|
In Jordan ...
Azraq is a one and a half hour journey from Amman during which you can see, and may want to stop and visit, some of the desert castles, and are likely to see groups of wild camels.
Azraq (meaning ‘blue’) is an oasis attracting up to a million migrating, breeding and wintering birds. The reserve is carefully managed, which is increasing it’s importance after a period of drought and neglect.
The reserve has a visitor centre and aquarium. Accommodation is available at a small lodge or in private bungalows.
The Shawmari reserve nearby is a 22 sq km reserve which was created as a breeding centre for endangered species. There are Arabian Oryx, Ostriches, Onagers and Desert Gazelles. Protection of the land from over grazing has allowed desert plants to thrive.
The Ajloun nature reserve, north of Amman was established in 1988 when the Roe Deer was re-introduced through a captive breeding programme. The reserve consists of 13sq km of woodland and is close to other attractions including Ajloun Castle.
The Dana nature reserve, close to Petra has 25 endangered or vulnerable animal species. 200 bird species have been recorded. The reserve is set in a series of wadis and mountains.
The Mujeb reserve, close to the Dead Sea, is the lowest nature reserve in the world, but its 1300 meter height variation gives it a wide ranging biodiversity – over 300 species of plant and 10 of carnivores as well as a wide range of permanent and migratory birds.
The reserve is set in spectacular scenery. Visits can be combined with trips to the Dead Sea and Medieval castles.
Wadi Rhum is known as the spectacular setting from the film Lawrence of Arabia. It is a protected area in which over 120 species of bird have been recorded. It is located between the ancient city of Petra and the seaside city of Aqeba.
Aqeba itself is the most northerly coral reef and is noted for it wide range of marine life.
The West Bank ...
A few miles into the West Bank is the ancient city of Jericho, in territory administered by the Palestine National Authority. Arriving through the desert the greenery in and around the city provides a real contrast. No wonder the area has attracted a range of permanent and migratory birds – it is estimated that 500 million birds cross the region annually.
The Jericho Wildlife Monitoring Station is an area of about 38 acres surrounded by agricultural fields to the west and a natural landscape to the east that reaches to the banks of Jordan River. Here you can be greeted by members of the Palestine Wildlife Society.
Other attractions in the area include the remains of the biblical walls and the wilderness of the temptations of Christ
|
