Ajloun Woodland Reserve is located in the Ajloun Highlands (North of Amman),
around the extension of a long valley known as Wadi Ain Zubia. It consists
of Mediterranean-like hill country, dominated by open woodlands of Oak and
Pistachio trees. The Reserve was first established in 1988 when a captive-breeding
program for the Roe Deer was initiated.
The reserve, 13 square kilometer, is located in an area named Eshtafena.
The reserve management has set up two hiking trails and provided a special
area for camping.
Ajloun's woodlands consist mostly of Oak trees, interspersed with Pistachio,
Pine, Carob, and Wild Strawberry trees. These trees have been important to
local people for their wood, scenic beauty, and quite often for medicine and
food.
The Roe Deer is adapted to forest habitat, and feeds on a variety of trees,
shrubs and grasses. The rich Mediterranean-like forests that covered the Ajloun
area provided an ideal habitat for millennia. However, deforestation and desertification
over the past 200 years led to the decline in numbers of the Roe Deer. Three
Roe Deers were introduced to the captive breeding enclosure in Ajloun in 1988,
from a similar habitat in Turkey. Today, there are 13 Roe Deer at Ajloun.
The Persian Fallow Deer is another species that was once common in Jordan.
This animal probably became extinct by the turn of the century. A re-introduction
program for this deer at Zubia will begin as soon as the Roe Deer program has
been firmly established. This species of deer derives its name from the old
English word "falu", meaning "brownish-yellow", which describes
the color of its coat.
The Ajloun area has a long history of human settlement, due to its Mediterranean
climate, dense forests and fertile soil. This rich history is reflected in
the many archaeological ruins scattered in the woodlands and surrounding villages.
A spring located in a valley between Zubia and Tubna villages served as a major
source of water for the surrounding settlements. Today, there are more than ten
villages surrounding the Ajloun Reserve. Some villagers are involved in farming
crops such as grapes, figs and olives while others work in the public sector.
Ajloun area is famous for its olive trees and its assorted products.
Azraq is a unique wetland oasis located in the heart of the semi-arid Jordanian
eastern desert, one of several beautiful nature reserves managed by the Royal
Society for the Conservation of Nature.
Its attractions include several natural and ancient built pools, a seasonally
flooded marshland, and a large mudflat known as Qa'a Al-Azraq. A wide variety
of birds stop at the reserve each year for a rest during their arduous migration
routes between Asia and Africa. Some stay for the winter or breed within the
protected areas of the wetland.
Wild Life
The Azraq Oasis derives its name from the Arabic word "Azraq",
meaning blue. In the past, the pools, marshes and streams of Azraq formed a
sparkling blue jewel in the desert, a haven for up to a million migrating,
breeding and wintering birds.
Despite the loss of most of the permanent wetland habitat during the past
decade due to a lack of rainfall, Azraq continues to provide a seasonal habitat
for a large number of wildlife species.
Accommodation
The Azraq reserve lodge, a cozy common room with a fireplace, is set within
the beautiful surroundings of Azraq. In addition to the lodge, 10 private two-room
bungalows are available to accommodate the visiting tourist.
Book guided tours and information can be found at the visitors' center that also
holds a small exhibit on nature and history of Azraq, a lecture room, and an
aquarium.
)
