Dana Nature Reserve is a system of wadis and
mountains which extends from the top of the Rift Valley down to the desert
lowlands of Wadi Araba. Dana is truly a world of natural treasures. Visitors
will appreciate the beauty of Rummana Mountain, the mystery of the ancient
archeological ruins of Feinan, the timeless tranquillity of Dana Village and
the grandeur of the red and white sandstone cliffs of Wadi Dana. Dana Nature
Reserve hosts a wide variety of fauna, including ibex, mountain gazelle, fox,
badger, porcupine, wolf, hyrax, striped hyena, jackal and many others. Numerous
species of birdlife roam the skies of Dana as well. Visitors to Dana are welcome
to take advantage of the designated campground area and the hiking trails
which crisscross the reserve. The rather luxurious campground offers meals,
showers, guided walks around the reserve, and tents with mattresses and pillows.
Azraq is a unique wetland oasis located in the heart of the
arid Jordanian desert. It contains several pools, seasonally flooded marshlands
and a large mudflat, known as Qa' al Azraq. A variety of birds flock to the
reserve each year, stopping for a short rest along their migration routes,
staying within the protected areas of the wetland. A small wetland reserve
(12 square km) was established in 1978 in the southern part of the oasis.
At that time, the wetland contained large areas of permanent marshlands and
several deep spring-fed pools. Unfortunately, many of these areas have dried
up because of massive extraction of groundwater from the oasis. The best time
to visit Azraq is in the winter or early spring. Winter rains create pools
and marshes in the reserve, which continue to attract many seasonal species
of birds. The success of a bird-watching visit depends largely on the amount
of water that has accumulated in the reserve.
Mujib Nature Reserve surrounds Wadi Mujib, a deep and majestic
canyon which cuts through rugged highlands and drains into the Dead Sea. Most
of the reserve consists of rocky ravines and cliffs with sparse, desert vegetation.
Seasonal streams flow through many of the wadis, supporting luxurious aquatic
plants in the river beds. The reserve was created in 1987 and is the second
largest reserve in Jordan, extending over 212 square kms. It contains a large
enclosure which is being used to breed the Nubian ibex for reintroduction
into the wild.
Shaumari Reserve was created in 1975 as a breeding center
for endangered or locally extinct wildlife. It is home to some of the rarest
species of animals in the Middle East. In this small 22 square km reserve,
you can find the Arabian oryx, ostriches, gazelles and onagers.
These animals are rebuilding their populations in a safe haven, protected
from the hunting and habitat destruction that nearly wiped them out. Shaumari
represents one of the greatest success stories in the international fight
against wildlife extinction. Many different countries have shown their support
by donating wildlife species, conducting breeding programs, and helping to
establish Shaumari as a suitable new home for their animals. Visitors to Shaumari
have an opportunity to see the living results of this global cooperation.
The oryx can be seen roaming freely in the desert grasslands and the ostriches,
gazelles and onagers can be observed in their enclosures. Shaumari's breeding
enclosures provide a small "zoo" for visitors, making the reserve
a popular spot for Tourism.
