Ecological prominence of Juniperus phoenicea L. growing in Gebel Halal, North Sinai, Egypt Abdelraouf A. Moustafa1*, Mohamed S. Zaghloul1, Raafat H. Abd El-Wahab1,2, Dina H. Alsharkawy1, Mona A. Ismail1 and Ashraf A. Salman3,4 1Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt 2Science Department, Faculty of Basic Education, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, Adailiya 73251, Kuwait 3Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt 4Biology Department, Preparatory Year Deanship, Jazan University, Saudi Arabia ABSTRACT Identifying diversity, distribution, and habitats of interest species is an important task for developing conservation and restoration programs. Juniperus phoenicea has suffered immense destruction and degradation over the last few decades on the anticlines of North Sinai. Therefore, this study evaluated the ecological status of J. phoenicea assemblages in Gebel Halal, and analyzed floristic composition, distribution and species diversity in different habitats. Germination treatments Juniper seeds were also considered. The results showed that the surveyed area of Gebel Halal harbors 73 plant species including 50 medicinal plant species representing 69% of the recorded species, of which 17 species were found only in the mountainous area. Soils of gorge habitats are the richest soil in organic matter (2.22%), and silt and clay content (17.19%). These conditions support dense vegetation of J. phoenicea assemblages associated with many sub-shrubs, shrubs and annuals. Mean canopy cover of J. phoenicea at gorge habitats is 14.21% (±6.45 SD, ±3.73 SE), and mean diameter is 3.53 m (±1.29 SD, ±0.74 SE). The study area showed also assemblages of Acacia pachyceras at wadi habitats; Anabasis articulata, Ballota undulata and Lycium shawii at slope habitats. Associated species include Zygophyllum dumosum, Chiliadenus montanus and Globularia arabica. Ecological characterization and floristic composition were most influenced by climatic and edaphic factors. Isolated patches of the remnant assemblages of Juniperus phoenicea persist in gorges (220-400m altitude) growing on fractures of smooth-faced limestone outcrops of Gebel Halal. Assemblages of J. phoenicea are considered local threatened endemic Mediterranean type mainly due to human disturbances. The results of the preliminary germination experiments showed low germination percentages when seeds were shaken with gravel and coarse sand for 15 minutes (20%), and when seeds were soaked in concentrated acids for 5 or 10 minutes (10%). In conclusion, the ecological conditions for J. phoenicea indicated that it is an endangered species. Immediate protection of the remaining J. phoenicea trees and future restoration programs should be the priority for conservation strategies of this endemic assemblage type. The anticlines of North Sinai that harbor J. phoenicea assemblages should be listed as a priority habitat in the national conservation plan. Keywords: Floristic composition, Gebel Halal, Juniperus phoenicea, Sinai anticlines, Species richness.  INTRODUCTION Junipers grow in semiarid and arid regions (Gardner and Fisher, 1996; Gauquelin et al., 1999; El-Bana et al., 2010). Isolated plant populations in a few areas are more susceptible to climate change and human pressure that can threaten their resources and habitats. Consequences might be the loss of biodiversity of associated floras and faunas, including the genetic diversity of the species populations (Thompson, 1999). These negative effects are of special concern when target communities are rich in endemic, endangered, vulnerable, and rare species (Abd El-Wahab et al., 2004). Therefore, identifying the geographical range and environmental requirements of rare target species or habitats represents an important tool in conservation planning and biodiversity monitoring. Juniper (Family Cupressaceae) is a dioecious, coniferous shrub growing in temperate and subtropical regions of the northern hemisphere. The genus is taxonomically complex, consisting of around 80 species (Thomas et al., 2007). Due to its former widespread distribution Juniper is associated with a rich folklore and diverse ethnobotanical uses, including medicinal, veterinary and culinary uses. Juniper is found in a wide range of open habitats, at varying altitudes and growing in a wide range of soil types (Cooper et al. 2012). In the Mediterranean regions; Juniperus can survive under extremely harsh conditions of extreme drought with lots of climatic fluctuations (Piotto and Di Noi, 2003). Juniperus phoenicea L., commonly known in Arabic as Ar’ar and in English as Phoenician Juniper, is a shrub or small cypress-like tree with erect branches. Leaves are of two kinds, spreading needle-like and imbricated scale-like. Fruits are glossy, reddish-brown, 6-14 mm across, 3-9 seeded (Täckholm, 1974). In Egypt, it is a very rare species recorded only in the anticlines of Halal, Maghara, and Yi’allaq (Täckholm, 1974; Abd El-Wahab et al., 2008; El-Bana et al., 2010; Youssef et al. 2014). It is a native species to the coastal sites of the Mediterranean basin and extends into the mountains of western Arabia (Zohary, 1973). It has a characteristic aromatic bitter taste and aromatic odor; generally Bedouins are using the plant extract as a drink for treating diabetes. Dry leaves are used to cure mild skin inflammations for babies; dilator for urinary tracts, laxative, intestinal disinfectant, emmenagogue and helping in childbirth by increasing the contraction of the uterus, diaphoretic, sedative and for diarrhea (Batanouny et al., 1999). The mixture of leaves and berries is used as an oral hypoglycemic agent, whereas the leaves are used against bronco-pulmonary disease and as a diuretic (Ramdani et al., 2013). The essential oil of J. phoenicea shows strong antimicrobial activity (Ramdani et al., 2013). In Jordan traditional medicine, it is used for treatment of variety of diseases such as diarrhea, gout and poor appetite, eliminating gastrointestinal bacteria and parasites (Qnais et al., 2005). Several studies reported the importance of active contents of leaves and berries of J. phoenicea grown in Mediterranean region including Morocco (Ait Ouazzou et al., 2012), Egypt (El-Sawi et al., 2007), Tunisia (Bouzouita et al., 2008), Algeria (Mazari et al., 2010; Bekhechi et al., 2012), Canary Islands and Madeira (Adams et al., 2009), and Portugal (Cavaleiro et al., 2001). For most of the desert plants soil moisture and rainfall are major factors influencing seed germination and successful seedling establishment (Harper and Benton, 1966: Freas and Kemp, 1983; Agami, 1986). Freas and Kemp (1983) discussed the importance of innate dormancy, water-controlled dormancy, and seed dispersal to the long-term survival of desert annual species. Germination trials of some native plant species particularly threatened and medicinal species in Sinai have been done by several studies (e.g., Moustafa et al., 1996; Zaghloul, 1997; Zaghloul et al., 2010; Moustafa et al., 2015), however there is a lack of knowledge about germination of J. phoenicea. In Egypt, J. phoenicea is restricted to the strongly folded area (Frontal folds) Gebel Halal, G. Maghara and G. Yi’allaq. The plant is very rare and new seedlings are not observed in the sites of its growth. The assemblages of J. phoenicea in the North Sinai are considered a Mediterranean-type subjected to ecological effects as wind, erosion and drought. In addition recently, this threatened type has almost completely been destroyed over the last few decades due to severe human impacts including over-grazing, over-collecting, and quarrying activities (Fig. 1). This study aims to evaluate the geographical distribution, ecological status, floristic composition and diversity pattern of existing assemblages of J. phoenicea in G. Halal. This is of great conservation concern since G. Halal is rich in medicinal and threatened species and should be listed as priority habitats in the national conservation strategy. Figure (1): Threatened Juniperus phoenicea trees at Gebel Halal showing signs of cutting. MATERIALS AND METHODS Study Area The anticlines of North Sinai include Gebel (mountain) Yi’allaq (1090 m above sea level), G. Halal (892 m a.s.l), and G. Maghara (735 m a.s.l) (Fig. 2). The anticline fold system of North Sinai is a part of Cretaceous Syria arc that extends from the Palmyra folds of Syria to the desert west of the Nile. The North Sinai folds have NE-SW orientation and include both large folds such as G. Halal, G. Maghara, and G. Yi’allaq; and small folds such as G. Libni (463 m a.s.l). These anticlines are characterized by large outcrops of smooth-faced limestone and dolomite. The syncline valleys are filled with sand-covered alluvium. This study was carried out in G. Halal. The asymmetric doubly plunging anticline of Gebel Halal is structurally simpler than the Gebel Maghara and G. Yi’allaq structures. Gebel Halal anticline has a gentle northwestern flank dipping at about 15° NW and a steep southeastern flank that is mostly vertical to overturned (Moustafa, 2010). It is characterized by large outcrops of smooth-faced limestone, whereas G. El-Maghara and G. Yi'allaq have fissured rocks with limestone and dolomite outcrops (Danin, 1972). North Sinai, as a desert region, belongs to arid climate with hot summer, mild winter and annual rainfall of 20 – 100 mm (Ayyad and Ghabour, 1986). During winter average temperature reaches 19.8ºC during the day and 8.3ºC during the night. The precipitation reaches about 62.2 mm, which represents 60% of the annual precipitation. In spring, the average temperature varies between 23.57ºC and 11.13ºC; and precipitation reaches 25.2 mm. Average wind speed in this season is 9.6 m/sec (Saleh, 2013). Vegetation Survey Six sites were surveyed at the northern and eastern side of Gebel Halal. The geographical locations of these sites (Table 1) were recorded using a global positioning system (GPS, Trimble model, Trimble Navigation Limited, Sunnyvale, California, USA). At each site, 5 quadrats (10 x 10m) were selected randomly for qualitative (3 quadrats) and quantitative measurements (2 quadrats). At each quadrat, identified plant species and their abundance (the number of individual of each species) were recorded. Minimum and maximum canopy diameters of each species were measured. Average diameter (D) and canopy cover of plant species were calculated. The canopy cover was calculated using the formula for a circle area {πr2}, where r was taken to be half of the canopy average diameter. The total plant cover of each quadrat was estimated. Species identification and their growth forms followed Täckholm (1974) and Boulos (1999 – 2005). Importance of plant species as medicinal or fodder followed Boulos (1983), Batanouny et al. (1999), and Abd El-Wahab et al. (2008). The ratio of species/genera and genera/family were estimated (Ayyad et al., 2000). Species richness (the total number of species in each quadrat), Margalef's index (based on species richness), Shannon Index and Pielou's evenness index (based on species relative abundance) were applied to assess biodiversity. According to Magurran (1988), the Margalef index was calculated from the formula: (where S is the number of species and N is the total number of individuals) The Shannon index from the formula: (where pi is the proportion of individuals found in the ith species) Pielou's evenness index from the formula: (where Hmax is the maximum diversity possible and equal "ln S"). Soil analysis At each quadrat one surface soil sample was collected as a mixture from zero to 20 cm in depth. Soil samples were air-dried and sieved through a 2-mm sieve to obtain representative sub-samples (fine soil) for physical and chemical analyses and to exclude large gravels that are relatively less reactive (Robertson et al. 1999). The large particles (>2 mm) were weighed as a gravel percentage. Soil fraction analysis was obtained using dry sieving (particle-size distribution), and hygroscopic moisture was measured (Gee and Bauder, 1986). Soil pH was measured in a 1:2.5 soil-water extract. Soil electric conductivity was measured in a 1:1 soil-water extract. Soil organic matter (%) was estimated by using the loss on ignition method. Soil chemical analyses were conducted following the methods of Sparks et al. (1996). Germination treatments Seeds of Juniperus phoenicea were collected from different sites in North Sinai anticlines. Average seed weight, number of seeds per cone, and number of seeds in kilogram were estimated. Preliminary germination experiments were carried out under laboratory conditions and in growth chamber to determine germination behavior. Germination treatments of J. phoenicea seeds include manual shaking with gravel and coarse sand for 5, 10 and 15 minutes; immersing in boiling water for 5, 10 and 15 minutes; soaking in concentrated HCl for 5, 10 and 15 minutes; soaking in concentrated H2SO4 for 5, 10, and 15 minutes; and rinsing (washing) by tap water for 8, 12 and 24 hours. Data treatment Descriptive statistics include mean, standard deviation (SD) and standard error (SE) of vegetative parameter (abundance, diameter and canopy cover, and total plant cover) and diversity indices (species richness, Shannon-Winner index, Pielou's evenness index, and Margalef's index) in each habitat and plant assemblage. Pearson correlations were used to determine how abundance, diameter and canopy cover, total plant cover, and diversity indices are related. Cluster analysis of vegetation structure was tested statistically using average linkage of Bray-Curtis distance calculated from differences in abundance, cover, and average diameter of 33 plant species (Cophenetic correlation= 0.94). The one-way ANOVA procedure was used to determine whether differences exist among the mean values of plant cover, and diversity indices of different assemblages. Statistical analyses of the data were carried out using SPSS software (Statistical package for social sciences, version 21, IBM Corp. Released 2012). Cluster analysis was carried out using F diversity software (Casanoves et al., 2010). RESULTS General description of Juniperus phoenicea assemblages Assemblages of Juniperus phoenicea were recorded in three sites at gorge habitat (220-400 m altitude). The total plant cover at stands supporting J. phoenicea assemblage varies between 11.5% and 22.6%. The canopy cover of Juniperus trees varies between 7.1 and 19.63% with mean value of 14.21% (6.45 ±6.45 SD, ±3.73 SE). Canopy diameter of Juniperus trees varies between 2 m and 5 m. The mean canopy diameter is 3.53 m (±1.29 SD, ±0.74 SE).  Figure (2): Location map of North Sinai showing the study area of Gebel Halal. Seedlings or young individuals were not recognized in all surveyed sites. Almost all the trees of J. phoenicea are suffering from overcollection and overcutting for wood and medicinal uses. Associated species of this assemblage include Chiliadenus montanus, Ballota undulata and Schismus arabicus. Soil of gorge habitats is the richest in organic matter (2.22%), and silt and clay content (17.19%). These conditions support dense many vegetation of J. phoenicea assemblages associated with sub-shrubs, shrubs and annuals. J. phoenicea trees were not recognized below the elevation of 200m a.s.l. either in wadi or channel habitats. Soils of wadi and channel habitats are lower in content of organic matter and gravel than soils of gorge habitat. Statistical analysis of different soil properties showed high significant variations between different habitats (Table 1). Table (1): Habitat type, altitude and the geographic location of the six main sites at Gebel Halal. Sites Habitat GPS pH EC dS m-1 Gravel % Coarse sand % Medium Sand % Fine Sand % Silt & clay % organic matter % 1 Wadi N:30o 47.227’ E:33 o 58.802’ Altitude: 143m 8.21 3.04 1.42 19.18 30.83 44.72 5.28 1.11 2 Channel N:30o 45.447’ E:34 o 01.069’ Altitude: 173m 8.43 2.06 1.17 18.59 23.38 49.33 8.7 1.23 3 Gorge N:30o 44.072’ E:34 o 02.067’ Altitude: 224m 8.89 1.86 2.02 13.17 32.54 47.95 6.34 1.49 4 Gorge N:30o 43.539’ E:34 o 01.703’ Altitude: 311m 8.88 1.84 3.17 21.28 26.89 41.45 10.38 2.11 5 Gorge N:30o 43.428’ E:34 o 01.571’ Altitude: 289m 8.33 2.06 12.88 13.38 19.33 36.51 17.19 2.22 6 Slope N:30o 43.335’ E:34 o 01.853’ Altitude: 362m 8.64 1.97 5.27 24.56 29.94 38.98 6.52 1.99 F 22.02* 36.5* 18.2* 7.68* 5.32* 7.32* 17.23* 19.32* *p-value <0.001 Seed germination treatments of J. phoenicea The results of the preliminary germination experiments showed difficulties in germination of Juniperus seeds. Most of treatments such as soaking or washing seeds in tap water or boiling water were failed to germinate Juniperus seeds. Low germination percentages were obtained in treatments of shaking seeds with gravel and coarse sand for 15 minutes (20%), and soaking seeds in concentrated hydrochloric acid for 5 minutes or sulfuric acid for 5 or 10 minutes (10%) (Table 2). Table (2): Germination treatments of Juniperus phoenicea. Treatment Germination Percentage Control 0 Manual shaking for 5, 10, 15 min 0, 0, 20 Boiling water for 5, 10, 15 min 0 Cooling of seeds for 7, 14, 21 day 0 Soaking in conc. HCL for 5, 10, 15 min. 10, 0, 0 Soaking in conc. H2SO4 for 5, 10, 15 min. 10, 10, 0 Soaking in tap water for 24, 36, 72 hour 0 Washing under tap water for 8, 12, 24 h 0 Floristic composition Based on field survey of different habitats, G. Halal harbors 73 plant species. The identified plant species belong to 31 families and 68 genera (Appendeix 1). The ratio of genera to families and species to genera are 2.19 and 1.07 respectively. Compositea is the largest family in the study area with 11 species. Analyzing floristic composition of G. Halal showed high abundances of perennials (74%), whereas annuals represented 26% of the recorded species. Shrubs and sub-shrubs are about 48% whereas trees are about 4% (Fig. 3) . Figure (3): Growth forms of recorded plant species in Gebel Halal Gebel Halal harbors 50 medicinal plant species representing about 69% of the recorded species (Appendeix 1) Medicinal plants growing only in the mountainous area (17 species) include Acacia pachyceras var. najdensis, Asclepias sinaica, Ballota arabica, Juniperus phoenicea, and Lavandula pubescens. The other medicinal plants such as Acacia tortilis, Anabasis arabica, Artemisia monosperma, Cleome amblyocarpa, and Panicum turgidum are growing also in the Mediterranean coastal area. Fifteen species are grazed or collected as fodder for livestock animals. The most common fodder plants are Acacia pachyceras, Acacia tortilis, Globularia arabica, Zilla spinosa, and Tamarix nilotica. Vegetation and plant diversity of different habitats Distribution of plant species and their canopy cover at different habitats showed that Gebel Halal is characterized by two main tree species with the highest canopy cover (15-30%); Acacia pachyceras at wadis and J. phoenicea at gorges. Heliotropium ramosissimum and Artemisia monosperma at wadis and Fagonia scabra, Acacia pachyceras and Lycium shawii at channels have intermediate values of canopy cover (2-7%). Most of the other recorded species have canopy cover values less than 1% (Table 3). The mean value of total plant cover in G. Halal is about 19.6%. The total plant cover varies between (35.63%) at wadis and 3.47% at slopes. Channels and gorges were close to each other in total plant cover (Fig. 4A). The highest species richness was recorded at channels (10 species/100m2) followed by gorges (8.67 species/100m2) and slopes (6.67 species/100m2). On the other hand, wadis showed the lowest value of richness diversity (Fig. 4B). The results of Pielou's evenness index showed that slopes and gorges are higher in species diversity than wadis and channels. Shannon index showed also that slopes have the highest value of species diversity in the study area. However, Margalef's index showed that gorge habitats are more diverse than channels and slopes (Fig. 5). Pearson correlation between total plant cover and plant diversity indices at Gebel Halal showed significance relationships between richness index and Shannon index, and between richness index and Margalef's index. The other relationships were not significant (Table 4). Plant assemblages Cluster analysis using average linkage of Bray-Curtis distance method based on differences in abundance, cover, and average diameter of 33 species showed that vegetation clusters of G. Halal has six distinguished assemblages (Fig. 6). Assemblage (I) showed high cover value of Acacia pachyceras at wadi habitats (Table 5). Three assemblages were characterized by dominance of Juniperus phoenicea (II. IV, V). Assemblage II represents a pure vegetation of Juniperus phoenicea. Assemblages IV and V were characterized by high species richness of associated species such as Lycium shawii and Chiliadenus montanus in assemblage IV, and Fagonia scabra, Ballota undulata, Globularia arabica, Fagonia mollis and Zygophyllum dumosum in assemblage V. Two assemblages (III and V) were characterized by dominance of shrubs and sub-shrubs. Table (3): Canopy cover% of some recorded species at different habitats and their mean values for the total study area of Gebel Halal. Species Stydy area Wadi Channel Gorge Slope Acacia pachyceras O. Schwartz var. najdensis (Chaudhry) Boulos 28.03 43.85 4.32 Anabasis articulata (Forssk.) Moq. 0.17 0.14 0.19 Artemisia monosperma Delile 1.51 1.51 Asclepias sinaica (Boiss.) Muschl. 0.16 0.16 Asparagus aphyllus L. 0.04 0.04 Asparagus stipularis Forssk. 0.23 0.15 0.32 Asphodelus viscidulus Boiss. 0.24 0.31 0.22 0.21 Astragalus spinosus (Forssk.) Muschl. 0.01 0.01 Ballota undulata (Fresen.) Benth. 0.93 0.52 1.35 Caylusea hexagyna (Forssk.) M. L. Green 0.10 0.10 Chiliadenus montanus (Vahl) Brullo. 0.54 0.19 0.89 Cleome amblyocarpa Barratte & Murb. 0.13 0.13 Cornulaca monacantha Delile 0.79 0.79 Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.) Spreng. 0.03 0.03 Diplotaxis harra (Forssk.) Boiss. 0.53 1.42 0.06 0.10 Echinops galalensis Schweinf. 0.2 0.02 0.26 0.33 Fagonia mollis Delile 0.61 1.25 0.40 Fagonia scabra Forssk. 6.78 13.43 0.13 Globularia arabica Jaub.&Spach. 0.24 0.24 Gymnocarpos decander Forssk. 0.09 0.05 0.12 Heliotropium ramosissimum (Lehm.) Sieb. ex. A. DC. 6.28 6.28 Juniperus phoenicea L. 14.21 14.21 Launaea capitata (Spreng.) Dandy 0.25 0.25 Lycium shawii Roem.&Schult. 2.47 3.55 0.32 Morettia canescens Boiss. 0.26 0.26 Nitraria retusa (Forssk.) Asch. 0.24 0.24 Reaumuria hirtella Jaub. & Spach 0.33 0.29 0.31 0.38 Retama raetam (Forssk.) Webb&Berthel 0.28 0.28 Schismus arabicus Nees 0.57 0.07 1.07 Stachys aegyptiaca Pers. 0.22 0.10 0.29 Tamarix nilotica (Ehrenb.) Bunge 0.33 0.33 Thymelaea hirsuta (L.) Endl. 0.13 0.05 0.21 Urginea maritime (L.) Baker 0.76 0.18 1.05 Zygophyllum dumosum Boiss. 0.54 0.19 0.89  A B Figure (4): Mean of total plant cover (A) and richness (B) at different habitats of Gebel Halal. Figure (5): Mean values of different species diversity indices at different habitat and for the total study area of Gebel Halal. Table (4): Pearson correlation between total plant cover and plant diversity indices at Gebel Halal. Variable (1) Variable (2) n Pearson p-value Total plant cover Richness Pielou's evenness index Shannon index Margalef's index 12 8 9 8 -0.47 -0.60 -0.05 -0.64 0.1194 0.1192 0.8900 0.0890 Richness Pielou's evenness index Shannon index Margalef's index 8 9 8 -0.39 0.84 0.83 0.3457 0.0044 0.0113 Pielou's evenness index Shannon index Margalef's index 8 8 0.35 -0.12 0.3885 0.7859 Shannon index Margalef's index 8 0.68 0.0625 Assemblage III showed dominance of Heliotropium ramosissimum, and was located at wadi and slope habitats. Associated species in this assemblage were Ballota undulata, Urginea maritime, Artemisia monosperma and Zygophyllum dumosum. The other assemblage (V) was characterized by Anabasis articulata, Ballota undulata and Lycium shawii, and was located mainly at slope habitats (Table 5). Figure (6): Cluster dendrogram of the 12 plots based on abundance, canopy cover and average canopy of 33 plant species recorded in Gebel Halal. Plots grouped using average linkage of Bray-Curtis dissimilarities (Cophenetic correlation = 0.94). DISCUSSION The characterization of the ecological status, the analysis of species diversity and the delimitation of the geographical distribution of habitats and plant populations of interest, particularly isolated ones are fundamental in conservation biology (Scott et al., 2001; Otto et al., 2012). According to Danin (1986) and Moustafa (1990), flora of G. Halal belongs mainly to three main phytogeographical territories; Saharo-Arabian, Irano-Turanian and Mediterranean. Phytogeographical relations have a significant influence on species diversity as they largely determine the stock of species available in the past and present for inhabiting the study area (Danin, 1986). Juniperus phoenicea populations are a clear example of marginal or border populations in relation to the overall plant distribution area of the Mediterranean region (Danin, 1999), a factor commonly associated with regression dynamics due to climatic stress (Eriksson, 1996). The situation of population regeneration of J. phoenicea in North Sinai anticlines is limited to a few habitats with wetter soils, where population decline is associated with drought (Fisher, 1997). This study evaluated the ecological status of Juniper assemblages in G. Halal and analyzed their floristic composition, distribution, and species diversity at different habitats. Juniperus phoenicea has a high ecological value in relation to its soil-retaining ability, and it can be taken as a keystone Table 5: Plant assemblages of Gebel Halal and their habitats, total plant cover, diversity, and canopy cover of plant species. Variable Plant Assemblages Assemblage I II III IV V VI Plot 1,3,4 11 2,8 5,10 6,9,12 7 Habitat wadi gorge wadi, slope channel, gorge channel, gorge, slope slope Total plant cover% 43.85 15.92 9.26 11.07 15.32 1.106 Richness species/100m2 1 1 9 10.5 10 4 Pielou's evenness index - - 0.68 0.68 0.72 0.95 Shannon index - - 1.50 1.62 1.60 1.32 Margalef's index - - 1.39 2.47 1.98 1.44 Canopy cover% of plant species Acacia pachyceras O. Schwartz var. najdensis (Chaudhry) Boulos 43.85 5.94 2.69 Anabasis articulata (Forssk.) Moq. 0.05 0.14 0.33 Artemisia monosperma Delile 1.51 Asclepias sinaica (Boiss.) Muschl. 0.16 Asparagus aphyllus L. 0.04 Asparagus stipularis Forssk. 0.10 0.12 0.36 Asphodelus viscidulus Boiss. 0.31 0.02 0.31 Astragalus spinosus (Forssk.) Muschl. 0.01 Ballota undulata (Fresen.) Benth. 2.32 0.22 0.81 0.38 Caylusea hexagyna (Forssk.) M. L. Green 0.10 Chiliadenus montanus (Vahl) Brullo. 0.84 0.24 Cleome amblyocarpa Barratte & Murb. 0.13 Cornulaca monacantha Delile 0.79 Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.) Spreng. 0.03 Diplotaxis harra (Forssk.) Boiss. 0.76 0.06 Echinops galalensis Schweinf. 0.33 0.14 Fagonia mollis Delile 0.70 0.83 0.08 Fagonia scabra Forssk. 6.78 Globularia arabica Jaub.&Spach. 0.13 0.36 Gymnocarpos decander Forssk. 0.09 Heliotropium ramosissimum 6.28 Juniperus phoenicea L. 15.92 7.07 19.63 Launaea capitata (Spreng.) Dandy 0.25 Lycium shawii Roem.&Schult. 3.83 3.26 0.32 Morettia canescens Boiss. 0.6 Nitraria retusa (Forssk.) Asch. 0.24 Reaumuria hirtella Jaub. & Spach 0.34 0.31 Retama raetam (Forssk.) Webb&Berthel 0.28 Schismus arabicus Nees 0.57 Stachys aegyptiaca Pers. 0.21 0.25 Tamarix nilotica (Ehrenb.) Bunge 0.33 Thymelaea hirsuta (L.) Endl. 0.13 Urginea maritime (L.) Baker 1.97 0.16 Zygophyllum dumosum Boiss. 1.33 0.25 0.29  species for the associated rare, vulnerable and endangered flora (Boulos and Gibali, 1993). Ecological characterization and floristic composition of G. Halal were most influenced by climatic and edaphic factors. Gorge habitats with the richest soil in organic matter and silt and clay content (17.19%) support high diversity and dense vegetation of J. phoenicea assemblages associated with many sub-shrubs, shrubs and annuals. Variation in the average plant cover is also recognized reflecting the climatic and mainly the aridity conditions of the area. The differences in rock types and elevation among North Sinai anticlines reflect serious limitation on recruitment of J. phoenicea due to moisture availability (El-Bana et al., 2010). Only low germination percentages of J. phoenicea seeds were obtained when the seeds were shacked with gravel and coarse sand for 15 min, or soaked in concentrated sulfuric acid for 5 and 10 min. Seeds of J. phoenicea are sensitive to a strong desiccation and that there is no known effective pre-treatments will improve germination but the suggested cold stratification of naked seed at +3°C or +4°C for 30 days (Piotto and Di Noi, 2003). Gebel Halal has six distinguished plant assemblages. Isolated assemblages of J. phoenicea were recognized in gorge habitats (220-400m altitude). These assemblages have many species in common with G. Maghara and G. Yi’allaq in North Sinai (Boulos, 1960; Danin et al., 1985; Abd El-Wahab et al., 2008; Kamel et al., 2008; El-Bana et al., 2010). Associated species in J. phoenicea assemblages include Lycium shawii, Chiliadenus montanus, Fagonia scabra, Ballota undulata, Globularia arabica, Fagonia mollis and Zygophyllum dumosum. Similar findings were obtained by previous ecological survey (e.g. Gazar et al., 2000; El-Bana et al., 2010; Yousef et al., 2014). Assemblage of J. phoenicea is considered local threatened endemic Mediterranean type mainly due to immense destruction and degradation over the last few decades on the anticlines of North Sinai including over-grazing, over-collecting and quarrying activities. Our results fit with the general findings that human disturbance is a strong driver of isolated patches of the remnant assemblages of Juniperus phoenicea in the anticlines of North Sinai (Abd El-Wahab et al., 2008; El-Bana et al., 2010; Yousef et al., 2014). As a result of the impact of continuity of human disturbance and aridity in the study area, the conservation of J. phoenicea in northern Sinai must have an urgent priority, particularly at G. Halal that harbors the largest populations of J. phoenicea in North Sinai anticlines (Danin et al., 1985; El-Bana et al., 2010; Youssef et al., 2014). Populations of J. phoenicea at G. Halal are ecologically more valuable in terms of maintaining their associated flora since populations of some associated species are vulnerable as well (Abd El-Wahab et al., 2008; Boulos and Gibali, 1993). Global climate changes resulting in alternation of wet and dry climate episodes (Kusky and El-Baz, 2000) will also affect North Sinai anticlines by increasing temperatures and aridity, many of the juniper stands at lower altitudes will probably disappear in the future due to increasing environmental stress and lack of regeneration causing a local loss of biodiversity (Otto et al., 2012). Although there is a lack of comparative studies of richness patterns for all main habitats of the anticlines (Abd El-Wahab et al., 2008; El-Bana et al., 2010), we can show that the remaining J. phoenicea patches represent high biodiversity spots in G. Halal within the recognized local biodiversity hotspot of the North Sinai anticlines. 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Geobotanical foundations of the Middle East. Fischer,  Appendix (1): Species list of Gebel Halal and their growth form and importance. Family Species Growth form Importance Asclepiadaceae Asclepias sinaica (Boiss.) Muschl. shrub medicinal   Pergularia tomentosa L. sub-shrub medicinal Boraginaceae Heliotropium ramosissimum (Lehm.) Sieb. ex. A. DC. sub-shrub medicinal Capparaceae Cleome amblyocarpa Barratte & Murb. annual medicinal Caryophyllaceae Gymnocarpos decander Forssk. sub-shrubt   Gypsophila capillaris (Forssk.) C. Chr. annual medicinal   Herniaria hirsutaL. annual medicinal   Paronychia arabica (L.) DC. annual medicinal Chenopodiaceae Agathophora alopecuroides (Delile) Fenzl ex Bunge sub-shrub medicinal   Anabasis articulata (Forssk.) Moq. shrub medicinal   Bassia muricata (L.) Asch. annual medicinal   Cornulaca monacantha Delile sub-shrub medicinal   Haloxylon scoparium Pomel shrub medicinal   Salsola longifolia Forssk. sub-shrub Compositae Achillea fragrantissima (Forssk.)Sch.Bip. sub-shrub medicinal   Artemisia monosperma Delile sub-shrub medicinal   Atractylis mernephthae Asch. annual   Centaurea pallescens Delile annual   Chiliadenus montanus (Vahl) Brullo. shrub medicinal   Echinops galalensis Schweinf. perennial herb   Echinops spinosus L. perennial herb medicinal   Iphiona scabra DC. shrub   Launaea capitata (Spreng.) Dandy annual   Senecio glaucus L. subsp. coronopifolius (Maire) C. Alexander annual medicinal   Senecio glaucus L. subsp. glaucus annual medicinal Convolvulaceae Convolvulus lanatus Vahl. sub-shrub Cruciferae Diplotaxis harra (Forssk.) Boiss. perennial herb medicinal   Farsetia aegyptia Turra shrub medicinal   Morettia canescens Boiss. perennial herb   Zilla spinosa (L.) Prantl Shrub medicinal Cucurbitaceae Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. perennial herb medicinal Cupressaceae Juniperus phoenicea L. tree medicinal Dipsacaceae Pterocephalus plumosus (L.) Coult. annual Ephedraceae Ephedra alata Decne. shrub medicinal Euphorbiaceae Andrachne telephioides L. perennial herb   Chrozophora tinctoria (L.) Raf. annual   Euphorbia retusa Forssk. perennial herb medicinal Globulariaceae Globularia arabica Jaub. & Spach. shrub medicinal Graminae Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.) Spreng. perennial herb medicinal   Panicum turgidum Forssk. sub-shrub medicinal   Schismus arabicus Nees annual   Stipagrostis scoparia (Trin.&Rupr.) de Winter perennial herb medicinal Juncaceae Juncus rigidus Desf. perennial herb medicinal Labiatae Ballota undulata (Fresen.) Benth. perennial herb medicinal   Salvia aegyptiaca L. sub-shrub medicinal   Stachys aegyptiaca Pers. sub-shrub medicinal   Teucrium polium L. sub-shrub medicinal Leguminosae Acacia pachyceras O. Schwartz var. ital(Chaudhry) Boulos tree medicinal   Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne tree medicinal   Astragalus spinosus (Forssk.) Muschl. shrub   Retama raetam (Forssk.) Webb & Berthel shrub medicinal Liliaceae Asparagus stipularis Forssk. shrub medicinal   Asphodelus viscidulus Boiss. annual   Urginea maritima (L.) Baker perennial herb medicinal Malvaceae Malva parviflora L. annual medicinal Molluginaceae Telephium sphaerospermum Boiss. annual Neuradaceae Neurada procumbens L. annual Nitrariaceae Nitraria retusa (Forssk.) Asch. Shrub medicinal Peganaceae Peganum harmala L. perennial herb medicinal Resedaceae Caylusea hexagyna (Forssk.) M. L. Green annual   Reseda orientalis (Müll. Arg.) Boiss. annual Continue Appendix 1: Species list of Gebel Halal and their growth form and importance. Scrophulariaceae Scrophularia syriaca Benth. sub-shrub   Verbascum fruticulosum Post perennial herb Solanaceae Lycium Shawii Roem.& Schult. shrub medicinal Tamaricaceae Reaumuria hirtella Jaub. & Spach sub-shrub medicinal   Tamarix nilotica (Ehrenb.) Bunge shrub medicinal Thymelaceae Thymelaea hirsuta (L.) Endl. shrub medicinal Umbellifera Deverra tortuosa (Desf.) DC. sub-shrub medicinal   Eryngium glomeratum Lam. perennial herb Zygophyllaceae Fagonia arabica L. sub-shrub medicinal   Fagonia mollis Delile sub-shrub medicinal   Fagonia scabra Forssk. perennial herb   Zygophyllum dumosum Boiss. shrub medicinal Efficacy of certain Gel Baits against the German cockroach El-Monairy et al Catrina (2016), 15 (1): 11-23 © 2016 by the Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences Ecological Prominence of Juniperus Phoenicea L. Moustafa, A.A. et al. Ecological Prominence of Juniperus Phoenicea L. Moustafa, A.A. et al. Ecological Prominence of Juniperus Phoenicea L. Moustafa A.A. et al. Moustafa, A.A. et al. El-monairy et al. Efficacy of certain Gel Baits against the German cockroach Moustafa, A.A. et al. Ecological Prominence of Juniperus Phoenicea L. ____________________________________________ * Corresponding author: raoufmoustafa2@hotmail.com ? 25 13 ? 15 17 ? ? 21 11 109 110 23 22