The Impact of climate change on the endemic flora of Wadi Al Arbaein, South Sinai, Egypt: A unique ecosystem

This study aimed to investigate the change in the vegetation composition because of climate change and its effect on natural heritage. Wadi Al Arbaein is one of the most important wadis in the flora and vegetation composition. Wadi Al Arbaein is another narrow steep wadi, on its bed are scattered boulders and large stones. There are successive broad terraces reducing to a deep narrow channel flooded by spring water. The climate of the study area is extremely arid, with a long hot and rainless summer and mild winter. During the study, vegetation survey for the Al Arbaein in south Sinai was done including vegetation parameters such as total plant cover, physical and chemical soil analysis, temperature and moisture were the main factors controlling the floristic and structural distribution of vegetation in the study area. The variation in vegetation is highly influenced by diversity and is susceptible to climatic change. Endemic species are consistently more adversely impacted, endemics are considered as indicators for assessment and conservation of bio geographical regions and biodiversity hotspots. Climate change may cause rare and threatened endemic species to experience changes in their distribution range, perhaps leading to their extinction. The study conducted in Wadi Al Arbaein recorded 125 plant species, detailing their life forms and conservation statuses according to the IUCN 2024 criteria. Asteraceae emerged as the most abundant plant family, followed by Lamiaceae, with therophytes predominating among the recorded species. Wadi Al Arbaein harbors 16 endemic plant species, including seven critically endangered, six endangered, one near threatened, and one vulnerable. Preserving these botanical treasures is crucial for biodiversity conservation. The study identified ten distinct plant communities, in addition to five pure plant communities, likely characterized by distinct species compositions.