The Badia of Jordan: Biodiversity, Threats and Conservation

Abstract

The Badia region in Jordan, characterized by its arid climate, comprises more than 75% of the total area of Jordan, and encompasses a great diversity of unique habitats, flora and fauna and physical and geological features. Given the area's richness in natural resources and the expected future utilization of the resources, there is an urgent need to assess the impact of development on the area's biodiversity. This study aims at reviewing the biological diversity in the Badia region with emphasis on' Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and wetland areas (Azraq Oasis, Burqu', Qa'a Khanna) that are important to migratory birds and water-dependent bird species, and other sites of biological significance and to assess the current impacts on biodiversity and conservation efforts in this region. One endemic fresh water fish (Aphanius serhani) occurs in Azraq Oasis. Three endangered lizards (Uromastix aegyptia, Chamaeleo chamaeleon and Varanus griseus), listed as CITES species, inhabit the region. The Badia forms a focal area for the evolution of certain Acanthodactylus species. Many bird species are threatened and raptors comprise a major group. Almost half of the mammals of Jordan do inhabit the region and the status of these species is indicated. Main threats to the area's biodiversity are identified: overgrazing, surface and under ground water abstraction and reducing its quality, habitat fragmentation, removal of green mantle, faulty agricultural practices, rural development and initiation of industrial projects at the expense of the range hinds and biodiversity. Hunting, mining and oil transportation are also cqnsidered as significant threats. The study also concludes on the main environmental management and conservation objectives in the region.