Drought and Anthropogenic Effects on Acacia Populations: A Case Study from the Hyper-Arid Southern Israel

Acacia encompasses a keystone genus across the Middle Eastern and African drylands. This study assesses dynamics of populations in two ephemeral stream channels (Nahal Naomi Nahal Yael) hyper-arid Arava region following establishment dam upstream channel Yael long-term regional drought episode. The assessments were conducted at individual population levels, for period 45 years (during 1972, 1994 2017). In Naomi, increased by 35% during 1972–1994 (a relatively rainy period) experienced low mortality (net change +1.6% year−1). However, episode between 1995 2009, this decreased 57% −2.5% Yael, acacia declined 66% −1.6% Between 1994–2017, was co-affected drought, with no recruitment, 70% −2.0% By examining tree’s specific location, species, age state preservation dead individuals, we identified factors that influence tree mortality, highlighted adverse impacts natural anthropogenic disturbances on environments.