Nature Reserves in Jordan
A part of Jordan's heritage
Over 40 years ago, while roaming Jordan’s familiar mountains, plains and valleys in search of game, hunters began noticing a serious decline in wildlife, along with the deterioration that had slowly crept into the heart of some of the country’s most beautiful natural sites. In place of the vibrant wildlife they had become accustomed to, they came across an almost tangible feeling of scarcity – a shadow of a past still fresh in their minds. With these memories in hand, they were filled with a sense of purpose and a need for drastic action to reverse or at least control the unchecked damage that had been steadily threatening Jordan’s wildlife and wild places.
The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) is a realization of these young hunters’ pioneering vision to protect and conserve Jordan’s nature; despite the limitations such actions would inevitably place on their favorite pastime. What began in 1966 as a small society comprised of a few dedicated and inspired individuals, has now evolved itself into a locally, regionally, and internationally recognized environmental organization that is integral to the conservation of nature in Jordan.
There are six nature reserves in Jordan
• Dana Biosphere Reserve South-central 320 square kilometers (124 sq mi) 1993 Largest nature reserve in Jordan
• Mujib Nature Reserve Eastern shore of the Dead Sea 220 square kilometers (85 sq mi) 1987 lowest nature reserve in the world
• Ajloun Forest Reserve Northwest 13 square kilometers (5 sq mi) 1988
• Dibeen Forest Reserve Northwest 8.5 square kilometers (3 sq mi) 2004 Newest and smallest reserve in Jordan
• Azraq Wetland Reserve Northeast 12 square kilometers (5 sq mi) 1978 Only wetland reserve in Jordan
• Shaumari Wildlife Reserve Northeast 22 square kilometers (8 sq mi) 1975
Dana Biosphere Reserve, often simply called Dana Nature Reserve, is Jordan's largest reserve, located in and around the town of Dana in the mountains east of Wadi Araba. The geography of the reserve is characterized by steep cliffs in rocky wadis covered by small trees and shrubs. The varied geology switches from limestone to sandstone to granite. Some illegal activities such as grazing and woodcutting continue. Illegal hunting threatens Ibex and Chukar populations.
Mujib Nature Reserve, commonly known as Wadi Mujib, is a long canyon feeding the Dead Sea running through the ancient region of Moab and the lowest nature reserve in the world. Directly east of the Dead Sea, Wadi Mujib is made up by a network of freshwater streams, making an otherwise arid area more fertile. The lush riverbeds provide support for aquatic plants. As well as containing 300 species of plants, Wadi Mujib contains at least 10 species of carnivores and other animals, including the Hyrax, Badger, and the Nubian Ibex which was reintroduced into the wild by RSCN. Illegal hunting continues to impede efforts to reach a sustainable number of wild Ibexes.
Ajloun Forest Reserve is in north Jordan, near Jerash and Ajloun, and close to the Ajloun Castle. The reserve consists of rolling hills in a Mediterranean-like environment, covered in Evergreen Oaks, as well as strawberry and pistachio trees, among others. Stone martens, Jackals, Red Foxes, Striped Hyenas, Persian Squirrels, porcupines, and wolves inhabit this area. Privately owned lands surrounding the reserve pose threats, including illegitimate access to the reserve, resulting in illegal hunting, woodcutting, and grazing. Cooperation with local inhabitants has resulted in increased awareness in the community regarding the preservation of the forest.
Dibeen Forest, close to the ancient Roman city of Jerash, is the newest reserve in Jordan, established in 2004. The forest is a pine-oak habitat, housing the Aleppo Pine and marking the geographical limit of this type of forest. Animal inhabitants such as the Persian Squirrel were main reasons for the establishment of the reserve and were considered top priority. Strawberry, pistachio, and wild olive trees also grow in the reserve. Trash, notably plastic, presents a major problem in the reserve, often the result of careless visitors.
The Azraq Wetlands, located in Jordan's eastern desert near the town of Azraq, is RSCN's only wetlands reserve. The reserve, once a popular stopover for millions of migratory birds going from Africa to Eurasia, is now severely depleted due to over-pumping to support Jordan's growing population. In 1978, the reserve was established as an effort to conserve the oasis. Between 1981 and 1993, water levels decreased sharply, concluding with the drying up of the springs in 1992. Azraq today only makes up 0.04% of its former size. Water levels are maintained by RSCN in order to save indigenous fish species such as the Azraq Killfish and to keep the site a tourist destination. Efforts have been partially successful; some birds have returned and killfish have increased in numbers, but attempts to increase the water mass by 10% of the original size have been unsuccessful. Water pumping and lack of manpower and wetland experience keep water levels at a low.
Shaumari Wildlife Reserve is located in the eastern Jordanian desert, close to Azraq Wetland Reserve. The geology comprises desert wadis making up 65% of the area and Hammada areas covered in black flint forming 35% of the reserve. Founded in 1975, Shaumari was founded for the wildlife in the desert area. One of the main goals of the reserve has been to bring back locally extinct species, notably the Arabian Oryx, into the wild. In 1978, 4 Arabian Oryxs were brought to the reserve for a breeding program. Starting in 1983, 31 Oryxs were released into the wild, successfully returning the Oryx into its native environment. Other species, such as ostriches, Persian Onagers, and gazelles reside in the reserve. Before the establishment of the reserve, hunting nearly annihilated local animal populations, a problem which RSCN has been successful in dealing with.
One of the big problems for a tourist wishing to visit any of these Reserves is that they are not well served by public transport. It is virtually essential to have a car if you are considering going to any of them.
These Nature Reserves are a part of Jordan's heritage; they are a must for naturalists and bird watchers, or whom interesting for hikers and trekkers.