This research study examines the effect of different landscape units and proximity to agriculture on different taxonomic groups in Israel and Jordan. The peace treaty between Israel and Jordan found the Arava desert ecosystem, shared by the two countries, in a state of developmental dichotomy. On the Israeli side, vast lands have been settled and transformed into agricultural fields, while the Jordanian side has remained relatively intact and inhabited by only a few traditional and pastoral societies.
This project required full cooperation between Israeli and Jordanian researchers. The mutual trust and the personal relationships that developed across borders from this research project are the basis for current preparation of future projects.
