An environmental disaster sounds the alarm after the Al-Ara'is Pool in Irbid dries up.

Arab Weather - In a striking and environmentally alarming phenomenon, a group of photos sent to us by Dr. Ahmed Al-Shuraidah, a researcher in the field of environmental protection, nature conservation and sustainable development, showed the complete drying up of Al-Arais Pool north of Irbid Governorate. This is an unusual scene that not only threatens the natural beauty of the region, but also puts a unique environmental diversity on the brink of danger, after a rainy season described as one of the weakest rainy seasons in the history of the Kingdom.

An environmental disaster sounds the alarm after the Al-Ara'is Pool in Irbid dries up.

Birkat al-Ara'is is located northwest of the town of Malka, about one kilometer from the Yarmouk River. It is considered a strategic point on the migration route of soaring birds in the Syrian-African Rift, the second most important route globally after the Americas. More than 1.5 million migratory birds, such as kingfishers, herons, and kingfishers, cross the area annually, along with dozens of resident species.

An integrated ecosystem is under threat

Lake Al-Arais in Jordan is home to a number of fish species. Among the fish that live in the lake are: the zori (Chondrostoma regius), which feeds on plankton, insect larvae, and other young fish. There are also other fish species such as tilapia and some ducks.

The Brides' Pool contains rare forms of life around it, including:

• Freshwater turtles of the species Mauremys rivulata
• Foxes, wolves, forest cats, and Egyptian mongooses
• Types of reptiles, frogs and snakes
• More than 100 species of birds

Today, with the drying up of the Bride's Pool, these creatures face the specter of drought, which will ultimately lead to the extinction of rare species and a marked decline in biodiversity in northern Jordan. This requires finding sustainable solutions to enhance water resources and protect the environment surrounding the Bride's Pool.