Natural Life

"Wadi Rum is not for a human; it is for humanity" – His Majesty King Hussein of Jordan

Owing to growing tourist numbers and uncontrolled hunting, Wadi Rum’s ecosystem was coming under pressure. In response, Wadi Rum was declared a protected area in 1997.  Encompassing more than 72 square KM, Wadi Rum is the largest reserve in both Jordan and the Levant.  As in other parts of the world, human habitation has taken its toll on Wadi Rum. Wildlife depicted in rock art, such as lions and the Arabian leopard, are beyond return; but hope exists for other species native to Wadi Rum. In 2002, the Jordanian Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) began a reintroduction program for the Arabian Oryx in Wadi Rum Protected Area.  Presently, this program is being conducted in cooperation with the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi, UAE.  The project aims to release the Oryx back into their natural habitats while using the latest satellite tracking techniques to monitor the ranging herds.