Although rangelands cover approximately 10.5 million ha in Syria, no comprehensive description of rangelands or
benchmark sites is available. This study describes some important characteristics on both ecologically healthy
and unhealthy sites in three broad eco-zones. Maximum total bare ground was in the arid zone and declining in
semi arid and moist zones. Percentage litter and plant cover were both lowest in the arid zone and increased in
the semi-arid and moist zones with significant variation (p < 0.05). Invasive species were most pronounced in the
moist zone. Plant cover was significantly higher on protected sites as compared to unprotected sites (p < 0.05).
Invasive plant species were statistically much more prevalent on unprotected sites (p < 0.05), indicating
degradation of the plant community based on grazing. Contrary to protected sites, the most common species in
the unprotected site in the arid zone included both invasive and poisonous plants. Plant community changes in
the semi arid zone under grazing pressure were reflected in a dramatic decrease in the number of annual species
from 87% on the protected site to 57% on the unprotected site. In the moist zone, plant cover was significantly
higher in protected rather than unprotected sites (LSD 13.98 < 24) and a very large increase in invasive species
was noted on the unprotected site, showing a significant change (LSD 17.48 < 26.08)
A. Tastad, A.K. Salkin, N. Battikha, A.W. Jasra, M. Louhaichi. (2010) Ecological Dynamics Of Protected And Unprotected Rangelands In Three Climatic Zones Of Syria, , Volume-47, Issue-2.
