Location: Dana village Map
Area: 308 km2 (119 mi2)
The Dana Biosphere Reserve, located in southern Jordan, is the country’s largest and most diverse protected area, covering approximately 308 square kilometers. Established in 1993 by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), it spans a dramatic altitudinal range from 1,500 meters above sea level at the Qadisiyah Plateau to 50 meters below sea level in Wadi Araba, encompassing four biogeographical zones: Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian, Saharo-Arabian, and Sudanian. Renowned for its rugged landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage, Dana is a model of sustainable ecotourism, balancing conservation with community development.
Geological Formation
Dana’s striking topography results from
millions of years of geological activity:
Formation: The reserve
lies within the Great Rift Valley, shaped by tectonic movements that
created steep escarpments, deep wadis (valleys), and varied rock
formations. Its geology includes Precambrian basement rocks, sandstone,
limestone, granite, and basalt, with fossils from marine and terrestrial
environments.
Wadis and Plateaus: Key features include Wadi Dana, a
14-kilometer valley descending from the Dana Village to Feynan, and the
Qadisiyah Plateau, offering panoramic views. The reserve’s cliffs,
caves, and springs reflect erosion by wind and water, creating habitats
for diverse flora and fauna.
Springs: Natural springs, such as those
in Wadi Dana and Rummana, sustain oases in an otherwise arid region,
historically supporting human settlement and wildlife.
Historical
Role
Dana has been inhabited for millennia, with its strategic
location and resources fostering human activity:
Prehistoric Period:
Archaeological evidence suggests settlement as early as 12,000 BCE, with
Neolithic and Paleolithic tools found in caves and wadis.
Bronze and
Iron Ages: The reserve was part of the Edomite kingdom, with copper
mining in Feynan dating to 3000 BCE, one of the world’s oldest
industrial sites.
Nabataean and Roman Periods: Dana’s proximity to
the King’s Highway and Petra linked it to trade routes. Nabataean
terraces and Roman fortifications, like Khirbet Tannur, indicate
agricultural and military activity.
Byzantine and Islamic Periods:
Early Christian monasteries and Umayyad settlements thrived, followed by
Ottoman-era villages like Dana Village, built in the 15th century by
Bedouin tribes.
Cultural Heritage
The reserve is home to the
Ata’ta (Al-Ata’ayta) Bedouin tribe, whose semi-nomadic lifestyle shaped
the region’s culture. Dana Village, a cluster of stone houses
overlooking Wadi Dana, was inhabited until the 1980s when residents
began relocating to Qadisiyah for modern amenities. The RSCN’s
rehabilitation of the village as an ecotourism hub has preserved its
Ottoman architecture and Bedouin traditions, making it a cultural focal
point.
Dana’s unique position at the intersection of four biogeographical
zones supports exceptional biodiversity, hosting 25% of Jordan’s plant
species and a wide array of wildlife despite covering only 0.3% of the
country’s land area.
Flora
Diversity: Over 800 plant species
thrive in Dana, including 703 cataloged species, three of which are
endemic to the reserve: Silene danaensis, Asperula danaensis, and
Verbascum danaensis. Rare plants include Jordan’s only true fern
(Adiantum capillus-veneris), acacias, pistachios, junipers, cypress, and
wild figs.
Zonation:
Mediterranean Zone (1,200–1,500 m): Evergreen
oaks, junipers, and pistachio trees dominate the Qadisiyah Plateau.
Irano-Turanian Zone (800–1,200 m): Steppe-like shrubs like Artemisia and
Astragalus in mid-altitudes.
Saharo-Arabian Zone (300–800 m): Desert
shrubs and acacias in lower wadis.
Sudanian Zone (below 300 m):
Tropical species like oleander and date palms in Wadi Araba.
Medicinal Plants: Over 30% of Dana’s plants have medicinal uses, such as
Salvia for digestion and Thymus for respiratory ailments, supporting
local Bedouin knowledge.
Fauna
Mammals: Dana hosts 38 mammal
species, including threatened species like the Syrian wolf, caracal,
Nubian ibex, and lesser kestrel. Smaller mammals include rock hyrax,
porcupines, and desert foxes. The Afghan fox, previously thought extinct
in Jordan, was rediscovered in Dana in recent years.
Birds: Over 214
bird species, including residents and migrants, inhabit the reserve.
Notable species include the griffon vulture, Bonelli’s eagle, sooty
falcon, sand partridge, and Tristram’s starling. Dana is a critical
breeding site for the Syrian serin and a stopover for migratory raptors.
Reptiles and Amphibians: 37 reptile species, such as the Sinai agama and
desert viper, and rare amphibians like the Hyla tree frog, thrive in
moist wadis.
Invertebrates: Hundreds of insect species, including
butterflies and scorpions, contribute to the ecosystem’s balance.
Ecological Role
Dana’s varied habitats—cliffs, wadis, sand dunes,
and oases—create microclimates supporting species adapted to both desert
and Mediterranean conditions. The reserve acts as a biological corridor,
connecting Jordan’s eastern deserts to the Rift Valley, and is vital for
conserving endangered species and maintaining genetic diversity in a
region facing desertification.
Dana is a living museum of human history, blending natural beauty
with cultural relics:
Feynan Copper Mines: Dating to 3000 BCE,
these mines were a major Bronze Age industrial center, later exploited
by Nabataeans and Romans. Archaeological digs have uncovered smelting
furnaces, tools, and settlements, with ongoing research by institutions
like the University of California, San Diego.
Khirbet Tannur: A
2nd-century BCE Nabataean temple atop Jebel Tannur, dedicated to deities
like Qos or Dushara, features intricate carvings and altars, offering
insights into Nabataean religion.
Dana Village: The 15th-century
Ottoman village, with its stone houses and narrow alleys, reflects
Bedouin architecture. Restored by the RSCN, it now houses guesthouses,
workshops, and a museum showcasing local crafts.
Byzantine Remains:
Monasteries and churches, such as those in Wadi Dana, indicate early
Christian presence, with mosaics and inscriptions documenting pilgrim
activity.
Bedouin Culture: The Ata’ta tribe’s
traditions—storytelling, poetry, and crafts like weaving—are preserved
through ecotourism. Visitors can engage with locals at campsites or
workshops producing silver jewelry, dried fruits, and jams.
Establishment and Management
The RSCN established Dana as Jordan’s
first biosphere reserve in 1993, integrating conservation, research, and
sustainable development:
Zoning: The reserve is divided into core
protected areas, buffer zones for ecotourism, and transition zones for
community activities like grazing and agriculture.
Research: Dana
hosts Jordan’s first ecological monitoring program, tracking species
like the Nubian ibex and griffon vulture. The reserve’s herbarium and
wildlife database support global biodiversity studies.
Community
Involvement: Over 160 local families benefit from jobs in ecotourism,
guiding, and crafts. The RSCN’s socio-economic programs, such as
fruit-drying and jewelry-making cooperatives, empower women and youth.
Conservation Achievements
Species Recovery: Reintroduction of
Nubian ibex and protection of breeding sites for griffon vultures have
stabilized populations. The rediscovery of the Afghan fox highlights
Dana’s role in species preservation.
Habitat Restoration:
Reforestation with native junipers and oaks, alongside grazing
management, has reduced soil erosion and desertification.
Ecotourism
Model: Dana’s guesthouses, campsites, and trails generate revenue for
conservation while minimizing environmental impact. The Feynan Ecolodge,
powered by solar energy, is a global model for sustainable tourism.
Challenges
Overgrazing: Unregulated grazing by Bedouin livestock
threatens vegetation, particularly in the Saharo-Arabian zone. The RSCN
works with locals to implement rotational grazing.
Water Scarcity:
Jordan’s water crisis affects Dana’s springs, with climate change
reducing rainfall and aquifer recharge. Irrigation for nearby
agriculture exacerbates the issue.
Poaching and Hunting: Illegal
hunting of ibex and birds persists, though ranger patrols and community
education have reduced incidents.
Tourism Pressure: While ecotourism
is controlled, peak seasons strain trails and campsites, requiring
careful management to prevent habitat disturbance.
Dana Biosphere Reserve is a premier ecotourism destination, offering
rugged adventure, cultural immersion, and ecological education. Managed
by Wild Jordan, the RSCN’s ecotourism arm, it attracts hikers,
birdwatchers, and history enthusiasts.
Key Attractions
Wadi
Dana Trail: A 14-kilometer hike (6–8 hours) descends 1,200 meters from
Dana Village to Feynan Ecolodge, passing springs, Nabataean terraces,
and wildlife habitats. The trail offers stunning views of sandstone
cliffs and opportunities to spot ibex or eagles.
Rummana Campsite:
Located at 1,100 meters, this eco-friendly campsite features 20
Bedouin-style tents with panoramic views. Nighttime stargazing and
guided birdwatching are highlights.
Feynan Ecolodge: A solar-powered
lodge with 26 rooms, offering candlelit dinners, stargazing, and
cultural experiences like Bedouin coffee-making. It’s a base for hikes
to Feynan’s copper mines and archaeological sites.
Sha’ara Canyon
Trail: A challenging 2-hour trek through narrow canyons, ideal for
adventure seekers, with sightings of Sinai agama and desert flora.
Guided Tours: Options include birdwatching, archaeological tours to
Khirbet Tannur, and cultural experiences like baking arbood bread with
Bedouin families.
Dana Village: Visitors can explore restored stone
houses, shop for local crafts (e.g., silver jewelry, jams), and learn
about Bedouin heritage at the village museum.
Practical
Information
Location and Access: Dana is 200 kilometers south of
Amman (3-hour drive) via the Desert Highway or King’s Highway, near
Tafila. Public transport is limited; car hire or taxis from Amman or
Petra are recommended.
Hours and Admission: The reserve is open
year-round, with the visitor center in Dana Village operating 8:00
AM–4:00 PM. Entry fees range from JOD 7–20, depending on trails or
guided tours. Overnight stays (e.g., Feynan Ecolodge or Rummana) cost
JOD 40–100, including meals.
Facilities: The visitor center offers
maps, guides, and a small café. Feynan Ecolodge and Dana Guesthouse
provide lodging, while campsites have basic amenities (tents, shared
bathrooms). No ATMs or Wi-Fi are available, emphasizing an off-grid
experience.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) for wildflowers
and mild weather; autumn (September–November) for cooler hikes. Summer
(June–August) is hot, especially in Wadi Araba, while winter
(December–February) brings rain and occasional snow at higher
elevations.
Tips: Bring sturdy hiking boots, water, sunscreen, and
binoculars. Respect Bedouin customs, such as asking permission before
photographing locals. Book accommodations in advance, especially for
Feynan Ecolodge.
Visitor Feedback
Positive: Travelers praise
Dana’s breathtaking landscapes, with Wadi Dana’s “Grand Canyon-like”
vistas and Feynan’s eco-conscious hospitality earning high marks.
Birdwatchers report sightings of rare species like the sooty falcon, and
cultural interactions with Bedouin guides are a highlight.
Challenges: Some note the physical demands of longer trails, limited
signage for independent hikers, and the reserve’s remoteness, requiring
planning. Winter rains can make trails slippery, and summer heat limits
daytime activity.
Bedouin Integration: The RSCN’s partnership with the Ata’ta tribe
ensures cultural preservation and economic benefits. Over 80% of Dana’s
tourism revenue supports local families, with women’s cooperatives
producing crafts sold at Wild Jordan stores in Amman.
Sustainable
Tourism: Dana’s model of low-impact tourism, recognized by awards like
the 2017 World Travel & Tourism Council’s Tourism for Tomorrow, balances
conservation with development. Feynan Ecolodge, ranked among the world’s
top ecolodges, uses zero electricity and recycles waste.
Global
Recognition: Dana is part of the IUCN Green List of Protected Areas,
reflecting exemplary management. Its biodiversity data contributes to
global conservation databases like the IUCN Red List.
Challenges in
Context: Jordan’s economic pressures, including tourism declines due to
regional instability, affect Dana’s funding. The RSCN relies on
international donors (e.g., USAID, GEF) to supplement government
support.