Jordan is a land of dramatic diversity. Its natural environment can be as magnificently beautiful, as it can be severely dull.

Seventy-five different species of mammals, and nearly 400 species of birds live in or pass through Jordan at some part of the year. At the same time more than 70 species of reptile and a few species of amphibians live in Jordan. There are also almost 2500 different species of plants present in Jordan.

Jordan has several nature reserves and each one is unique in its own way. Most of the species of animals and plants that exist in Jordan are seen around these nature reserves.

The RSCN, Royal Society for the Conversation of Nature, is the organization that is concerned with conserving wildlife and the environment in Jordan. At the same time it regulates all the guidelines relating to the nature reserves

Dana Nature Reserve

Dana is the second largest and the most diverse out of the six main nature reserves in Jordan. Recognized as a protected area in 1989, it has an area of 308 square km, which makes it a world of natural treasures. It consists of a chain of valleys and mountains, which extend from the top of the Jordan Rift Valley down to the desert lowlands of Wadi Araba. 

The Reserve contains a remarkable diversity of landscapes that range from wooded highlands to rocky slopes, and from gravel plains to sand dunes. 

Dana supports diverse wildlife, which includes a variety of rare species of plants and animals. It is home to around 600 species of plants, 37 species of mammals and 190 species of birds.

Visitors to the reserve are impressed by breathtaking mountain scenery, the ancient archaeological ruins of Feinan, and the magnificent red and white sandstone cliffs of Wadi Dana. 

Dana is the ideal place for camping, hiking, and bird watching.

Mujeb Nature Reserve

The Mujeb Reserve, which is the lowest nature reserve in the world, is located within the deep Wadi Mujeb gorge. This gorge extends to the eastern shore of the Dead Sea at 410 meters below sea level. The reserve also extends to the mountains of Kerak and Madaba to the north and south, reaching more than 900 meters above sea level in some places. This elevation variation of 1300 meter, combined with the valley's year- round water flow from several wadis (valleys), gives Wadi Mujeb a magnificent bio-diversity, which represent typical habitat for the endemic species of plants and animals.

The Mujeb reserve is rich in wildlife containing some species of mammals; including caracal (wildcat), ibex, foxes, wolves, rabbits, and other mountain animals. At the same time some species of reptiles, amphibians, fish, and numerous species of permanent and migratory birds.

As for plants, more than 300 species of plants have been recorded in the reserve.

The Mujib Reserve is a paradise for adventures. Different hiking trails are available. From easy few hours hikes to a few days of trekking and camping. At the same time the gorge, which extends a few kilometers, is the most suitable for the sport of canyoning, which involves trekking, abseiling and swimming.  The reserve also attracts many wild life enthusiasts that come to bird watch and to see the rare mountain goat, the horned ibex.

Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is one of the world’s exceptional desert landscapes. It consists of vast massive sandstone and granite mountains that reach heights of 1800 meters, surrounded by sandy valleys, sand dunes and narrow canyons.

 Wadi Rum became a world heritage site in 1989. It is now the third biggest tourism destination in Jordan. At the same time it is the largest protected area in Jordan and is considered very special from all desert bio-diversity aspects

The reserve holds plants both rare and endemic to its ecosystem. There are abundant water springs in this valley, and in the springtime the hills become green and various species of wild flowers appear.  Wild animals are rare to spot, but various surveys detected the existence of the Gray Wolf, Blandford's Fox, the Sand Cat and the Ibex within the area.  At the same time, the valley is an ideal area for bird watching with many recorded species.

Azraq Wetland Reserve

Azraq, meaning blue in Arabic, is a unique wetland oasis located in the heart of the semi-arid Jordanian eastern desert. It mainly consists of several natural and ancient built pools, a seasonally flooded swamp and a large mudflat. 

An extensive variety of birds transit the reserve each year for a rest during their strenuous migration routes between Asia and Africa. Some stay for the winter and breed within the reserve.  

Water buffaloes have been re-introduced to the reserve to control wetland vegetation and keep areas of open water for the birds.

This reserve has become a popular site for bird watchers. A lodge and several bungalows have been built to accommodate visitors.

Shaumari Reserve

In 1975 the RSCN created the Shaumari Reserve as a breeding center for endangered and locally extinct wildlife. Today the reserve is home to some of the most rare species of animals in the Middle East. It contains Arabian Oryx, Ostriches, Gazelles and Onagers.

The Oryx roams freely in the desert grassland, and the Ostriches, Gazelles and Onagers can be seen in their enclosures, where they are protected from predators.

Visitors can see the animals from the observation tower. At the same time they have the opportunity to take a safari into the reserve.

The Oryx Story

"The Oryx, an elegant white antelope, is one of the few mammals indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula. It became extinct in Jordan around the 1920s, as a result of the increased hunting for its meat, coat and horns. The increasing range and power of rifles compounded by the factor of motorized vehicles were the key to the extinction of the Oryx. The last known wild Oryx in the world was killed by hunters in Oman in 1972.

Fortunately, previous to this unodent, in 1962, the Flora and Fauna Preservation Society and the World Wildlife Fund had launched an international rescue effort known as Operation Oryx. A world survival herd was established in the USA, with three animals from Oman, one from the London zoo, one from Kuwait, and four from Saudi Arabia. This herd increased steadily in numbers, and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature proposed that the Oryx should be re-introduced into its native habitat in the Arabian Desert.

In 1978, eleven Oryx were re-located in Shaumari. The number of Oryx has now increased to a phenomenal two hundred! Operation Oryx has been so successful that Jordan now supplies Oryx to other countries which are conducting re-introduction programs.

Ajloun Nature Reserve

The Ajloun Nature Reserve was created in 1988. It is located in the Ajloun highlands, around the extension of a long valley known as Wadi Ain Zubia. It consists of Mediterranean-like hill country, dominated by open woodlands of Oak, Pine, Carob and Pistachio trees.

The reserve supports a variety of forest animals, including herds of wild boar. A breeding enclosure for the locally extinct roe deer has been set up on site, so they can be released into the forest in the near future. The Roe Deer is adapted to forest habitat, and feeds on  a variety of trees, shrubs and grasses

The reserve includes two main hiking trails and an area for camping. At the same time it attracts many bird watchers.