1.Introduction

The rangeland study is part of the baseline surveys commissioned after the establishment of Rum Protected Area in December 1998, ( see Map 1). This study started on the 19^th of April 1999 and continued through a further five seasonal surveys until the 7^th of February 2000. This study, like the other studies that took place in the protected area, is intended to support the aims of the Wadi Rum Project. These aims are defined in the Project Document (RSCN, 1998a). The Wadi Rum Project will support and encourage tourism development that maximizes economic returns to local communities whilst protecting and conserving its natural and cultural resources.

The main objective of the study is to gather information on livestock grazing in Rum in order to develop a livestock management plan for the protected area.

The study was divided into two parts, as follows:

1. Livestock and camels numbers, distribution and behavior.

Approximate numbers of livestock/camels grazing in the protected area and their seasonal fluctuations.
The relationship between the seasonal movement of Bedouin tribes, inside and outside the protected area, and livetsock/camel distribution and numbers.
Livestock/camel distribution changes within the protected area during the different seasons.
Study the factors affecting the distribution of livestock/camels in the protected area.
Study the attitude of locals concerning grazing and their shepherding habits.

2. Vegetation distribution

To study the vegetation distribution in the protected area in order to check if there is a relationship between the livestock distribution and movement in the protected area and the vegetation distribution.

     Surveys were undertaken in three different seasons, spring, summer and winter, to assess livestock numbers and behavior over the whole year. Vegetation distributuion was assessed only during the first spring survey.

     Estimates of livestock and camels numbers were achieved by using grid counts. Within each grid square, good viewpoints were selected and counts were made of all of the livestock in the area from these points. If this was not possible, counts were made from a pick-up truck driving around the whole area.

     The vegetation distribution part of the study included plant specimens’ identification through line-transects and estimation of dominant species for zones. Additional data included a description of the general site type of the grid. All data collected in this part of the survey can be seen in Appendices I and II.

Acknowledgments Abstract Arabic Summary Introduction

Team Composition Materials & Methods Results & Discussion Recommendations

References Appendices
Maps

Acknowledgments	Abstract	Arabic Summary	Introduction
Team Composition	Materials & Methods	Results & Discussion	Recommendations
References	Appendices	Maps