The Ajloun Reserve, Jordan, was established in 1988 and covers 13 km sq. It is located north of the capital Amman in the Ajloun Highlands, in a landscape of oak and pistachio trees. It was established to provide sanctuary for a captive-breeding program for the Roe deer.
The Roe Deer feeds on a variety of trees, shrubs and grasses. Deforestation and desertification over the past 200 years led to the decline in numbers of the Roe Deer. Three Roe deer were introduced to the captive breeding enclosure in Ajloun in 1988, from a similar habitat in Turkey. Today, there are thirteen Roe Deer at Ajloun.
The Persian Fallow Deer is another species that was once common in Jordan, and came near extinction by the turn of the century. A re-introduction program for this deer is also planned.
Many woodland animals inhabit the reserve, including badgers, foxes, wild boars; also many birds like the gold finch, turtle dove, hooded crow and jay. Wood cutting, illegal grazing and hunting cause problems for management of the reserve.
