Dynamic Shifts in Climate, Vegetation, and Cultural Heritage: A 50-Year Study of Wadi Al Arbaein, South Sinai, Egypt

Moustafa, Abdelraouf A.; Moustafa, Abdelraouf Abdelrahman; Elganainy, Roba Abdelhakim; Khalil, Yasmin Samir; Mansour, Samira Rizk

doi:10.21608/ejbo.2024.305168.2920

Dynamic Shifts in Climate, Vegetation, and Cultural Heritage: A 50-Year Study of Wadi Al Arbaein, South Sinai, Egypt

Document Type : Regular issue (Original Article)

Authors

¹ Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University

² Professor of Plant Ecology,Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Sues canal University, Egypt

³ Botany Dept, Faculty of Science

10.21608/ejbo.2024.305168.2920

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the change in the vegetation composition due to the effect of climate change and its effect on natural heritage. Wadi Al Arbaein is one of the most important wadis in the flora and vegetation composition. Wadi Al Arbaein is another narrow steep wadi, the mouth of which lies opposite that of Wadi El-Raha. During the study, vegetation survey for the Al Arbaein in south Sinai was done including; vegetation parameters such as total plant cover, physical and chemical soil analysis, temperature and moisture were the main factors controlling the floristic and structural distribution of vegetation in the study area. Endemic species are consistently more adversely impacted, endemics are considered as indicators for assessment and conservation of bio geographical regions and biodiversity hotspots. Climate change in particular may cause rare and threatened endemic species to experience changes in their distribution range, perhaps leading to their extinction. The study conducted in Wadi Al Arbaein recorded 125 plant species, detailing their life forms and conservation statuses according to the IUCN 2024 criteria. Asteraceae emerged as the most abundant plant family, followed by Lamiaceae, with therophytes predominating among the recorded species. Wadi Al Arbaein harbors 16 endemic plant species, including seven critically endangered, six endangered, one near threatened, and one vulnerable. Preserving these botanical treasures is crucial for biodiversity conservation. The Study identified ten distinct plant communities, in addition to five pure plant communities, likely characterized by distinct species compositions.

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