ecologia mediterranea – Vol. 42 (1) – 2016 65 Abstract
Kamal H. SHALTOUT1, Dalia A. AHMED1,*, Hatem A. SHABANA2,3
1. Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt. 2. Nature Conservation Sector, Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, Cairo, Egypt. 3. Sharjah Research Academy, Sharjah University, Sharjah, UAE. * Corresponding author : drdalia1080@ yahoo. com
relationship resulted from the application of CCA indicated that altitude, calcium, bicarbonate, organic matter and fine gravels were the most effective environmental variables to explain species distribution.
Introduction
In order to establish an effective conservation program for a plant species, we should have enough knowledge of its biology and ecology. It is widely accepted today that the primary strategy for nature conservation is the establishment and maintenance of a system or network of protected areas, but it is not sufficient in a changing world (Huntley 1999). The first step in any conservation program for target species is to establish a baseline of available information before other activities are initiated. The process of gathering this information is sometimes referred to as an ecogeographical survey or study (Maxted et al. 1995), which is considered central to all issues of conservation and a key requirement in the development of any conservation strategy (Ouédraogo 1997). Sinai, a part of the Saharo-Arabian Desert (McGinnies et al. 1968; Danin 1983), contains a number of potentially exploitable resources, and includes areas suitable for human settlement and economic activities. These activities Distribution of the species associated with
Phlomis aurea Decne along an elevation gradient in Southern Sinai, Egypt
Received: 19 September, 2015; First decision: 3 March, 2016
