure on forest resources. Local clans, particularly the Warsangeli and elements of the and , regard Cal Madow as a cherished site integral to their , with the mountains holding cultural and ancestral value reflected in oral traditions and community practices. These groups contribute to its preservation through customary , viewing the range as a tied to heritage.

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