Abstract
BackgroundA hiking trail is one of the major recreational activities that have critical impacts on wildlife. Wadi Telah in Saint Katherine Protectorate (South Sinai, Egypt) (N 28.568539 and E 33.932816) is an important spot for biodiversity. It was surveyed for spatial variation in the diversity of flower-visiting insects at different distances from the hiking trail. The current study aimed at assessing the impact of some anthropogenic activities along the main hiking trail passing through W. Telah on the diversity of flower-visiting insects. Field monitoring of flower visitors across the hiking trail passing through W. Telah was carried out at different distances (~ 0, 20, 40, and 60 m) along both sides of the hiking trail. As a control, monitoring was performed at 120 m from the hiking trail.ResultsA total of 542 individuals belonging to 34 species of flower visitors, 16 families, from three orders were recorded within the study localities in W. Telah. Floral resources in Wadi Telah can be a limiting factor for the populations of flower visitors. There was a significant difference in the distribution of the flower visitors’ species richness among different distances from the hiking trail in W. Telah. Species richness and abundance of flower visitors and their associated floral resources were significantly positively correlated to the distance from the hiking trail. There were no significant differences in the diversity of flower-visiting insects among different distances from the trail, perhaps due to their mobility.ConclusionsThe present study showed that the hiking trail had a negative impact on flower visitors and their associated floral resources in Wadi Telah. The investigation on how different biodiversity elements respond to hiking trails allows greater insight for protectorate managers. The study can contribute to effective management decisions for current and future protectorates.
Highlights
Katherine Protectorate extends over the entire mountain massif of South Sinai with an area of 4350 km2 (Fig. 1) and it is characterized by the highest elevations in Egypt and a dense Wadi system (SKP-M.P, 2003)
Flower visitors’ diversity and abundance in Wadi Telah A total of 542 individuals belonging to 34 species of flower-visitors, 16 families, from four orders were recorded from October 2018 to October 2019
The present study showed that the sampling points at distance 40 m from the hiking trail had the highest diversity of flower visitors
Summary
St. Katherine Protectorate (SKP) is a distinctive area for biological diversity with high scientific and economic value. Katherine Protectorate (SKP) is a distinctive area for biological diversity with high scientific and economic value It includes the highest mountains in Egypt, which uphold special ecosystems, with a distinctive faunal and floral diversity (Baha El Din, 2006) and a relatively high occurrence of endemic species (SKP-M.P, 2003). Wadi Telah in Saint Katherine Protectorate (South Sinai, Egypt) (N 28.568539 and E 33.932816) is an important spot for biodiversity. It was surveyed for spatial variation in the diversity of flower-visiting insects at different distances from the hiking trail. As a control, monitoring was performed at 120 m from the hiking trail
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