Vegetation and Environment of Gebel Serbal, South Sinai, Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt

2 Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, 41522 Ismailia, Egypt

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the floristic composition and the distributional behavior of plant
communities in relation to the main physiographic features and soil properties in Gebel Serbal. Canopy
cover of plant species and altitude were measured in 58 stands (20 m x 20 m). Gravel percentage, soil
texture, hygroscopic moisture, pH, electric conductivity, total carbonate, total nitrogen, available
phosphorus, and soil organic matter were determined in each stand. The results revealed that Serbal
Mountain is characterized by distinguished microhabitats and low to moderate human impact that result
in unique floristic composition and vegetation patterns. One hundred and six species were identified in
this study including 11 endemic species, and 36 characteristic species. Based on multivariate analyses,
seven main plant communities were recognized in Gebel Serbal area. Distribution of the plant
communities was more related to altitude, hygroscopic moisture, and gravel percentage rather than to
sand, silt and clay fractions, soil organic matter, and total nitrogen. The present study indicates that Gebel
Serbal is the most diverse area in South Sinai, and has a high conservation value. We recommend that
Gebel Serbal, a part of St. Katherine Protectorate, should be declared as habitat/species management
area.

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