The Al-Reem Biosphere Reserve is located on the northwest coast of Qatar, 65 kilometres from Doha. Recognised by UNESCO in 2007, it is one of the twenty-four biosphere reserves in the Middle East. Its area of 446 mi² (1,154 km²) represents about 10% of the total area of Qatar. The landscapes of the reserve are punctuated by mesas in the Zekreet Peninsula and higher limestone formations (maximum 196 feet or 60 metres in altitude) such as the Dukhan Anticline. Salt marshes occasionally border the coastal areas. Due to its vegetation and semi-arid climate, this region is one of the best for the reintroduction of wildlife species that are almost extinct in Qatar, such as Arabian gazelles and oryx as well as ostriches. The human occupation of this reserve is characterised by a mosaic of ecological systems. There are irrigated farms, traditional villages, archaeological ruins, fishermen, date palm plantations and semi-nomadic livestock.