Shaumari Wildlife Reserve

Shaumari Wildlife Reserve is a protected desert area featuring wadis and hammada terrain covered with black flint. The reserve is home to various desert animals that roam within these protected grounds.

The reserve was established in 1975 by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature as Jordan's first desert wildlife protection site. This founding marked the beginning of organized wildlife conservation in the region.

The reserve serves as a learning place where students and researchers from Jordanian universities study arid and semi-arid environments. Visitors can see how scientists and conservationists work together to monitor and protect the rare species living there.

The reserve is best explored during guided safari tours where visitors can observe different desert animals. It helps to arrive early in the day when the animals are most active.

The reserve launched a successful Arabian Oryx rescue program in 1978 starting with four animals from Phoenix Zoo. This small initial group grew significantly in just a few years, showing how effective wildlife recovery projects can be.