3.5-Habitat
Richness
Comparing the results from pitfall traps shows a
difference in richness (number of insects trapped) between soft yellow, or
whitish yellow sandy soil, and the hard soil. Although no precise numbers were
available, field observations gave a good idea about these differences. The
highest number of insects was trapped in the Haloxylon persicum station
where the soil is pale soft sandy and there is a good percentage of vegetation
cover. Results from the other two stations placed in a sandy substrate (Urginea
maritima and Anabasis articulata) were also quite good. Numbers of
insects trapped in the Hammada salicornica station and the other Anabasis
articulata station were usually low. These stations have low vegetation
cover growing on hard soil covered with gravel and scattered stones.
Daily sweeping showed also a difference between soft
sandy soil (mostly in the eastern part of the protected area), and the hard
soil, in the western part of the protected area. Rum village was obviously
richer than any other part of the protected area. Many insect species were
caught from the researchers’ house in the village, in addition light traps
placed in the village had many better results than the ones placed out in the
open desert areas. This richness might be related to the various microhabitats
present in the village, and to the availability of food, and water.
Wadi Shallaleh and Wadi Sebakh were singled out as
hotspots in the preliminary survey work, and then during this survey these two
wadis were found to be unique habitats for insects that prefer a little humidity
and good vegetation cover.
3.6-Threats
A-Habitat degradation
Complete
and partial degradation of habitats is the major threat on insects’
populations. The main factors that cause this habitat degradation are off-road
driving, extensive woodcutting, grazing, and uncontrolled land use for different
purposes, see figure 6.
Figure (6):
B-Killing
insects
People
usually do not like insects, this attitude causes many insects to be killed
daily. This might not be a major threat on all insect species, but on the other
hand might cause a serious problem for rare insects.
C-Collecting
insects
Collecting
beautiful butterflies, colorful metallic beetles, and many other insects for any
reason without being aware about this collection, may also participate in the
sharp decline, and even extinction of some insect species.
