Report No 2. New ghaf specimens found in Northern Qatar and overview of its conservation status (Jan 2016)

REPORT No 2: On the discovery of new Ghaf trees, and conservation status of the species in the country (Jan. 2016) Ivan Mohedano Mendez
1
ON THE DISCOVERY OF NEW GHAF TREES IN NORTHERN QATAR
AND OVERVIEW OF THE CONSERVATION STATUS OF THE SPECIES
‫حول‬‫اكتشاف‬‫أشجار‬‫جديدة‬‫من‬‫الغاف‬‫المحلي‬‫في‬‫شمال‬‫قطر‬
‫و‬‫لمحة‬‫عامة‬‫عن‬‫حالة‬‫حفظ‬‫األنواع‬
REPORT No 2 2 ‫تقرير‬‫رقم‬
RELEASING DATE 31/01/2016 31/01/2016 ‫تاريخ‬
SUBJECT GHAF CONSERVATION ‫الغاف‬ ‫على‬ ‫الحفاظ‬ ‫الموضوع‬
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.
‫اكتشاف‬‫شجرتين‬‫من‬ ‫جديدتين‬
‫المحلي‬ ‫الغاف‬‫في‬‫شمال‬،‫قطر‬
‫خالل‬‫عملية‬‫بحث‬‫أجريت‬‫في‬6
‫يناير‬6106,‫و‬‫حالة‬‫الحفاظ‬
‫على‬‫اثنين‬‫من‬‫المواقع‬‫الرئيسية‬
‫لهذه‬‫األنواع‬‫في‬‫البالد‬
‫الوصف‬
BACKGROUND
The Ghaf tree (Prosopis cineraria ‫ال‬‫غاف‬ ) 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

2
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)

3
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 ‫ْر‬‫د‬ِ‫س‬‫)ال‬ 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.

4
Scope of Ghuweif’s invasion.
230 of the 248 trees checked were identified as Prosopis juliflora (Al-Ghuweif ‫ال‬‫غويف‬ ). 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

5
Remarkable diversity of trees.
Aside from P. juliflora specimens, the remaining 18 trees checked were as follows:
 Prosopis cineraria (Al-Ghaf ‫ال‬‫غاف‬ ) = 2 trees (in two separate locations)
 Acacia tortilis (Al-Samr ‫ر‬َ‫م‬َ‫س‬‫)ال‬ = 14 trees (in four different stands)
 Casuarina equisetifolia (Al-Kausarina ‫ال‬‫كازارينا‬ ) = 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 ‫ْر‬‫د‬ِ‫س‬‫)ال‬ 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.

6
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

7
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
34 © Photo by Dileep Kumar

8
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

9
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

10
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 ‫ر‬َ‫م‬َ‫س‬‫)ال‬ 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).

11
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

12
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.

13
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.

14
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.

15
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.

Report No 2. New ghaf specimens found in Northern Qatar and overview of its conservation status (Jan 2016)

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (20)

Viewers also liked

Viewers also liked (8)

Similar to Report No 2. New ghaf specimens found in Northern Qatar and overview of its conservation status (Jan 2016)

Similar to Report No 2. New ghaf specimens found in Northern Qatar and overview of its conservation status (Jan 2016) (20)

More from Iván Mohedano Méndez

More from Iván Mohedano Méndez (12)

Report No 2. New ghaf specimens found in Northern Qatar and overview of its conservation status (Jan 2016)