Effects of camel grazing on the ecology of small perennial plants in the Dubai (UAE) inland desert

D. J. Gallacher, Zayed University
J. P. Hill, Zayed University

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Journal of Arid Environments

Publication Date

9-1-2006

Abstract

Camel grazing is recognized as a primary cause of ecological degradation in the UAE. A study of perennial plant species <1 m in height was conducted along a fence separating continuously camel grazed land from land in which camels had been replaced by oryx and gazelle species for 5 years (Al Maha). Vegetation regeneration in Al Maha in the absence of camels was considerable on all substrates (gravel, stable sand, and semi-stable sand) but was greatest on the gravel substratum, indicating that ecology in this habitat is most at risk. Observed regeneration was primarily through vegetative reproduction and growth of existing plants, showing that existing species can tolerate heavy grazing. Therefore, an equilibrium grazing model of continuous and reversible vegetation dynamics is most suitable for management of this ecological zone. Species richness was greater in Al Maha due to the greater number of plants, but biodiversity was unaffected. There was some evidence of localized dune stabilization within Al Maha due to increased vegetative cover. Further recovery of vegetation within Al Maha is discussed. This study highlights the need for reduced grazing pressure throughout the Dubai inland desert, and in particular on gravel substrata. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

ISSN

0140-1963

Publisher

Elsevier BV

Volume

66

Issue

4

First Page

738

Last Page

750

Disciplines

Life Sciences

Keywords

Conservation, Desertification, Rangeland, United Arab Emirates, Vegetation dynamics

Scopus ID

33646564721

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

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