Nature conservation in Jordan arose from a former hunting club when it became apparent that many key species were being shot out of existence. The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) once had a hunting lodge at Azraq. It was very much a period piece with hunting trophies displayed around the walls. This has been demolished to make way for a splendid modern lodge, conference centre, and craft workshop. RSCN sites currently include:
Azraq Wetland:
This consists of 12km2 of desert oasis. Over 330 species of bird have been recorded here, over half of which are migratory including many of the African and Palaearctic species, which pass through in spring and autumn. Because of its importance the reserve was recognised by the Ramsar Convention in 1977 as an international station for migratory wildfowl. The widely varied plant cover includes dense masses of aquatic species such as Typha, Giant Reed, in the marshes, as well as clumps of Prickly Sea Rush, Nitraria, and Tamarix. On the silt dunes large bushes, including Tamarix, surround the pools. Snakes, lizards, frogs and fish are plentiful together with an abundance of invertebrate fauna. Confirmed mammals include the Asiatic jackal, wolf, Red fox and Striped hyena. Water buffalo are employed to maintain the open water area and prevent reed encroachment.
Shaumari Wildlife Reserve:
This 22km2 reserve was created in 1967 as Jordan’s first wildlife reserve. 60% consists of wadi spreads, the remainder limestone hammada. The area was totally fenced off in preparation for the introduction of blue-necked ostrich (extinct in Jordan since 1964), Syrian wild ass (Onager - extinct since the 1920’s) and pure Arabian gazelle, which is also found in Wadi Araba. In 1978 the first herd of Arabian Oryx was introduced. Thirty-one were released from pens in 1983. The successful breeding programme has seen an increase to 10% of the world population. Biologists at he University of Jordan are studying the effects of grazing on the vegetation. Striped hyena and Red fox are still visitors. Other mammals include Common Red wolf, Wagner’s and Sundevalles Gerbil, House mouse, Cape hare, Lesser jerboa, and Wild cat.
