Report No 2. New ghaf specimens found in Northern Qatar and overview of its conservation status (Jan...

REPORT No 2: On the discovery of new Ghaf trees, and conservation status of the species in the country (Jan. 2016) Ivan Mohedano Mendez

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ON THE DISCOVERY OF NEW GHAF TREES IN NORTHERN QATAR

AND OVERVIEW OF THE CONSERVATION STATUS OF THE SPECIES

قطر شمال في المحلي الغاف من جديدة أشجار اكتشاف حول األنواع حفظ حالة عن عامة لمحةو

REPORT No 2 2 رقم تقرير

RELEASING DATE 31/01/2016 31/01/2016 تاريخ

SUBJECT GHAF CONSERVATION الموضوع الحفاظ على الغاف

DESCRIPTION On the discovery of two new Ghaf trees (Prosopis cineraria) in Northern Qatar, during a survey conducted for such purpose on 6

th

January 2016, and the state of conservation of the two main stands for the species in the country.

جديدتين من شجرتين اكتشاف قطر، شمال في الغاف المحلي

6 في أجريت بحث عملية خالل الحفاظ حالة و ,6106 يناير

الرئيسية المواقع من اثنين على البالد في األنواع لهذه

الوصف

BACKGROUND

The Ghaf tree (Prosopis cineraria غافال ) is one of the only four species of tree that are native to Qatar. In

the country, where it lies on the western edge of its distribution range, it has always played a significant role

in local culture, used for centuries as forage for livestock, firewood, and medicine (Norton et al. 2009). From

the ecological point of view Ghaf trees help to improve soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, and by

adding organic matter through leaf litter decomposition, in a non-competitive way with other plant species

(Misra and Louhaichi 2015). But despite its many benefits, Ghaf is today on the brink of extinction in the gulf

state, with a wild population estimated to be no more than 50 trees.

JUSTIFICATION

Two major stands comprise the bulk of the country’s population. The first one, not far from Rawdhat

Rashed, counts with 7 trees. The second, Umm Al-Hefain Al-Ghaf, is located further north in Al-Shamal

Municipality, and is home of 11 more trees (see maps 1-3). All 18 specimens are mature and, since there is

record, they don´t show signs of reproducing sexually (Abdel Bari et al. 2007).

In such a critical context, with barely a few dozens of trees left in the wild, the protection of every single

specimen is a priority. The two stands above mentioned are crucial, and protect them would be a major step


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toward the preservation of the species in the country. But these trees are likely closely related, little diverse,

and highly vulnerable to pests, climate change, or any other eventuality. Only finding new isolated

specimens, and protecting their genetic diversity, would really bring us closer to save the species from

extinction in Qatar.

SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES HELD

Two different activities were conducted to complete the present assessment. On the one hand, one

search trip was organized to find new isolated specimens in Al-Shamal Region (northern Qatar). On the

other hand, the two major stands for the species in the country were visited to evaluate their current

conservation status.

A preliminary survey of satellite imagery led to identify some stands that could correspond to P. cineraria,

because of their size, morphology, and aggregation pattern. They potentially were new locations for the

species in the country, non-described in literature until date, so that one exploratory trip was organized to

make proper assessments in situ. The journey finally took place on 6th January 2016, between 6:00am and

5:30pm, yielding the identification of 248 in the area of interest.

Two visits were needed to complete the assessments in the stand of Umm Al-Hefain Al-Ghaf (Al-Shamal),

on 19th and 25th January. The only trip to the other stand, in Al-Ghafat (Rawdhat Rashed), also took place on

the 25th.

Maps 1-3. Location of the two main stands of Ghaf still remaining in Qatar and area surveyed to find new specimens (left). On the right, close up view of the two sites. Green dots represent Ghaf (P. cineraria), orange dots Ghuweif (P. juliflora), and red ones Samr (A. tortilis).

Umm Al-Hefain Al-Ghaf

Al-Ghafat (Rawdhat Rashed)


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MATERIAL AND METHODS

During the search of new Ghaf specimens, targeted trees were visited by car. Most could be identified in

the field, although for few dubious specimens samples had to be taken for later (ex situ) analysis in MoE’s

headquarters. Samples for the new Ghaf trees discovered were also collected to confirm their identification.

GPS locations for all the 248 trees were recorded. The specimens of Ziziphus nummularia (Al-Sidr الِسْدر) and

Lycium shawii (Al-Awsaj العوسج) were kept out of this study, as they were highly abundance in the region and

little relevant to the main subject of the research.

The Ghaf trees of the two main stands were approached by foot (to prevent trampling), and examined

one by one. Notes on their state of conservation, regarding the existence of environmental threats, the

affectation by diseases, or the ability to reproduce, were recorded during assessments. If present in the

area, Ghuweif plants were mapped as well, for the role of the species in the conservation of Ghaf and other

native flora.

RESULTS

SEARCH OF GHAF TREES

Notes on the new trees found.

The search yielded the discovery of TWO GHAF TREES that are not mentioned in literature. They seem to

represent two new locations for the species in the country. The nearest known stand of Ghaf lies 10 km

away, at Umm Al-Hefain Al-Ghaf, suggesting that the two specimens found have probably a pretty different

genetic. The finding is very significant and, as mentioned, would provide new genetics to local population

and new dispersion points for future reforestation plans.

The trees found were small, about 4 and 6m high respectively (figs. 1 & 2). As per their basal diameter,

they seemed to be less than 50 years old. Unfortunately both specimens looked unhealthy, having pretty

sparse leaf biomass. Today they lack of any protection and are exposed to a number of threats, such as

livestock grazing, trampling, firewood cutting and, of course, the advance of the invasion of Prosopis juliflora

(Ghuweif). If no action is taken immediately the two trees very likely would disappear in a matter of years.

Figures 1 & 2. Detail on the two new Ghaf trees discovered in Al-Shamal region.


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Scope of Ghuweif’s invasion.

230 of the 248 trees checked were identified as Prosopis juliflora (Al-Ghuweif غويفال ). Such a striking

figure well illustrates the size of Ghuweif’s invasion in north Qatar. Some Ghuweif trees have reached

enormous dimensions in the area, and in some rawdhat have even formed monospecific thickets that have

already displaced local plants (figs. 3-6). Ghuweif seems to be more resistant to flooding and soil salinity

(figs. 3 and 7-8), and has been seen occupying areas where other local phanerophytes are unable to grow.

Wherever Ghuweif thickets develop, no other plants are found. This suggests the existence of allelopathic

mechanisms allowing them to take advantage in interspecific competition.

Figures 3-6. Some examples of the Ghuweif stands that can be found in Al-Shamal area. On the top left picture, rawdhat in sabkha saline environment in which P. juliflora specimens have been able to reach a significant size. On the top right, large Ghuweif trees occupying a rawdhat which potential vegetation should be dominated by Awsaj bushes (Lycium shawii). A small stand of Awsaj still remains, but will be soon displaced by the advance of P. juliflora. On the bottom left, a later stage of the Ghuweif invasion in another rawdhat of Al-Shamal. Here the native vegetation of Ziziphus nummularia and Lycium shawii has been swallowed by the thicket of Ghuweif. On the bottom right, detail of Awsaj being swallow by a Ghuweif plant.

Figures 7 & 8. During the survey, Ghaf trees of significant size were found in temporary flooded grounds, where no other species seemed to be

able to grow. They were surrounded by sabkha vegetation, which also suggests high soil salinity in the area.

© Photo by Dileep Kumar


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Remarkable diversity of trees.

Aside from P. juliflora specimens, the remaining 18 trees checked were as follows:

Prosopis cineraria (Al-Ghaf غافال ) = 2 trees (in two separate locations)

Acacia tortilis (Al-Samr الَسَمر) = 14 trees (in four different stands)

Casuarina equisetifolia (Al-Kausarina كازاريناال ) = 1 tree

Phoenix dactilyfera (Al-Nakheel النخيل) = 1 tree

As mentioned above, in the material and methods section, a number of specimens of Z. nummularia (Al-

Sidr الِسْدر) and L. shawii (Al-Awsaj العوسج) were also found in the area, but for logistic reasons were not

considered for mapping. They would raise to 6 the number of large phanerophytes, which is a significant

number for such an arid landscape. The region yet harbours a high biodiversity of trees, despite suffering a

significant anthropic pressure. Among the list of trees native to Qatar, only Acacia ehrenbergiana (Salm السام)

was absent. This is consistent with previous studies (see Report No. 1 on rawdhat preliminary surveys),

which pointed out that A. ehrenbergiana appears to occur primarily across southern Qatar, becoming rare

towards north.

STATE OF CONSERVATION OF THE TWO MAJOR STANDS

1. UMM AL HEFAIN AL-GHAF (AL-SHAMAL)

Umm Al-Hefain Al-Ghaf comprises the most significant stand of Ghaf in Qatar. The area has a

remarkable scenic value, sheltering a group of mature Ghaf trees of between 100 and 200 years old.

During the visit to the area 11 Ghaf trees were counted. The latest reference to the site, a survey

conducted before 2009, referred to a population of 13 trees (Norton et al. 2009). This means that at

least two trees have disappeared in recent times (figs. 9 & 10). In the site, we found one log of Ghaf

being burnt (still in flames), as well as several others with signs of having been converted into

charcoal. The death of one of those trees was later proven to have occurred somewhen between

18th August 2011 and 18th November 2012, according to Google Earth historic satellite imagery (figs.

11-14).

Figures 9 & 10. Logs of the two Ghaf trees (Prosopis cineraria) that have been killed in recent times. On the right, the signs of

conversion into charcoal are clear.


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Figures 11-14. Google Earth historic satellite imagery enabled to determine when the two trees were logged. On the left side, top

and bottom, images from 18th August 2011. The crowns of three large trees are easily recognizable. On the right, on 8th November

2012, two of the three trees have already disappeared.

Despite being located in a relatively remote location, the area is suffering a severe human pressure

that threatens to kill the Ghaf trees found there in a few years time. Some of the environmental

issues reported were as follows:

1. DIRECT KILLING OF GHAF TREES FOR FIREWOOD/CHARCOAL PRODUCTION. This activity

was found to be generalized and systematically performed. It responds to a premeditated

process that is being repeated until healthy trees are killed and become suitable for

charcoal production (figs. 15-18). In a first step, fire is made beside the trunk of a living

tree, aiming to burn the bark from one side. When damage takes place and burnt area

gets deeper in the trunk, a hole is created, and more fire can be made inside the core of

the tree itself, affecting vessel and sieve tube elements and disrupting sap and water

circulation. As a result, the healthy tree weakens little by little, dries out, and ends up


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falling into the ground. Then, the dry wooden remains become available for further

burning to produce charcoal (figs. 18, 19 & 20). As it was proven in our visit, the fire is

often left alone, acting for several days without any control.

At least 3 trees have been killed and burnt in this way, two of them in very recent times

(as mentioned above). 3 more trees were on the way to be killed, being damaged in

greater or lesser degree. This leaves only 6 of the 11 trees intact, but they will definitely

follow the same fate if no protective measures are taken.

Figures 15-18. Process of conversion of a healthy tree into charcoal. In a first step (1), fire is set beside the trunk of a

healthy tree, affecting the bark and the outer wood. Successive fires end up creating a hole on the trunk (2), so that

flames burnt the core of the trunk, damaging vessel and sieve tube elements, disrupting circulation. The weakened tree

falls down into the grown (3) and becomes available for further burning. On the later step (4) the whole trunk (that has

already dried out) is burnt and converted into charcoal. Fire is often left alone acting without any supervision.

Figures 19 & 20. The same area was visited in two consecutive weeks. This enabled to verify that charcoal production was

taking place at the time. On the left, picture taken on 19th January, where fire was found on burning one of the fallen trees.

On the right, same place one week after, on 25th January. The charcoal produced had already been picked for use.

1 2

3 4 © Photo by Dileep Kumar


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2. WOOD CUTTING. The lower branches of some trees were also found to be cut (figs. 21-

23).

Figures 21-23. Signs of wood cutting in some of the Ghaf trees of Umm Al-Hefain Al-Ghaf.

3. GRAZING. There is a farm nearby and the area is frequently visited by livestock. Damage

caused by grazing on lower branches was reported to be extensive (figs. 24-29).

Sheep/goats eat all leaf biomass they have at reach, shaping the tree crown in a very

particular way. New seedlings are also likely to be eaten as soon as they emerge, which

would make impossible the regeneration of the stand.

Figures 24-29. Grazing is extensively being practised in Umm Al-Hefain Al-Ghaf. There is a nearby farm breeding livestock

(up left) and facilities, such as drinking through (up right), have been provided for animals visiting the area. In the middle

left picture, a shepherd takes care of his herd of goats while assessments are being made. On the middle right, an Awsaj

bush (Lycium shawii) that has been grazed until roots. On the bottom, damage caused by grazing on the lower branches

of a Ghaf tree (left), and tree shape resulting (right).

© Photo by Dileep Kumar © Photo by Dileep Kumar


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4. RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES. Visitors frequent the area and perform all kind of activities

on it (camping, barbecuing, etc). This uncontrolled recreational usage has resulted in a

number of affectations both to the ecosystem and to the stand of Ghaf trees itself (figs.

30-33). Trash littering and trampling (either by vehicles or by camping tents) are some of

the side effects experienced. Some particular trees are even suffering from vandalism.

Figures 30-33. Some of the side effects resulting from the use of the area as recreational site. Trash littering affects the

whole rawdhat and is motivated, among others, for the lack of maintenance (top images). On the top left, the area

around the rubbish bin has been heavily trampled by cars, so that grass or other plants are not able to grow anymore.

Barbecuing is extensively practised, and the remains of bonfires can be found everywhere (bottom left). Some Ghaf trees

have even suffered from vandalism (bottom right).

5. GHUWEIF INVASION. The rawdhat is being extensively invaded by Ghuweif (Prosopis

juliflora). Some specimens have reached enormous dimensions and threaten to

monopolize soil water resources (figs. 34 & 35). A number of young plants are quickly

spreading across the area, and soon will develop into an impenetrable thicket. As we

mentioned, nothing grows at the shade of mature Ghuweif trees. In total, more than 400

specimens were mapped (see map 2, above), an astonishing number compared to the

only 11 Ghaf trees that still remain.

Figures 34 & 35. Ghuweif invasion has reached significant proportions in Umm Al-Hefain Al-Ghaf. On the left picture, a

stand of fast-growing young plants quickly advances through asexual reproduction, colonizing the surrounding areas. On

the right, competition for water soil resources takes place between a large specimen of Ghuweif (front right) and one of

the old Ghaf trees still remaining in the area (back left),

© Photo by Dileep Kumar


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1. AL-GHAFAT (RAWDHAD RASHED)

Description and condition of the stand.

The stand near Rawdhat Rashed amounts 7 mature trees (group of 6 + 1 satellite tree) which, like

those in Umm al Hefain Al-Ghaf, are likely between 100 or 200 years old. There is a pretty young

specimen that probably is a clone of one of the seven trees, resulting from asexual reproduction.

Two large specimens of Acacia tortilis (Al-Samr الَسَمر) complete the vegetation patch.

Despite protection measures have been taken in this location, the seven trees are currently in very

bad condition. They are suffering a severe woodworm infestation which apparently is causing

necrosis of healthy branches (figs. 36-40). The wooden stuff falling from the canopies accumulates

on the basis of all trees.

Figures 36-40. A woodworm infestation affects the Ghaf trees at Al-Ghafat (Rawdhat Rashed). On the top, two pictures illustrating the

damaged caused by the disease to the upper branches of the canopy. The dead stuff falls down and accumulates beneath the trees

(middle left). They show evident signs of having been drilled by woodworms (middle right and bottom).


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Assessment of the protective measures.

FENCING is one of the protective measures that are being taken. The perimeter of the two patches

(group of seven and separate satellite tree) has completely been surrounded by two barbed-wired

fences. Inside those major barriers other secondary fences (meshed fences) have been set at the

shade of the seven trees, with the aim of protecting the development of seedlings. Concrete walls

built up around the basis of the trunks comprise the third level of protection.

The fencing strategy is providing some good results (fig. 41). Trampling or grazing does not take

place anymore inside the enclosures. As a result, a number of seedlings have grown on the basis of

the trees, sheltered by the meshed fence that surrounds the trunk. This is further proof of the

strength and plasticity of Ghaf trees which, given the chance, are able to sprout abundantly from

virtually any kind of tissue. In this particular case, the new seedlings help the trees to counter the

loss of leaf biomass that have experienced in their canopies due to the woodworm infestation, and

probably are keeping them alive.

Figure 41. Fencing is providing good results. Ghaf seedlings are able to develop abundantly sheltered by the mesh and the outer

fence, as no grazing or trampling is taking place inside the enclosures.

Unfortunately some segments of the outer fence are in bad condition today, with gaps that may

allow livestock to enter the enclosures (figs. 42 & 43). Additionally the gate of the main fence is not

locked and can be easily opened by anybody (as for example by a shepherd aiming to bring the

livestock inside). Even if the barriers have been proven to be effective for the time being, they need

to be repaired and monitored closely to keep being so in the future.

In addition to fencing, REFORESTATION is also taking place in the site. A number of young Ghaf trees

have been planted around the enclosures, together with some specimens of what seemed to be

Acacia ehrenbergiana (Salm السام). Unlike the mature Ghaf trees these young plants have not been


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fenced, so that they are vulnerable to livestock grazing and trampling. Livestock footprints have been

seen in high numbers between the seedlings (figs. 44-46).

Figures 42 & 43. Some segments of the fence are not in good condition and need to be repaired (left). The main gate of one of the

enclosures is not locked and can be easily opened by anyone (right). Such mismatches need to be monitored and solved in order to

ensure a correct performance of the protective measures.

Figures 44-46. Reforestation is taking place around the enclosures (top), but seedlings are not being protected by a fence. Some

young plants have scarce leaf biomass (bottom left), probably because they are being grazed by livestock. A number of footprints were

found between the planting lines (bottom right), indicating that livestock indeed frequents the area.


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Figures 47 & 48. Acacia ehrenbergiana specimens have been deliberately planted together with Ghaf, as part of the reforestation

measures (left). Additionally, some stems of A. tortilis have sprouted between the Ghaf seedlings that grow on the basis of the large

trees (right). Both pose a potential threat to the development of young Ghaf plants, as they are fast-growing species.

The suitability of planting Salm specimens must be questioned, as they could quickly develop into

large trees that would hinder the development of the slower-growing Ghaf plants. Some stems of A.

tortilis are also growing (naturally) between the seedlings at the base of the large trees (figs. 47 &

48), and could affect them in a similar way. The removal of those plants perhaps should be

considered.

Underground water resources.

Finally, it is fit to mention the fact that there is a well in the area (figure 49) that was found empty at

the time of the survey. This is pretty unexpected event, given that the place was visited shortly after

some rain events took place, and the well is deep enough as for reaching the underground water at

least during the colder months. The bad state of the seven Ghaf trees could perhaps have to do with

this issue, in a way that the woodworm infestation, after all, could just have affected branches that

were already dead. The aquifer feeding the stand may have run dry in recent times, for one reason

or another. Further research needs to be done to this regard.

Figure 49. Detail of the well at Al-Ghafat, which was found empty at the time of survey. The Ghaf tree on the background shows the

proximity of the well to the stand of trees, which suggests that they are sharing the same underground water resources.


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CONCLUSSION

The conservation status of Qatar Ghaf trees is CRITICAL. Their survival is seriously compromised. The

bulk of population is comprised in only two stands, amounting 18 trees, which very likely are closely related,

little diverse genetically, and therefore highly vulnerable to any environmental change. Moreover, none of

them has shown signs of being able to reproduce sexually in recent times.

The trees of one of the stands, the most significant one, are being systematically killed to produce

charcoal, and their numbers have sharply declined during the past few years. On the other stand trees are

seriously ill for causes that still remain unclear, and might disappear soon if the disorder is not identified and

tackled.

However, there is still some room for hope. On the one hand Ghaf trees have been proven to be, after all,

adaptable and strong, able to sprout from their stump and develop new roots from fallen branches (figs. 50

& 51, next page). They are extremely well adapted to the harsh conditions of desert and, if human-made

constraints cease, would quickly recover the lost ground. On the other hand, during the current assessment,

in only one trip, two new trees were found far from the main stands. Further survey could yield the

discovery of unknown populations of that would provide the genetic diversity needed to make viable the

species recovery.

For all the above, bearing in mind the gravity of the situation, we consider that the following actions

must be taken immediately:

MANAGEMENT MEASURES

1. FENCE AND PROTECT THE STAND AT UMM AL-HEFAIN AL-GHAF to prevent charcoal production,

firewood cutting, grazing, and trampling, and limit the use of the area as recreational site.

2. ERADICATE THE PEST OF GHUWEIF AT UMM AL-HEFAIN AL-GHAF

3. STRENGTHEN THE ONGOING PROTECTIVE MEASURES AT RAWDHAT RASHED

RESEARCH

1. ASCERTAIN THE CAUSE OF THE DISEASE affecting the trees at Rawdhat Rashed, to save such a key

subpopulation

2. SEARCH OF NEW ISOLATED TREES that provide new sources of genetic diversity

3. FIND THE CAUSE OF LACK OF SEXUAL REPRODUCTION that is being experienced by the remaining

mature trees

4. INDUCE SEED PRODUCTION, if blooming takes place. Carry out cross-pollination between the

existing sub-populations, which nowadays may have become too isolated to carry out natural

pollination.


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Figures 50 & 51. Two examples of the strenght and plasticity of Ghaf trees. On the left, burnt log sprouting abundantly from even the damaged

wood. On the right, fallen branch that have developed new roots and now grows independent from the mother tree.

Finally, as a long term measure, we propose the rawdhat at Umm Al-Hefain Al-Ghaf to be promoted as

environmental education site for both schools and visitors. As we mentioned above, it has a great ecological

and scenic value, being already quite popular among local community. Regulating the recreational use in a

sustainable way is perhaps the only realistic way to tackle its management and ensure its preservation at the

long term. But, moreover, if proper facilities are provided, the area could also be a perfect setting to create

environmental awareness in the public.

REFERENCES

bdel ari, Ekhlas M. M., Qa ar mi at, Centre Environmental tudies, Qatar, and wa-al-Tur th Majlis al- a an lil-Tha fah wa-al- un n. 2007. The ghaf tree Prosopis cineraria in Qatar. [Doha, Qatar]: Qatar University.

Misra, Arun, and Mounir Louhaichi. 2015. Managing rangelands: promoting sustainable tree species "Prosopis cineraria: a wonder tree for agroforestry in arid and semi-arid areas". In Technical Report. Online: Research Gate.

Norton, John, Sara Abdul Majid, Debbie Allan, Mohammed Al Safran, Benno Böer, and Renee A Richer. 2009. An illustrated checklist of the flora of Qatar: Browndown Publications Gosport.

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