title: Desertification and its effect on the erosion of vegetation in the south-western region of Saudi Arabia.
abstract: This study was conducted in Jazan region of south-western Saudi Arabia. Vegetation cover, frequency, abundance and soil characteristics were analysed at three locations with different quantitative and descriptive vegetation characteristics. Plant species were classified into three primary communities dominated by Salvadora persic, Acacia tortilis and Ziziphus spini-Christi. The results indicated that the distribution of plant species is controlled by soil characteristics. Very limited water resources are also limiting factor in vegetation growth. Among the three studied sites, desert and coastal environments are affected by desertification. Rehabilitation of the degraded lands requires collaborative efforts and support from the different related governmental sectors. Ecological conservation and sustainable development must be adopted as tools of rehabilitation.
authors.affiliation: Environmental Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt. mmagdy_hiph@yahoo.com.|Biology Department, College of Science and Humanity Studies, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. mmagdy_hiph@yahoo.com.|Biology Department, College of Science and Humanity Studies, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. mmagdy_hiph@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Magda Magdy
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Abd El-Salam
authors.affiliation: Biology Department, College of Science and Humanity Studies, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Abeer Hamdy
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Elhakem
mesh_terms: D044822:Biodiversity; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D004463:Ecology; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D055593:Geological Phenomena; D010944:Plants; D012529:Saudi Arabia; D012987:Soil
chemical_list: D012987:Soil
keywords: Costal; Desert; Desertification; Erosion; Jazan; Mangrove; Vegetation