Implementing measures to control invasive alien species in Wadi Gharaba Special Conservation Area
وضع اجراءات للحد منالانواعالغازیة في منطقة وادي غربة الھامة بیئیا
Supported by the GEF Small Grants programme in Jordan
This project was carried out succesfully during 2022-2023 and included field work and a training workshop in cooperation with local groups of interest, and preparing technical reports. The project demonstrated the economic benefits and means of controlling invasive mesquite Prosopis juliflora.
The project also included studying the impacts of invasive common myna on farms and on native bird spcies. Further activities included maintenance of the signs around Wadi Gharaba SCA and means of restoring the wetland ecosystem. These are the final activities of the current management plan for protecting the bird habitats along Wadi Gharaba SCA. which was completely implemented by Jordan BirdWatch during the previous five years (2019-2023). The management plan for the next five years is currently being up-dated to continue efforts for saving the remnant marsh-like bird habitat, according to previous acheivements and lessons learned.
Demonstrating means of controlling invasive mesquite Prosopis juliflora
Prosopis juliflora is one of the worst invasive plants worldwide and in the Jordan Valley, it is spreading rapidly due to livestock grazing and is an indicator of intensive disturbances. Once it dominates, it causes further deterioration of ecosystem functions, by competing with native trees and consuming large amounts of ground water. Different approaches were used to control the growth of this invasive plant in Wadi Gharaba. The utilization of P. juliflora pods as alternative feed is one of these approaches. The other is harvesting the trees for their wood.
As conclusion of this project’s activities,
P. juliflora pods are a valuable source of nutrition for ruminants, providing a range of nutrients that can help to improve animal growth and health. Our studies show that fattening Awassi lambs’ diets containing P. juliflora pods did not adversely affect animal health or nutrient intakes. In addition, boy weight of weaning lambs increased due to partial replacement of barley grain by P. juliflora pods. It is thus rational to consider the ground pods as suitable supplement fodder that enhances production and profitability in arid and semi-arid areas where P. julifora shrubs have become invasive and abundant.
Introducing the use of the mesquite pods as an alternative feed to local communities will encourage them to adopt this technology and help to control the spread of invasive P. juliflora. It is important to note while introducing this technology to local communities, that mesquite pods must be ground to make sure the partially digested whole seeds do not spread through animal dropping.
In conclusion, feeding the ground pods as part of a fodder mixture to ruminants can provide a number of benefits:
Benefit as nutritious feed for livestock The pods are a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals, which can help to improve animal growth and health.
Feeding the pods can help to reduce the cost of feed, particularly in areas where other feed ingredients are scarce or expensive.
Using ground pods as supplementary fodder can help to control the spread of the invasive P. juliflora in Jordan Valley and Wadi Gharaba. The environmental benefits would be releasing the grazing pressure on native plants and minimizing spread by decreasing the number of invasive mesquite pods.
Impacts of Common Myna, Acridotheres tristis
The interaction between common myna and hole-nesting birds like bee-eaters, king-fishers and little owls was observed at Wadi Gharaba SCA during the previous years. Although two pairs of myna occur along the edges of the wadi, no interactions such as competition for nesting sites were observed. The mynas used man-made structures for nesting and often crossed the wadi without utilizing the natural habitat there. Its negative impact on native birds in this area is still considered very low or absent.
Farmers stated that physical factors like lack of water, high salinity of water and soil, and weather conditions (like prolonged heat) during the planting seasons were the most important factors affecting agricultural production in the south Shuna area. Pests and adverse weather were considered most important causes for the losses they experienced, followed by other causes like animals, mainly stray dogs, wild boars and birds. Common mynas have no or in some farms only a marginal effect on agriculture in the south Shuna area. Thus, we recommend further studies in different parts of western Jordan where mynas inhabit agricultural areas with different types of crop. We also recommend continuous monitoring as (a) habitat, crops and other environmental conditions may change, thus changing the myna’s diet and feeding behavior, and (b) farmers may become more aware of the possible impacts of mynas, given that over 75% of the interviewed farmers hardly see the myna inside the cultivated lands and/or are unable to disinguish the common myna from other bird species.
“Owls are known for symbolizing wisdom and self-actualization among human beings, and nobody can deny that they are truly unique to their class. Whether you are a lover of nature or a birdwatcher, you’ll find yourself mesmerized and lost in their beauty.
Owls and biodiversity
In addition, owls possess a positive impact on biodiversity and perform many functions that benefit their surrounding ecosystems. They are considered natural pest controllers as they keep the number of mice and other rodents at bay. Furthermore, owls act as indicators of biodiversity and determine the health of the ecosystem they inhabit.
Despite being a small country, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has a unique location at the intersection of three continents, endowing it with a variety of contrasting topographies and temperatures. This variety in physical environments makes Jordan home to a large variety of fauna and flora.
Owls in danger
Regrettably, owls are globally and locally threatened by anthropogenic activities such as intensive agriculture, mining, urbanization, and cruel persecution. They are also being illegally collected from their nesting sites and sold on social media platforms.
Ornithological studies
Collecting data on the distribution of species is considered crucial for conservation planning and provides vital information for environmental assessments. Consequently, a group of ornithologists in 2021 embarked on a journey to study the distribution of owls in Jordan.
Western Barn Owl
The spatial distribution of nine owl species was surveyed, including the Western Barn Owl, which had a liking for agricultural fields and is considered a resident in the Jordan Valley, and the northern steppes like Irbid, Mafraq, Zarqa, and Madaba.
Eurasian Scops Owl
The Eurasian Scops Owl has a restricted distribution. However, it is present in different bioclimatic zones like the Mediterranean and the Sudanian regions. You can observe the Eurasian Scops Owl in the northern Rift margins and Highlands, and around Dana in the southern Rift margins.
Single Pallid scops Owl
Single Pallid Scops Owls have been observed in Azraq during the spring and summer, and they breed in mature palm plantations in the Jordan Valley.
The Little Owl
Considered to be the most common owl species in Jordan – the Little Owl is well-adapted to hilly areas, mountain slopes with rocky outcrops, and occasionally flat areas like in the Jordan Valley. They are also fairly common in the open woods of Aluk and Bereen. Conversely, the Little Owl is scarcely observed in the central and north-eastern desert. It is also rare or missing in eastern and southern parts of the country such as the Rum desert, Aqaba mountains, and most of Wadi Araba- where it can be found occasionally along the rocky banks of wadis and in ruins.
Eurasian Eagle Owl and Pharaoh Eagle Owl
The Eurasian Eagle Owl is a thinly distributed species found in wooded and steppe-like habitats in the Northern Highlands and Rift margins. The southern limit of the Eurasian Eagle Owl appears to be at the northern Dead Sea margins, where it is replaced by the closely related Pharaoh Eagle Owl- which is a resident in arid and semi-arid regions like the Dead Sea, southern Rift margins, and the Rum desert. It is known for occurring at contrasting elevations from 330 m below sea level to 1500m above sea level. What makes Jordan so special is that you can observe more than two species of owls in the same habitats and locations – if you are lucky!
Desert Owl and Pharaoh Eagle Owl
True to its name, the Desert Owl is a resident of desert mountains along the Dead Sea, southern Rift margins, and the Rum desert. Desert Owls are strictly nocturnal, making them really difficult to be noticed. You can also observe the Desert Owl alongside the Pharaoh Eagle Owl as their ranges overlap. Unlike the closely related Desert Owl; the Tawny Owl favors densely wooded areas dominated by the Quercus and Pinus trees of northern highlands with a sub-humid Mediterranean climate, especially around Ajlun.
Long-Eared Owl
Well adapted to being around human activities, the Long-Eared Owl favors semi-agricultural areas and open woodlands where they breed in farms with high trees. They also breed in crowded neighbourhoods of the cities where they find suitable roosting and nesting sites.
In conclusion, we call for the protection and conservation of owls in Jordan; as some of them – like the Eurasian Eagle Owl and the Tawny Owl – are faced with many threats such as the degradation of their natural habitats due to the rapidly increasing human population in Jordan. Owls belong to the wild and are not suitable to keep as pets. To trade with owls and keep them in captivity is neither ethical nor is it legal in Jordan”.
Reference: Fares Khoury et al.(2023)"Distribution and status of owls in Jordan", Sandgrouse, Volume 45, 2-18.
Jordan BirdWatch carried out the first national survey of resident and breeding owls in Jordan, and the results were published in 2023, Sandgrouse, volume 45. The aim of the study was to address the lack of a documented account of the distribution of resident and breeding owls in Jordan. A national survey was carried out mainly in the western half of Jordan, where most species are expected to occur. Furthermore, occurrence data from all available sources were used to produce distribution maps. The distribution of all nine breeding species was assessed. For some species, distribution maps are considered incomplete or provisional, because it was not possible to study all areas in Jordan for various reasons, whereas for others which appear to be habitat specialists, eg Tawny and Desert Owls, the distribution was thought to be mapped quite accurately. This study reveals that most species of owls have a restricted distribution and are rare and/or thinly distributed in Jordan, making them very vulnerable to various threats especially habitat destruction.
Both parties, RBG and JBW, agreed to cooperate at the Royal Botanic Garden (RBG) at Tal Er-Rumman, located on the slopes overseeing the King Tala Dam between Amman and Jerash.
The site attracts big numbers of passage migrants and winter visitors every year, such as Great cormorants, White Storks, Night Herons, Great and little Egrets. Breeding species include Jackdaws, Greater Spotted Cuckoo, Hobby, Great Tit and Sardinian Warbler.
Activities agreed upon will inlude bird surveys, developing the site for birding (e.g. bird hides, trails, prensentation boards, and other printed material), and organizing birding trips (see page…).
The Director of the Royal Botanic Garden, senior staff of RBG, the chair of the board and vice chairman of Jordan BirdWatch all attended the meeting for signing the agreement.
as part of the project “Implementing measures to control invasive alien species in Wadi Gharaba Special Conservation Area“
A workshop to raise awareness, enhance cooperation among parties of concern and practical training, was carried out in June 2023 in Beit Sweimeh as part of the project “Implementing measures to control invasive alien species in Wadi Gharaba Special Conservation Area”, which is implemented by Jordan BirdWatch in cooperation with the a local cooperative “Society for the Development of the Jordan Valley”. Participants included the Forestry Department in South Shuna, The Rangers-Royal Department for Environmental Protection, the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature and local livestock and land owners. The project is supported by sGEF/UNDP.
Mesquite shrub (Prosopis juliflora), alien invasive species
Protecting the wetland habitat of Wadi Gharaba
In the introduction presented by Ornithologist and ecologist Dr Fares Khoury, the achievements and cooperation of institutions in protecting the wetland habitat of Wadi Gharaba was reviewed. Current threats and challenges were also discussed like overgrazing due to lack of regulatory action, illegal hunting due to lack of follow up by rangers, and pollution of the stream by waste water apparently originating from the hotels at the Dead Sea. Results of recent studies were also presented and these showed a dramatic decrease in the number of nesting Dead Sea Sparrows due to camel grazing that is destroying the Tamarisk shrubs. Overgrazing is generally degrading the wetland habitat and is causing the spread of the alien, invasive mesquite Prosopis julifora which is not just an indicator of severe disturbances, but once it dominates, a tipping point is achieved and the mesquite shrubs start affecting biodiversity, hydrology and ecosystem functions and services.
Common myna (Acridotheres tristis), alien invasive species
Invasive alien species
Invasive, alien species are animals, plants or other organisms that are introduced by humans, either intentionally or accidentally, into places outside of their natural range, negatively impacting native biodiversity, ecosystem services or human economy and well-being. Invasive alien species are one of the biggest drivers of biodiversity loss and species extinctions. Biological invasions also put human health, food security and livelihoods at risk, as highlighted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15.
How to control invasive species, a solution amongst many other
After the introductory part, the agricultural expert Mr Rawad Sweidan presented the ecological benefits and feasibility of harvesting both mesquite wood and pods. e.g. by collecting the dry pods and using them after grinding as supplementary fodder. Livestock owners who were trained during this workshop, can thus contribute to the control of the invasive shrub by collecting and grinding the dry pods and then using the product in their fodder mixtures, which saves feeding costs and releases grazing pressure. (see post…)
…collecting the dry pods and using them after grinding as supplementary fodder…
Common Myna is one of the most invasive bird species worldwide. It was first recorded in the Jordan Valley and then spread rapidly into other parts of Jordan. Although no effects on human economy or health has been reported in Jordan till now, the impacts on biodiversity is still poorly understood and not yet supported by strong evidence. In the Jordan Valley, it may compete with cavity – nesting birds such as bee-eaters and kingfishers. Participants agreed that common myna and the alien mesquite shrub should be controlled locally once it invades natural habitats and nature reserves using appropriate measures. However, eradication or even control is not possible in the long run if the causes for their spread are not being tackled.
Jordan BirdWatch, supported by UNDP/GEF Small Grants Programme in Jordan, is implementing measures to control invasive alien species in “Wadi Gharaba A Special Conservation Area“.
Wadi Gharaba bird habitat
Jordan BirdWatch is continuing its attempts to restore the remnant wetland and bird habitat at Wadi Gharaba in the Jordan Valley. The current project focusses on invasive alien species, the spread of which indicates man-made disturbances to ecosystem function and habitat degradation.
Wadi Gharaba Special Conservation Area and invasive speciesCollecting seedsGrindingControling livestock health
Two widespread invasive species are the mesquite Prosopis juliflora shrubs and the common myna Acridotheres tristis . Activities include Implementing at a small scale control measures of Prosopis juliflora by harvesting dry pods and grinding them to be used as alternative, supplementary animal fodder and also use the mesquite wood for various purposes.
Harvested and ground dry pods of Prosopis juliflora
In addition, the impacts of the common myna bird on crops and hole-nesting birds in the Wadi Gharaba SCA and its surroundings is being studied in Jordan for the first time.
Common Myna studies in Wadi GharabaCommon Myna or Indian Myna in Jordan
JBW is working together with local stakeholders including the livestock owners and forestry department, together we are implementing various activities with the local cooperative “Beit Sweimeh”.
Fort further information see video on our Facebook page:
Jordan BirdWatch organized a fantastic family event kindly hosted by the Royal Botanic Garden in Tal Al-Ruman that featured kid-friendly activities to share our passion for birds and nature .
The Jordan BirdWatch Association’s education and awareness program also includes excursions to observe wild birds in several Jordanian locations where they live in their natural habitats .
Jordan Birdwatch kid-friendly activities, bird watching and bird-house workshop at Tal Al-Ruman with the Royal Botanic Gardens.
We would like to thank the staff of the Royal Botanic Garden for being so cooperative and allowing us to enjoy the wonderful area and facilities managed by them. We also thank all participants and volunteers who made this event possible
نظمت الجمعية الاردنية لمراقبة الطيور فعالية للعائلات تضمنت نشاطات للاطفال في الحديقة النباتية الملكيةً في تل الرمان ويشملً البرنامج التعليمي للجمعية ايضا رحلات مراقبة للطيور البرية في موائلها الطبيعة في شتى مناطق الاردن
شكر خاص للحديقة النباتية الملكية لتعاونها مع الجمعية ولجميع المشاركين والمتطوعين الذين ساهمو في انجاح هذة الفاعلية
The Syrian Serin, a small passerine bird belonging to the finch family, is endemic to parts of the Levant, namely in southwestern Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. It breeds in semi-arid, rocky slopes at high altitudes above 900 m a.s.l. with open woodland containing a mix of conifers (e.g. junipers and/or cedars) and evergreen oak and other shrubs, which are important for nesting and roosting.
It frequents during autumn and winter more open steppe habitats (usually Artemisia steppe) with scattered trees or shrubs. Observations of Syrian Serins apparently migrating and overwintering in northwestern Jordan indicate that some populations (e.g. those breeding in Syria and Lebanon) are short-distance migrants, moving to lower areas for the winter.
The Syrian Serin is a rare species with a restricted geographical range; In Jordan, it breeds solely in the Dana Nature Reserve ( See Dana Biosphere Reserve… ). In 2022, Jordan Birdwatch researchers estimated around 450-490 pairs still remaining in part of the reserve, in an area not larger than 12 sq.km. The population and breeding area thus decreased by c. 30% during the last decades due to habitat destruction and degradation caused by a combination of overgrazing, prolonged drought, unregulated picnicking and wood cutting. Other recent threats include wind farm developments and plans to mine copper and other metals at or near its habitats.
Syrian serin in Dhana, Jordan
Jordan BirdWatch made a recent assessment of the Syrian Serin in Jordan, and recommends upgrading the species category to “Critically Endangered” according to IUCN / Redlist criteria* (Criteria B1a, B1b) at the national level, and to “Endangered” at the global level (B2a, B2b).
In an attempt to raise awareness among decision makers and stakeholders, meetings and a workshop are being held to discuss the management of the threatened woodland where the species breeds. Posters were also printed and distributed to schools. The activities on Syrian Serin in 2022 in Jordan were supported by Global Greengrants Fund.
at Rasun and Irjan, in the Highlands of Ajlun, Northern Jordan – a summary of activities and achievements, April 2022
Project implemented by Jordan Birdwatch (JBW) and funded by Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund (CEPF). Duration of Project: Approximately 14 months, summer 2021 – summer 2022.
The Ajlun Highlands are part of the Mediterranean Biodiversity Hotspot, which is located in the southern Levant and it is unique for its a semi –arid to sub- humid Mediterranean climate, where the highlands support Mediterranean – type shrub lands, often dominated by evergreen oak shrubs and a flora and fauna containing endemics that are restricted to the eastern Mediterranean and Jordanian Highlands.
Ajlun is home to a wide variety of plants and animals including evergreen oak, carob, strawberry tree, Persian squirrel, golden jackal and much more. The Orjan area is located north of the city of Ajlun, and includes a small valley with a perennial stream fed by springs. These springs are vital as they provide people with all the water they require for drinking and irrigation of their plantations.
For thousands of years, this area has been inhabited by different civilizations. The land has been put to use by people for farming and herding domesticated sheep till today. The impacts of some practices along with climate change and wood cutting is causing a dramatic decline in biodiversity and the area of natural habitats.
Traditional farming, pomegranates orchards in Ajlun
Supporting Traditional Farming
Nowadays, traditional farming that includes orchards and small fields is still being practiced in the area. This kind of farming imposes less negative impact on the surrounding environment than extensive farming and wide-spread urbanization. In the villages of Orjan and Rasun, these small farms attract curious visitors who want a traditional hands-on farming experience. Additionally, fruits like figs and pomegranates, are often produced in abundance and the farmers strive to sell their fresh produce whether through markets or even on roadsides.
These two fruits are delightful and in high demand when fresh but they also go into the production of pantry items that are important in the Middle Eastern cuisine. However, most local farmers lack the experience to market their products and prepare and package pantry items in a suitable way for the market. Although most orchards are small and traditional, some farmers often try to expand their farming and building activities at the cost of natural woodland habitats, a trend which is being currently noticed, as a result of the increasing population and the weak legislations making it possible to fully exploit privatized lands.
Traditional farming, Fig tree orchards in Ajlun, socio-economics consultant visit to farmers
A socioeconomic study was carried out in the villages along Wadi Orjan, during the last quarter of 2021, to assess economic conditions and develop plans for some agricultural practices that maintain traditional farming, eco-tourism and biodiversity.
The Socioeconomic report focused on traditional best farming practices based on local inherited knowledge and included an inventory of traditional products and their importance for livelihood and food security.
Direct consultations is also taking place with farmers to provide technical advice for maintaining feasible and sustainable crop production, and use of biodiversity-friendly practices (e.g. integrated pest management and organic farming).
Twenty fig and pomegranate farmers along Wadi Orjan are regularly being visited by an agricultural expert. During the project, farmers have gained important knowledge and became more aware of the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem services at and around their farms.
Consulting, advice and experience exchange between local farmers and consulting experts
Supporting traditional farming and local products
The project is managed by JBW in cooperation with a local CBO (Zahrat Al-Widyan) in the Orjan village. The first part includes the support of traditional farming by helping farmers make use of their products while maintaining environmentally friendly practices (e.g. reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides), and to raise local capacity in marketing local products.
JBW along with its local partner developed a production kitchen
JBW along with its local partner, developed a production kitchen which opened up a new dimension for the locals to benefit from their farms’ produce and to diversify their income sources by producing pomegranate molasses and fig jam. Training in the production, filling and storing of products, in addition to marketing were carried out during the first phase of the project Effective pricing, distribution and marketing plans have to be put in place to close the cycle of these products and make them reach the market.
Local pomegranate: fruit, production of the molasses and packaging
Filling bottles with pomegranate molasses. A workshop was held for training local inhabitants about best practices in producing fig jam (one day) and pomegranate molasses (two days) according to traditional recipes with high quality and health standards.
Training included the filling and sterilizing of jars, and pasteurization methods. The end product was labeled in a professional manner, to help in marketing.
This capacity building included 26 persons.
As part of this project, the production kitchen was prepared according to governmental health standards and equipped with necessary tools and material.
Training workshop about marketing strategies for local products held in Orjan, October 2021.Packaged local products with support of the project, were regularly displayed in a market specialized in localproducts, Amman 2021
Local products including fig jam and pomegranate molasses from Wadi Orjan area, produced and packaged with support of the project, were regularly displayed in a market specialized in local products, in Amman during September - October 2021.
The local farmers started presenting local products on social media, made contacts with supermarkets and restaurants, and also took part in local products markets in Amman.
Poster designs for communicationBrand and label design for local products, here fig jam and pomegranate molasses
Protecting Local Diversity
Supporting Nature-based tourism and developing awareness
Hiking trails in the woodland and along the stream near Rasun and Orjan villages were developed by local guides. These hiking trails give visitors the opportunity to explore the wild nature as well and indulge in bird watching experience.
They also cross some of the traditional orchards owned by local inhabitants. There are 5 main trails so far in the area, one of which will have a bird hide with a small drinking pool built on the edge of a private land (for protection from vandalism), to give visitors an amusing experience. Photographing, mapping and describing these trails will assist in promoting them among adventure and nature tourists.
Few people from the local community offer accommodations (BnB) to tourists and visitors to experience the traditional, rural lifestyle. This experience encourages visitors to interact with locals to learn more about the culture, tradition and personal stories resulting in the creation of strong, personal connections.
Many small, scattered tourism projects and activities (e.g. trails and local guides, camps, small resorts, BnB) were initiated by the people of Ajlun. Our project aims at developing a tourism plan for the Orjan Valley agro-eco-tourism destination to become organized and better known.
Protecting local diversity and developing tourism plan, trails and wild life observation
Collection of data started in January 2022, and the tourism plan is expected to be ready by May 2022. Small local projects are expected to transform their operations and become sustainable tourism products through protecting the natural environment they exist in, retaining project revenues in the area through localizing supply chain, and preserving heritage. By doing so, local initiatives will operate in a sustainable model that will support livelihoods without harming the environment, the natural habitats and biodiversity, which is the source of their businesses and projects.
Moreover, packaging these scattered projects in solid programs of different lengths to be sold to visitors as trips to Ajlun destination. This will encourage visitors to explore the whole area over two days rather than spending few hours. Elongating the time spent in the destination will surely increase visitors’ spending. Local people are expected to benefit from and appreciate the natural landscape and biodiversity, while many visitors (e.g. Jordanian city dwellers) will have the opportunity to learn more and become connected to nature.
The Woodlands around the Rasun and Orjan villages include several trails for visitors / tourists. Field trip for school children and teachers from Amman along the Rasun trail, led by a local guide and JBW ornithologist; April 2022.
A joint visit of the JBW project team, JBW board members and tourism development experts (Baraka Destinations) in January 2022 to Wadi Orjan to collect data and information for developing the tourism plan.
Biodiversity surveys
As part of this project, surveys of flora and vertebrate fauna are being conducted. These surveys started in late January 2022, however most fieldwork will be conuducted during March – April.
The eastern Bonelli’s Warbler is a failry common passage migrant and a scarce breeding summer visitor in NW Jordan. Singing birds were recently recorded near Rasun.
The Birds survey already revealed the status and distribution of most breeding and resident species within the Orjan district area. The dense Mediterranean – type woodland of NW Jordan has a unique bird community at the national level, with many Eurasian species and specialists of the Levant area. Although some may be common further north, some of the birds have a very limited distribution in Jordan and the Middle East.
An isolated population of Blue tit occurs in the highlands of NW Jordan, including the woodlands of Orjan and Rasun.
Dense stands of the Mediterranean, evergreen oak woodlands near Rasun and Orjan are suitable habitat of Tawny Owl, Lesser Whitethroat, Wren and Blue tit, among others, while e.g. Sardinain Warbler and Cretzchmar’s Bunting prefer more open shrubland. Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler breeds locally, while orhards offer suitable habitat for Syrian Woodpecker, Spectacled Bulbul and Palestine Sunbird. Woodcutting, and rapidly increasing land ecroachment are decreasing the size and connectivity of the natural woodland area which is currently estimated by exprets to cover not more than 0.4% of Jordan’s total area. Ongoing land encroachment, i,.e increase of farmed and and urbanised areas at the cost of the natural habitats is evident in the AJlun highlands, including the villages of Orjan district.
The general assembly will take place on the 7th of March 2022, in the Jordan Birdwatch office on the Al-Fadeliyeh street, Building 53 – 4th floor, Shmeisani, Amman.
19:00 to 19:40 – Annual report for all members.
19:45 to 21:00 – Presentations and discussions for members and all who are interested and curious about nature and bird life in Jordan.
If you are abroad, or due to sanitary restrictions, you have the possibility to join in through zoom.
You can contact Jordan Birdwatch for more details by phone : 00 962 (0)7 9550 2900
Jordan Birdwatch’s statement issued on the 19th of August 2021
Further links
“Does a copper mine have priority over nature and world heritage?“
The Dana Nature Reserve is one of the most diverse and important bird areas in the Middle East with breeding populations of globally threatened species like Sooty Falcon and Syrian Serin.
Red Sand Habitat, south Jordan. Photo: Fares Khoury
The habitats in the reserve have been suffering locally from droughts and local overgrazing by livestock and woodcutting. However this is nothing compared to the destruction expected from the copper mining being planned in the western side of the Reserve. We urge all who care and who are working in the fields of nature conservation, education and (eco-)tourism to raise awareness about this case.
Syrian serin, Dhana, Jordan. Photo: Fares Khoury
The reserve is located along the southern rift margins of Jordan with an altitudinal range of 60 below sea level to around 1500 above sea level, and being at the crossroad of three continents, it is no wonder that this reserve holds so much diversity, ranging from deserts and arid acacia stands in the lowlands to mountain steppe and open juniper and evergreen oak woodlands.
Dhana village, Jordan, Dana Biosphere Reserve. Photo: Fares Khoury
We urge all who care and who are working in the fields of nature conservation, education and (eco-)tourism to raise awareness about this case.
Statement issued by Jordan BirdWatch, dated 08/19/2021
Subject: Decision to remove part of the Dana Nature Reserve for mining purposes
The Dana Biosphere Reserve is considered one of the most important areas for biodiversity in the Middle East due to its geographical location between three continents, and the great variation in terrain, climate and habitats within a relatively small area.
It is characterized by a heterogeneous landscape and a great diversity of plant species and resident and migratory birds.
The area of Dana and Feinan is also globally famous for its distinctive archeological sites and historical importance, displaying the development of human civilization that began in the Stone Ages.
The area contains beautiful archaeological and natural sites visited by a large number of tourists. There is still great potential of developing Feinan and its surroundings in a sustainable manner as tourist destination, and to be a source of continuous income for local communities and for future generations.
In fact, the reserve area including the village of Dana were almost deserted before the establishment of the reserve in 1994, but many of the original inhabitants came back, indicating the importance of this reserve from an economic point of view for the local communities.
All activities related to copper exploration and mining in the Dana Reserve will have devastating effects on the natural environment, heritage and the economy of local communities. The previous and current efforts to protect and sustainably develop the area will be totally lost. The decision of the government to change the borders of the reserve, and promises of the authorities to the public about great profits and new job opportunities in copper mines is currently based on assumptions, and not supported by published, professional assessments or scientific studies.
Assessments of the direct and accumulated negative effects on the environment and economic feasibility studies are not known to exist or to have been published.
The decision contradicts the goals of sustainable development and principles of environmental protection, and it also violates some international treaties (Rio conventions) to which Jordan is a signatory. The Dana Nature Reserve will probably lose its title of “Biosphere Reserve” granted by UNESCO if the borders are significantly shifted and the area reduced by a quarter.
Jordan BirdWatch is a specialized environmental society which develops and implements its programs based on scientific knowledge. Accordingly, we would like to inform first and foremost the Ministry of Environment, of our position, refusing to exclude any part of the Dana Nature Reserve, due to the expected detrimental effects of mining activities. We also recommend to strengthen and improve the management system for all nature reserves in Jordan.
We all as members of the Jordanian society bear the responsibility of protecting and preserving the environment for future generations.
Grattan J.P., Huxley S.N., Pyatt F.B. (2003). Modern Bedouin Exposures to Copper Contamination: an Imperial Legacy? Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 55: 108-115.
Grattan J.P., Huxley S.N., Karaki L.A., Tolund H., Gilbertson D.D., Pyatt F.B., al Saad Z . (2002): “Death more desirable than life ”? The human skeletal record and toxicological implications of ancient copper mining and smelting in Wadi Faynan, southwest Jordan. Journal of Toxicology and Industrial Health 18: 297-307.