Flora and Fauna Details

Flora The New Valley oases are located in an extremely arid region and are characterized by plant life adapted to extreme conditions. The biology of the area is further augmented by a remarkable diversity of botanical species that surprise visitors with their bright colors and adaptability to arid conditions. At least 13 native desert plant species in addition to agriculture plant species have been recorded in the New Valley Governorate. The New Valley contains mainly two types of plant communities including Desert shrub community: Occurring throughout the area (with minor variations due to soil and moisture conditions), these plants share a number of adaptations that enable them to survive in the hostile environment of the New Valley's deserts. This community consists of sparse desert flora in small patches in the lowlands of the inter-dune and desert plain areas. The desert shrub and sub-shrub plants include Acacia Nilotica, Acacia Raddiana, Nitraria Retusa, Tamarix Nilotica, Phoenix dactylifera, Alhagi Graicorum, and Desmostachya Bipinnata. The plant species in the desert areas include Stipagrostis Spinosa, Tamarix Nilotica, Cornulaca Monacantha, Nitraria retusa, Phoenix dactylifra, Phragmites australis, Calligonum common sum, Desmostachia bipinnata, Coculus pendulus, Acacia nilotica, Acacia raddiana, Salsola sp., and Alhagi graicorum. (White Desert Protected Area)

Fauna: The animal species that do inhabit New Valley desert are exceedingly rare and therefore offer a considerable attraction to tourists. A list of 9 land mammals was identified by the staff of the White Desert Park. Several are now very rare or extinct, including the slender-horned gazelle, Gazelle leptoceros . The New Valley population of this sub-species may represent the only survivors in the world and is now probably locally extinct (IUCN, 2000). Other key wildlife species include Gazelle Dorcas (listed as an endangered species), the ubiquitous Sand fox, Vulpes Rueppelli, and the Fennec fox, Vulpes zerda. The main factors of declining mammal populations are a loss of habitat, hunting, and the widespread use of rodent poison. Reptiles: a total of 21 species of reptiles have been recorded in the White Desert park. The reptiles adapted to life in extreme arid biome conditions and some are found near springs, inter-dunes areas, and wadis where vegetation grows. Perhaps sand dune Lizard is the most widespread type and located in sandy areas and dunes. The Horned viper is the most dangerous species in the rocky and desert areas of the region.