The country of Jordan offers a wide variety of animal life with their rich history preserved in ancient drawings. The national animal of Jordan is the
Arabian oryx, a large antelope with straight horns that actually became extinct in the 1920's in Jordan but was reintroduced on reserves in the Middle East and Jordan as well. In addition, Jordan features such animals as the
ostrich, the Asiatic jackal, the
striped hyena, the ibex, the
Arabian gazelle, the leopard, the jackal, the wolf, the camel, the desert fox, the rabbit, and the sand rat. There is also a variety in types of habitats found in the country. It is considered a relatively dry country, ranging from 86 degrees in the summer to 55 degrees in the winter. Some areas are considered to be desert, there are mountainous regions, and fertile valleys which also include wetlands. One major concern in Jordan has been loss of habitat as the population expands, a problem found throughout the world. The people of Jordan are making concerted efforts to preserve the habitats and take care of thier wildlife by creating several reserves where animals can thrive and remain safe. The reserves include the Dana Biosphere Reserve, the Azraq Wetland Reserve, the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, and the Mujib Nature Reserve. Each provides a a habitat that allows their animal life to be cherished. They also provide natives and tourists with the opportunity to observe the wildlife of Jordan, the wealth of species, and hope they will last for generations to come.