Area 8.5 km² Nearest city Jerash | Established 2004 | |
Location Ajloun Governorate, Jordan Governing body Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature Similar Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, Azraq Wetland Reserve, Dana Biosphere Reserve, King Talal Dam, Ajloun Castle | ||
Dibbeen Forest Reserve is a nature reserve located in the north-west of Jordan. It is situated just south of the Roman site of Jerash and covers an area of 8.5 square kilometres (3.3 sq mi) of rolling hills covered with pine–oak habitat. This area houses the largest Aleppo Pines one of the oldest and naturally grown habitats in Jordan. It also is the home to 17 endangered species such as the Persian Squirrel.
Contents
- Geology and climate
- The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature RSCN
- Flora
- Fauna
- Conservation
- Nearby Attractions
- References
The area was protected as a nature reserve in 2004 under the initiative of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature.
Geology and climate
The forest is known as the driest places in the region and ranges over 60 km and is changing in altitude of 500m to 1000m above sea level. The rock within the reserve is a mixture of limestone and chalky limestone, which has been formed into steep slopes. The average rainfall is 710 millimetres (28 in) per year. Within the forest, there is a variety of moisture conditions, with wadis giving different regimes from those found on the steep slopes.
The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN)
The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) is a voluntary organization that works to preserve the natural resources of Jordan. It was established in 1966 under the patronage of Queen Noor and the late King Hussein as Honorary President.
In 1966 their main focus was the decline in animal species due to illegal hunting in the area and the disregard to nature in Jordan. The small group of pioneers worked side by side with the government to make sure that wildlife was kept safe by creating ground rules and hunting laws. As a result, in 1973, the RSCN was given the right to issue hunting licenses and develop hunting patrols to regulate hunting laws in Jordan. Their work flourished and by 1995 they were the first to establish the first Jordanian Environmental Protection Law and an Environmental Police Unit in 2006.
Throughout the years the RSNC has dutifully protected six areas around Jordan (1200 square meters). These areas include Shaumari, Azraq, Dana, Wadi Mujib, Ajloun, and Dibbeen.
On May 17, 2016, The Jordan Times wrote an article on the RSCN's celebration of its golden jubilee.
Flora
The forest reserve contains one of the last remaining examples of a pine–oak forest in the Middle East. The species of the reserve's trees vary with elevation; Aleppo Pines inhabit the lower altitudes, the mixed pine–oak woodland (comprising Aleppo Pine and Palestine Oak) grows in the middle, and a species of small deciduous oak – Quercus infectoria (the Aleppo, or Cyprus, Oak) – grows at the higher altitudes. Other flora in the habitat include orchids, Greek strawberry trees, pistachio, and olive trees. The forest's age structure shows wide variation, with many areas containing mature forest trees and a vigorous understory.
Fauna
At least 17 endangered species have been identified within the reserve. These include the Persian red squirrel, four bat types, grey wolves and striped hyenas. Woodland birds also live in the forest. It is also believed but not proven, that this reserve has the last population of Southern Banded Newts living in Jordan
Conservation
Dibbeen Forest Reserve was established in 2004 after being listed as a conservation priority in the 1998 protected areas review and the 8.5 km2 area became part of the protected area.
Between 2004 and 2007, UNDP led a project in the Dibeen Forest, Jerash, Al Meirad and Burma municipalities of the region to support the establishment of the nature reserve. This helped to conserve the unique local biodiversity and encouraged the local communities to make sustainable alternative uses of the available resources. As a result, there was increased awareness of the local capacity-building and need for the conservation-oriented land use planning in the region.
Despite the apparent efforts to protect this remarkable and unique forest, it is gradually and systematically being destroyed by the establishment of modern cement projects, intentional fires, over grazing and illegal sporadic logging. Even when illegal loggers are apprehended, the punishment is usually lenient and not severe enough to deter others. Some of the farm owners around the forest gradually and illegally increase their farms to encompass areas of the forest that eventually and intentionally become devoid of their natural wild trees only to be replaced by olive trees for the sole reason of benefiting the aggressors. It is interesting to note that even in the midst of the small protected area, one can see small patches of olive farms which is very unfortunate because such areas have a grievous effect on the beauty, serenity, and solitude of the site. Dibeen, the surrounding beautiful natural pine forests, and the wild life that occupy the area are gradually diminishing and a strong immediate and faithful action by the people, the government and nature protection agencies has to be undertaken to stop the imminent destruction of the last extension of natural pine forests in the southern hemisphere.
Nearby Attractions
When people come to visit the reserve they also look forward to visiting the nearby attractions that make this region and visionary location. These attractions allow tourists and its residents to enjoy these attractions making them part of their daily routines and family outings.
The Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is a non-profit organization in 2005 to preserve the growing flora in the area. Their mission is to make sure that the wildly grown flora population is kept safe through restoration and research management and manageable website in order to battle the environmental challenges nowadays in order to preserve what is left of the flora for future generations.
Ajloun Nature Reserve is a reserve near Dibbeen which was established in 1987 filled with greenery and houses different species of wildlife. This is also managed by the RSCN and spans across 13 square kilometers. Tourists and people living in nearby areas often visit to bask in its beautiful scenery and hike along its many hiking routes or staying the night in one of its many suitable accommodations.
Dibbeen Orthodox Monastery is one of the few representations of the Biblical sites and the growing fascination of religious history in the Middle East. Other Biblical sites include the Jordan River, Bethany, and Mount Nebo.
The City of Jerash is an area filled with vast fertile and mountain countryside it is one of Jordan's famous historical sites. It is known as one of the Decapolis cities and was conquered by General Pompey in 63BC. Alongside the northeast of the city resides the Jerash Museum filled with well-known ancient artifacts. The best way to locate Jerash is by looking east of the ruins. Jerash is also known for its diverse family owned restaurants that cater to the many who reside in the area.
Um Qays is known as the famous miracle of Gadarene swine. Gadarene was known as a culture center home to many poets and philosophers including Theodorus and was once named "a new Athens" by a poet. This magical place overlooks the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee where it is made of colonnaded streets, a vaulted terrace, and the ruins of two historic theaters.