The Petrified Forest Protectorate
The Petrified Forest protectorate is located about 30 km away from Cairo near Maadi. It is at least 35 million years old and was declared a protectorate in 1989. The reserve is an ideal example of the physical history of the earth. The six-km area is covered with the remains of trees from the ancient era, which were brought here due to the floods on the Red Sea hills. The period during which such floods occurred was called the Oligocene when the earth's temperature dropped massively. This period's uniqueness is that the temperature drop created an atmosphere supporting many new species like elephants and horses.
Location of The Petrified Forest Protectorate
The Petrified Forest protectorate is located about 30 km away from Cairo near Maadi. It is at least 35 million years old and was declared a protectorate in 1989. The protectorate is situated on the North Katameya- Ein el Sokhna road. Its geological history makes it very important. The natural treasures present at the place have given it a strong reputation as a cultural, touristic, and scientific destination. There is a large variety of stones, sands, petrified trees, and trunks present here, which can help in finding out more about the ancient geological period of the earth. The Petrified Forest is a relatively small geological protectorate compared to others in Egypt and covers only 7 square kilometers. It is also classified as a natural heritage site.
Petrified Forest Vegetation
Acacia trees, various pastoral plants, and bushes densely cover the reserve. These help maintain the health of the Mediterranean coast, which was otherwise damaged by multiple developmental projects that disturbed the region's natural environment.
The high density of acacia trees helps increase the soil water level and preserves the underground water's natural qualities. The Petrified Forest protectorate is one of the best natural sites in Egypt, and the government has created it to conserve and protect the importance and richness of the wildlife flora and fauna seen here. It's also a popular tourist destination.
The Petrified Forest is also known as Gabal el-Khashab or Wood Hill. A visit is best for a nature lover because if not, there is little to see in the reserve except the stones, sand, and rocks. The biggest threat to the account now comes from the constant construction work around the area. The many construction jobs nearby have led to most animals and wildlife disappearing from this area over the past ten to 15 years.
Overall, the Petrified Forest reserve's small size is separate from its importance as a pearl of Egypt's natural heritage.
