Vegetation Dynamics in the Tafileh Woodlands of Southern Jordan

Abstract

Woodland vegetation in the Tafileh highlands of southern Jordan was investigated and quantitatively surveyed to determine the patterns of vegetation dynamics associated with altitude and topography. Three tree species (Juniperus phoenicea L. (evergreen needle-leaved woodland resistant to cold), Pistacia atlantica Desf. and Quercus aegilps L. (cold-deciduos broad-leaved woodland) and five shrubs (Colutea istria Miller, Gomphocarpus sinaicus R. Br., Thymelaea hirsute (L.) Endl., Crataegus aronia (L.) Bosc.ex DC and Daphne linearifolia Hart.) dominate the woody vegetation in the investigated area. Lower altitudes of southwest facing slopes demonstrate generally the higher plant densities than the higher altitudes of northeast facing slopes. Species segregation occurs on the basis of community ecological importance value depending on altitudes, slopes and human impact factor through grazing activities, wood gathering especially on plateau sites. Regeneration consequently negatively affected due to continuous reduction in species diversity and tree size distribution.