Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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2011
Around 1.5 million cu metres of fresh water is now being pumped back into the wetlands every year by the
Jordanian Ministry of Water
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2015
Projected restoration of about 10% of the wetlands - providing the estimated 500 illegal deep wells operat-
ing in the area can be brought under control
Azraq Wetland Reserve
For several millennia, the Qa'al Azraq (Azraq Basin) comprised a huge area of mudflats,
pools and marshlands, which led to the establishment of Azraq as one of the most import-
ant oasis towns in the Levant. Although the basin was declared an 'internationally import-
ant wetland' by the Jordanian government in 1977, this largely token gesture failed to stop
an environmental catastrophe. To provide fresh drinking water for the burgeoning cities of
Amman and Irbid, the wetlands were all but drained by 1991.
In recent years, the RSCN has seized control of the wetlands, and established a small
nature reserve
( 3835017; admission JD8.120; 9am-6pm)
to help facilitate the re-
covery of the wetlands. Bird populations have returned but the wetlands remain a meagre
reflection of their past glory. An environmental recovery project of this magnitude is cer-
tainly worth support, and the on-site visitor centre has well-documented (if tragic) exhibits
detailing the history of the basin's demise.
Sights & Activities
The RSCN estimates that about 300 species of resident and migratory birds currently use
the wetlands during their winter migration from Europe to Africa. They include raptors,
larks, warblers, finches, harriers, eagles, plovers and ducks. A few buffaloes also wallow
in the marshy environs, and jackals and gerbils are occasionally spotted in the late even-
ing. The best time to see birdlife is in winter (December to February) and early spring
(March and April). Large flocks of raptors steadily arrive in May. Ultimately, however,
bird populations are dependent on the water levels in the reserve and as the water contin-
ues to be pumped out quicker than it is pumped in, the future of the oasis remains in jeop-
ardy.
Marsh Trail
The 1.5km pathway through the reserve gives an idea of the former beauty of the wet-
lands. Take a pair of binoculars and stop at the bird hide to spot ducks squabbling between
HIKING
