Location: Azraq, Zarqa Governorate Map
Area: 12 km2 (4.6 sq mi)
Azraq Wetland Park or Azraq Wetland Reserve is a nature reserve situated near a town of Azraq in the Zarqa Governorate in Northern Jordan. Azraq Wetland Park covers an area of 12 km2 (4.6 sq mi) that protect wetlands and its wildlife. This biosphere reserve is particularly famous for several species of migratory birds that come to nest here. Azraq Wetland Park was established in 1978 and initially encompassed an area of 12 square kilometers. It protected wetlands that existed here for millennia. Many caravans of camels made their stops in the area of the Azraq on their way to Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq), Arabia, Syria and other countries of the Fertile Crescent. In 1992 natural water source have dried up, so local authorities decided to recreate the wetlands by pumping water into this large area. It was done so that migratory birds won't change their course of flight path to the Sea of Galilee.
Currently Azraq Wetland Park is in a critical situation. The population of nearby Jordanian cities continue to swell and hence the demand for water increases. Jordanian authorities concluded that they are at least 500 illegal wells that pump water. Needless to say that water intended to feed the wetlands of the protected area begin to dwindle thus leading Azraq Wetland Reserve ecological collapse. Over the past 37 years the number of migratory birds fell from 347,000 to 1,200 due to a fact that half the land dried up. Local authorities are trying to combat this phenomenon, but so far without success.
Today you still can see several migratory birds that still nest in the area. This includes larks, marsh harriers, little stints, European honey buzzards, and many others.