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The Wadi Rum Protected Area, managed by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), ensures
environmental conservation and controls access. Strict environmental protection laws regulate activities to
minimize damage to the fragile desert ecosystem. Tourism management strategies promote sustainable
practices, limiting visitor numbers, encouraging eco-friendly activities and combating illegal hunting. Cultural
heritage preservation efforts safeguard archaeological sites and Bedouin traditions. Community engagement
ensures local communities benefit from tourism while preserving their way of life. By balancing tourism
development with environmental and cultural protection, Jordan aims to safeguard Umm ad Dami along with
other Wadi Rum mountains for future generations.

2. Analysis of the current situation

Environmental Status
Umm ad Dami, the highest peak in the Wadi Rum Protected Area, is a central part of Jordan's desert
ecosystem, home to a remarkable array of wildlife that has adapted to the harsh conditions. The region
supports several mammal species, including the powerful Striped Hyena, the reintroduced Arabian Oryx, the
agile Caracal, and endangered species such as the Arabian Leopard, Syrian Wolf (Gray Wolf), and Jordanian
Mountain Gazelle (Nubian ibex). Smaller mammals like the Arabian Red Fox, Sand Cat, Rock Hyrax, and
various rodents also thrive in the area.
Reptilian life is equally diverse, with species such as the Sinai Agama, Spiny-tailed Lizard, and the Arabian
Horned Viper, all of which are well-adapted to the extreme desert environment. The birdlife of Umm ad Dami
is especially rich, with over 120 recorded species. Among them, 34 species breed or establish territories
within the area, while others are migratory or winter visitors. Notable avian residents include the Sinai
Rosefinch, White-crowned Wheatear, Peregrine Falcon, and Lanner Falcon. The mountain is also home to 78
species of arthropods, further enhancing its ecological diversity.

The region’s plant life is dominated by hardy desert species such as Acacia trees, Retama shrubs, and a variety
of desert herbs. These plants play a vital role in sustaining the delicate ecological balance of the Wadi Rum
area, helping to support its diverse wildlife and maintain the integrity of this unique desert environment.

Umm ad Dami and other Wadi Rum mountains provide essential ecosystem services, acting as natural water
towers that capture rainfall and slowly release it into aquifers and water streams, supporting both the local
ecosystem and human populations. These mountains also help prevent soil erosion, stabilize sediment, and
maintain biodiversity by offering habitats to a variety of plant and animal species. Moreover, they play a
crucial role in regulating local and regional climate patterns, influencing rainfall and temperature, which
impacts agriculture, water availability, and natural resources. The cultural and recreational value of these
mountains cannot be overstated, as they also preserve spiritual and historical heritage, and offer
opportunities for ecotourism, contributing to the local economy.

However, climate change poses significant threats to the environmental integrity of Umm ad Dami and its
surroundings. Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns, which exacerbate desertification threaten
the region’s fragile ecosystems, reducing water availability, and potentially displacing species. Increased
heatwaves, droughts, and extreme weather events could harm vegetation, wildlife, and the local economy.
Additionally, the mountain's unique biodiversity faces greater risks of extinction as habitats become less

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect
those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA
can be held responsible for them.