Amman: Recent rainfall has helped replenish seasonal water bodies in the Azraq Basin, according to Hazem Al-Hreisha, the Manager of the Azraq Wetland Reserve. The Azraq Basin, located at the lowest point in the Azraq District, benefits from rainwater that accumulates through wadis draining into the area.
According to Jordan News Agency, Al-Hreisha shared that the Azraq Basin acts as a natural reservoir, absorbing large volumes of seasonal flash floods. This process mitigates the impact of floods and enhances environmental benefits by recharging the aquifer, improving groundwater levels, and offsetting the deficit caused by pumping and extraction. Additionally, the rainfall helps expand green cover in the spring.
Al-Hreisha highlighted data from the climatic station at the Azraq Wetland Reserve, which recorded rainfall of 98.4 millimeters in 2023, 36.9 millimeters in 2024, and 68.1 millimeters in 2025. The rains and floods have significantly impacted other seasonal wetlands within the reserve, forming important habitats for birds and wildlife and serving as a rich food source. The Azraq Basin and the reserve are situated along one of the world's most crucial bird migration routes, providing a key habitat for migratory and resident birds, as well as a stopover and nesting site for many waterfowl.
The reserve is noted for its biodiversity, with 329 bird species, 18 mammal species, over 200 plant species, 81 algae species, two amphibian species, and 163 invertebrate species recorded. This diversity supports opportunities for both domestic and international tourism. Last year, the reserve welcomed 13,980 visitors, with numbers expected to exceed 15,000 this year. Managed by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), the reserve is developing innovative tourism programs to attract visitors and enhance their experience within its natural sites.