# Al-ʿAra'is Pond

Al-Arayes Pond or Al-ʿAra'is Pond (Arabic: بركة العرايس, romanized: Birket Al-ʿAra'is, lit. 'Brides' Lake') 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.
Renowned as one of the largest ponds in the Arab world, the ِAl-Arayes Pond holds significant ecological and geographical importance within Jordan. It is distinguished by its unique location, which makes it an ideal destination for recreation and eco-tourism. It serves as a vibrant reservoir of biodiversity in Jordan. Situated in the warm region of the Mediterranean biome, the pond lies along the migratory path of various bird species. Nestled among a series of mountains, it is home to diverse and rare wildlife, including many endangered animals and birds.
The surrounding area is rich with dense vegetation, featuring prominent tree species such as oak, hawthorn, serviceberry, and maple. The pond and its environs are also home to over a thousand species of herbaceous plants, representing the rich flora of the Mediterranean region. Additionally, the ِAl-Arayes Pond is a critical habitat for most of the reptile species recorded in Jordan.

## Geographical features

The pond covers a surface area of about 10 dunums (10,000 m$^2$), with the surrounding area encompassing around 32 km$^2$ (7,907 acres). Its depth is estimated to be 50 m (164 ft), with a maximum depth of 60 m (197 ft). 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.

### Significance

Al-Arayes Pond is renowned for its rich biodiversity. It hosts several rare and endangered species. Notably, it provides habitat for the endangered Mauremys rivulata, a species of freshwater turtle. The site is a popular destination for numerous waterfowl species, although it faces various environmental pressures. It is not part of the Yarmouk Forest Reserve, and it is recommended that the site be incorporated into the reserve or, at the very least, included within its buffer zone. Also, the area is also a haven for various bird species, including migratory birds that traverse the Jordan Rift Valley during their seasonal migrations between Europe and Africa. Bird species observed in the vicinity include the grey heron, little egret, and several types of kingfishers.
The pond's surroundings are home to a mix of oak, hawthorn, olive, and maple trees, as well as over 2,000 species of herbaceous plants typical of the Mediterranean region. Environmental experts estimate that over 100 species of birds inhabit the area, including species such as the grey heron, kingfisher, and little egret. The shores of the pond are lined with reeds and plants, while the surrounding land features forest trees like oak and cypress, as well as a variety of flowers, which are important for local beekeeping.
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.

## Culture

The name "Al-Arayes" meaning "Brides", is rooted in local folklore. There are several local stories from Malkawi clan, who inhabit the town, explaining the origin of the name "Al-Arayes Pond". One tale suggests that brides used to visit the pond before their wedding, where they would wash their hands and hair in its water as a way of seeking blessings.
Another version of the story tells of a wedding that took place at that area, where the groom arrived to take his bride, who was traditionally riding a horse or a mare. As the groom approached the bride, powerful floods and waves surged from the Yarmouk area, drowning the groom, the bride, and everyone nearby. To preserve the memory of this tragic event, the locals named the pool "Brides Pond".

## Projects

The pond has characteristics that differentiate it from other ponds in the area. It attracts visitors throughout the year, particularly in spring and summer when excursions are more common. Local reports indicate that the pond's depth is around 30 meters, with water coming from rainfall collected from the surrounding mountains and an internal spring, which maintains the pond's water levels year-round. There are discussions about rehabilitating the pond to make it a potential tourist destination, which could benefit the local economy.
The area around the pond is characterized by dense vegetation, including oak, hawthorn, and maple trees, contributing to its ecological diversity. Efforts have been made to include the pond and its surroundings in Jordan's network of natural reserves to protect its unique environmental and cultural heritage.