ammonnews.net

Ammon News - Nestled in Jordan's southern region of Tafila, Dana Biosphere Reserve stands as a masterpiece of nature, where towering mountains harmonize with deep valleys to create a captivating landscape that serves as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife.

Established in 1989 and managed by the Royal Society for Conservation of Nature, Dana became Jordan's first and largest UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve in 1998.

The reserve spans 292 square kilometers, stretching from the heights of Al-Qadisiyah, which rises more than 1,500 meters above sea level, down to the plains and valleys of Wadi Araba.

What makes Dana particularly exceptional is its unique position as Jordan's only reserve encompassing three distinct bio-geographical regions: Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian, and Sudanian.

This convergence has created an unprecedented biodiversity hotspot, hosting more than 891 plant species – representing one-third of Jordan's total flora. Among these are three newly discovered species named after the reserve and 16 species considered globally rare.

The reserve's rich tapestry of life includes 250 bird species, accounting for half of Jordan's recorded birds. Among these are the globally threatened Syrian Serin and locally endangered Brown Vulture.

Dana serves as a crucial stopover on major bird migration routes, earning its designation as an Important Bird Area by the World Council for Bird Protection.

Wildlife thrives within Dana's boundaries, with documented presence of 39 mammal species and 44 reptile species. The reserve serves as a vital refuge for several endangered species, including the Nubian Ibex, Afghan Fox (Royal Fox), Lynx, and Sand Gazelle – all threatened both nationally and globally.

Dana's geological diversity, ranging from limestone to granite formations, creates varied habitats that support the last known natural cypress forest in Jordan.

The reserve has become a living laboratory for environmental research, hosting one of the world's largest known populations of Syrian Serin and providing sanctuary for numerous rare and endemic species.

In 1994, the Royal Society for Conservation of Nature took pioneering steps to preserve Dana's precious biodiversity, implementing Jordan's first protected area management plan with funding from the Global Environment Facility.

This initiative established Dana as an integrated model for environmental conservation and socio-economic development, carefully balancing natural preservation with local community needs.

The reserve offers various hiking trails that allow visitors to explore its natural wonders, including the Rummana Camp Trail, Cave Trail, and Copper Mines Trail.

Tourism facilities include the Dana Guesthouse, perched on the edge of Wadi Dana, and the award-winning Feynan Ecolodge, recognized by National Geographic Traveler as one of the world's top 25 ecolodges.

The candlelit Feynan Ecolodge, built in 2005, provides visitors with a unique retreat into a enchanting corner of Jordan, rich in culture, ancient history, and natural beauty.

Both the guesthouse and ecolodge welcome visitors year-round, offering traditional Arabic cuisine and distinctive services amid spectacular natural surroundings.


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