Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - Jordanian authorities have nominated Wadi al Mujib natural reserve to be included in Global Geoparks Network of UNESCO, thus becoming the first in the Arab region to join the exclusive list of natural wounders, officials said today. Head of the team responsible for nominating the natural reserve to UNESCO said Wadi al Mujib would be the first Geopark recognized by UNESCO in the Arab region, stressing the significance of geo-tourism and its rising importance worldwide.

"Wadi al Mujib has what it takes to be included in the list and it would be the lowest geopark in the world," he was quoted by Petra news agency.

The Global Network of National Geoparks, established in 2004, numbers 87 Geoparks in 27 countries.
Established in 1987, Mujib Nature Reserve covers an area of 212 km2. Bordering the Dead Sea at 416 meters below sea level, the Mujib Nature Reserve surrounds Wadi Mujib, a deep and majestic canyon that cuts through the rugged highlands and drains into the Dead Sea.

Seasonal and permanent streams flow through many of the wadis, supporting luxurious aquatic plants in the river-beds, according to the Royal Scientific Society (RSCN). These rivers also enable this otherwise arid area to support a remarkable diversity of wildlife. It is also one of the major sources that compensate the high evaporation rate of the Dead Sea Surveys indicate that the reserve contains over 300 species of plants, 10 species of carnivores, and numerous species of resident and migratory birds. The richest vegetation is found in the wadi beds where there are Palm Trees, in addition to Wild Fig, Tamarix trees and Oleander shrubs, in addition to the Reedbed along the river.

The steep mountain slopes support several highly adapted mammals, including theRock Hyrax, the Eurasian Badger and, most importantly, the Nubian Ibex, a large mountain goat. Today, only a small number of Ibex remain in the wild due to widespread illegal hunting, said RSCN on its hompage.

Mujib is also an internationally important passage way for migratory birds. Huge numbers of White Storks passed through every year starting from August, Black Storks, Buzzards, Honey Buzzards, Levant Sparrow Hawks, and much more. The globally threatened Lesser Kestrel breeds in the reserve every spring.

The breeding population reaches some times 0.1 % of the globally estimated population. At least nine species of birds of prey are known to breed in the reserve, significantly Bonelli's eagle, Short-toad Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, and Barbary Falcon.

*ANSAmed