The ecological status of juniper woodlands in Al Jabal Al Akhdar, northern mountains of Oman

There are changes in the local distribution of the juniper, Juniperus seravschanica woodlands as a result of conflicts between biodiversity conservation and human activities in Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Sultanate of Oman. Woodland degradation and poor regeneration of juniper trees are attributed to many factors. Four zones, each with 10 plots and each plot with an area of 10,000 sq m were studied in detail at different altitudes to evaluate the status of the juniper woodlands. Tree density, distribution, health status and seed germination were assessed. The stock density of J. seravschanica in the study localities was less when compared to the previous studies. Juniper appeared as continuous woodlands from Al Hajmata reservoir in Shanut at an altitude of 2168 m a.s.l. and continued with the increase in altitude. The population structures of J. seravschanica in the four zones were evaluated. The heights of trees were normally distributed in the four zones. There were significant differences in the heights of trees among the four zones. Trees in zone 1 were shorter than those in the in the other three zones. J. seravschanica trees are in good health condition in all four zones. Most produced a moderate amount of female and male cones. Regeneration is low as indicated by 65 seedlings (9%) recorded during the survey and 26 small young trees (14%). Seed germination was low with a maximum of 31%.