Vegetation composition and structure of woody plant communities in Ajloun Forest Reserve in Jordan

Abstract

The study area is located in Ajluon Forest Reserve (AFR) northern part of Jordan. This reserve is partly encompasses the village of Um El-Yanabee' and the surrounding area including the villages of Tyarrah, Baoun and Rasun. The aims of the study were to investigate the relationships between locals and the protected area and its effect on the long-term forest conservation. The main research objectives are to review the impact of establishing AFR nature conservation and on the livelihood level of local communities around the reserve. The existence of initiatives of nature conservation in the area supports various socio-economic activities around the reserve that contribute towards the development of local communities in Ajloun area. Density was recorded and found to be the highest for Quecus coccifera (412.4p/ha), and relative density of (73.7%), this was followed by Arbutus andrachne (165p/ha) and relative density (7.1%), Pistacia palaestina (144.3p/ha) and relative density (10.5%) and Crataegus azarulus (82.5 p/ha) and relative density (5.1%). The least dense species was Quercus infectoria,, Rhamnus palastinus, and Styrax officinalis.