Post-War Conservation
War diverted Jordan from conservation for more than a decade. During the 1970s, however, Jordan's biological resources were again surveyed, this time by John Clarke working under the auspices of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature/World Conservation Organization (IUCN/WCO).
His 1979 report identified both potential areas for protection as well as a general outline of priorities for action, and it constitutes official policy to this day (Clarke, 1979, Table 1 , Map 1 ).
Table 1
Clark’s priorities were determined by perceived risk to each area and the potential for maximum conservation at minimum effort and costs. The descending order of priority was Azraq Wetland, Shaumari, Zubia, Mujib, Burqu, Rajil, Dana, Jabel Masadi, Rum, Abu Rukbah, Bayir and Jarba.
The RSCN has stayed close to these priorities but not slavishly. The Azraq Wetland has remained a high priority, while Shaumari, Zubia and Mujib are under RSCN management. Burqu and Rajil are both so far removed geographically from development threat and tourist interest that they have not merited action. Burqu is, however, is a proposed Biosphere Reserve and Rajil is a likely site for wild release of Arabian oryx presently being bred at Shaumari. Dana and Rum took priority by virtue of opportunity, proximity to the tourist market and social issues well beyond ecological considerations.
Several areas are no longer realistic candidates for protected area status. Most notable among these is Abu Rukbah just east and north of our excavation site, Mudaybic’, where there are significant deposits of oil shale.
Test drilling, there has been completed and production has begun. Also affecting the excavation site and development on the Karak Plauteau, wadi Mujib will be dammed at its mouth, creating a modest reservoir in its lower elevations. This, combined with a similar project at Wadi el-Hesa on the south side of the Karak Plateau, will effectively convert the Karak Plateau into an isolated island. Island biogeographical theory predicts that this will accelerate rates of extinction for Mediterranean species or make their re-introduction more difficult on the Karak Plateau.
Map 1
Clarke’s list reflects an emphasis on big game and Jordan has accomplished much in this arena. It has established a herd of more than 200 Arabian oryx at Shaumari, traded animals with Syria, and plans to release oryx at Wadi Rajil, an area almost inaccessible by motor vehicle. From Rajil straying animals would likely drift into Saudi Arabia, which has effective game protection programs.
Clarke’s list, however, needs to be reconsidered with the objective of protecting Jordan’s biological diversity, most notably its vegetation and smaller creatures. Realizing this, the RSCN has initiated, under the auspices of the IUCN, a new inventory of Jordan’s biological resources.