Impact of climate change on the endangered Nubian dragon tree (Dracaena ombet) in the South Eastern of Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ashtum El Gamil Protected Area, Port Said, Egypt

2 Faculty of science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia

Abstract

This review aims to focus on the Nubian dragon tree, which is a distinctive mark of the Gabal Elba area and is native to that part of Egypt. The dragon trees grow slowly, long-lived, umbrella-shaped, with sword-shaped leaves and found in the semi-desert area, where they grow on inaccessible slopes. The average precipitation on the Gabal Elba area, where the Nubian dragon trees are found is not more than 50 millimeters per year, but the unique location of the mountain in front of the Red Sea and its height about 1435 m, captures water vapour and thus increase the precipitation rate to 400 millimeters per year. The Nubian dragon trees are threatened due to the change of their habitat, over-grazing, the diseases and harmful insects; however, the main factor influencing the Nubian dragon tree is the extreme drought. From total 1450 trees recorded only 870 trees have survived while 580 trees were dead, which represents about 60% survival and mortality about 40%. The Nubian dragon trees have aesthetic, medicinal, as well as commercial values. One trail succeeded in propagating of Dracaena ombet. The target species was recorded to be endangered and consequently, a plan of conservation should be prepared, fortunately, all the individuals of the population are located inside the Gabel Elba as a protected area, which helps managing the population. Moreover, plant propagation trials should be considered as well as establishing gene bank, conserving its genetic resources. Eventually Dracaena ombet is a unique medicinal plant that needs to be preserved in these natural habitats.

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