Al-Arayes Pond () or Al-Ara'is Pond () is a natural water body located in the village of Malka, within the Bani Kinanah district of Irbid Governorate in northern Jordan. Situated approximately 500 meters south of the Yarmouk River and near the Jordanian Hamma and Al-Wehda Dam, the pond lies opposite the Golan Heights, with the Yarmouk River serving as the boundary.
Geographical features The pond covers a surface area of about , with the surrounding area encompassing around . Its depth is estimated to be , with a maximum depth of . The primary source of water for Al-Arayes Pond is rainfall, and it is utilized for irrigating nearby agricultural lands. The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature states that Birket Al Arayes occupies a unique ecological location and preserves numerous wildlife species (both animal and plant) that have become endangered due to the advancement of human civilization. Its significance is also heightened by the fact that it remains filled with water year-round, thanks to a spring at its bottom.
The director of the Environmental Studies Center at the Hashemite University mentioned that the pond water accumulates in the depression, forming a pool, but its exact nature remains unclear. He noted that the area might suggest the presence of hot water or organic compounds like methane or hydrogen sulfide, possibly indicating underlying hydrocarbon resources. The hole has a diameter of about one kilometer, with depths ranging from 30 meters at the edges to 50 meters in the center. The external diameter is estimated to be around 5 kilometers, with additional measurements planned.
Environmental experts note that the pond and its surroundings are home to various reptile species recorded in Jordan, including lizards, snakes (Natrix tessellata), and frogs such as the green toad and marsh frog. There are also over a hundred species of resident and migratory birds in the area. Another experts caution that the pond could face environmental decline if neglected, with some species of freshwater turtles already at risk due to pollution and limited food sources. The study also indicates the presence of rare mammals in the area, including the Egyptian mongoose, red fox, wolf, jackal, striped hyena, forest cat, and European hedgehog. The forest cat and water fox are particularly vulnerable species.
References
External links
Video about Al-Arayes Pond from Al Jazeera (in Arabic) Video about Al-Arayes Pond from Jordan Radio and Television Corporation (in Arabic) Video about Al-Arayes Pond from Roya TV (in Arabic)