Azraq & Shawmari

> The wetlands of the Azraq nature reserve are home to a large variety of indigenous and migrating birds.

Azraq & Shawmari Azraq is a unique wetland oasis located in the heart of the semi-arid Jordanian eastern desert, one of several beautiful nature reserves managed by the RSCN. Its attractions include several natural and ancient built pools, a seasonally flooded marshland, and a large mudflat known as Qa'a Al-Azraq. A wide variety of birds stop at the reserve each year to rest during their arduous migration routes between Asia and Africa. Some stay for the winter or breed within the protected areas of the wetland. The best time to visit Azraq is late Autumn, Winter or Spring. Winter rains often create pools and marshes over the reserve, which continue to attract many seasonal species of birds. The success of bird-watching visits depends largely on the amount of water that has accumulated in the reserve. Al Azraq is a UNESCO world heritage site. Geology: Azraq has an interesting geological history. It was once a vast oasis, its pools filled by a complex network of aquifers fed mainly from the Jebel Druze area of southern Syria – the waters taking up to 50 years en route. Surrounding the oasis is about 60 square kilometers of silt, beneath which is a vast concentration of salt. Nature lovers will be drawn to the desert in spring time, when rains bring the greening of the hills and something in the region of 2,000 species of wild flower. Shawmari Reserve The Shawmari Reserve is a breeding centre for some of the most endangered and rare wildlife in the Middle East. In this small reserve there is a large herd of magnificent Arabian Oryx, a species that was once on the verge of extinction. There are also ostriches, onagers and graceful desert gazelles. These animals are all rebuilding their populations in this safe haven, where they are protected from the hunting and habitat destruction that once threatened their existence. The Shawmari Reserve supports a rich variety of desert plants, mainly because the vegetation inside the reserve is protected from the heavy grazing of sheep and goats outside its perimeters. Shawmari contains a very large number of species of plants, including Atriplex, a natural food source for the Onager and Oryx. Visitors Facilities: Tourist Information Centre: A reception point for visitors in which information and brochures about the Reserve are available. There is also a Tourist Shop selling locally-made souvenirs such as silverware, decorated ostrich eggs and reed products. Visitors’ Centre: Contains a small museum with a variety of interactive materials, slide shows, and videos on the history and wildlife of the Reserve. Outside the Centre is a picnic area and playground. The observation tower at Shawmari Wildlife Reserve is a great place for bird-watching and wildlife spotting. Bird-watching Migratory Birds: A large number of bird species have been recorded in Azraq, most of which are migratory. Jordan lies on the main migration route between Russia and Africa, and many birds stop in Azraq to rest on their long journey. Several birds of prey stop to drink and hunt at the pools on their autumn migration, such as the Honey Buzzard and Montague’s Harrier. Other migratory birds include the Ruff, Avocet, Little Stint, Kentish Plover, and the Little Ringed Plover. Wintering Birds: One of Jordan's regular tourists. Many species of birds stay for longer periods of time, making Azraq their winter home. One such species is the large, majestic, Crane. In flight, the Crane looks enormous, with long wings, an outstretched neck and long projecting legs. You can often hear its load, nasal trumpet blasts in the distance, announcing its advance. Cranes migrate in family flocks, flying in V-shaped formation or in a staggered line. In the spring, Cranes peform a grand courtship dance, in which they raise their plumes, make trumpeting noises and bow deeply. There are also many species of wintering ducks, including the Shelduck, Shoveler, Teal, Wigeon, and Mallard. In autumn or winter you may also spot the Coot, diving for plant stalks and small creatures. Breeding Birds: With the restoration of the marchland, several species of birds have returned to breed in Azraq, such as the Hoopoe Lark, Cetti’s Warbler, the Desert Finch and the Marsh Harrier. The salt mounds formed in the mudflats in the dry season provide important areas for breeding birds. The sighting of one breeding pair of Marbled Teal, a rare, globally threatened bird, was a particularly exciting discovery. Experience local culture The People of Azraq: The Azraq area has a rich cultural history due to its strategic location and water resources. It was used as a station for pilgrims traveling to Mecca and Medina, as well as a military site for many armies. Today there are two villages near the Reserve. Interestingly, both villages were initially established by people fleeing religious persecution in their homelands. North Azraq is inhabited predominantly by Druze people And south Azraq by Chechans Buffalo grazing at the lakeside. Both groups of villagers traditionally depended on the wetlands, which provided them with water for farming and grazing areas for their buffalo and horses. As the wetlands dried up, the villagers moved to service-based occupations, such as providing restaurants and shops along the Saudi Arabia-Iraq highway. Salt extraction from Qa’al Azraq continues to provide jobs for several village families. History & Culture Azraq Castle is one of the historic desert castles. It is located in the village of North Azraq. Because of its strategic location close to the borders of several countries and near a water supply, the site has been occupied by many different civilizations including the Umayyad, Ayyubids and Ottomans. It was made famous during World War I, when T.E.Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, used the castle as his military base during the Arab Revolt against the Turks. The entrance to Azraq Castle. The castle is solidly constructed out of black basalt. Entrance is through an impressive door made of a massive slab of basalt. Carved indentations on the floor were used by former gatekeepers to play a board game with pebbles to pass the time. The second level includes the Lawrence’s room, directly above the southern entrance. There is a small mosque in the middle of the courtyard, an old well near the east wall, a prison in the north-east corner and a variety of storerooms and stables opposite the entrance. If you are interested in our blog, tours, and/or wish to contact us with suggestions or questions, please email us. We look forward to hearing from anyone interested in visiting the Middle East. Thanks & Best Regards, Jordan Artist Tours P.O.Box 170 Petra 71810 Jordan Tel #: 00962 (0) 3 215 7561 Fax #: 00962 (0) 3 215 4561 Cell #: 00962 (0) 7 777 64781 Skype ID: jordanartisttours info@jordanartisttours.com www.jordanartisttours.com Observation Tower: Spotting wildlife is an exciting activity for nature lovers. The Observation Tower is an ideal place from which to see the different animals in the Reserve, such as the Oryx, which is best seen in the early hours of the morning. This is also a good place for bird-watching, especially during the migration seasons. Oryx Safari Trip: Visitors are given the opportunity to take a safari trip to see first-hand the living results of the international rescue efforts undertaken to save these endangered animals. Safari tours through the Oryx enclosure are available aboard RSCN vehicles. Breeding Enclosures: Shawmari’s breeding enclosures also provide a small zoo, making the Reserve a popular place for children and school outings.