South Sinai area is one of the most floristically diverse spots in the Middle East with high numbers of Egypt’s endemic plant species. Silene schimperiana, and Polygala sinaica are perennial herbs endemic to the study area. Both have economic importance as fodder for domestic animal beside the medical significance. These plants grown in very narrow microhabitats inside the study area (the only site for these species all over the world) with estimated EOO less than 300 km2. These species are severely threatened by both natural (aridity of the area and climate change) and human factors (Over collection, scientific research, and over-grazing). All these factors are pushing them to the brink of extinction. The conservation and ecological status of these plants are not known. In addition, the conservation requirements for these plants are inadequate and their situation in wild are not well known, so there is an urgent need to improve these knowledge about its conservation status in order to take the right decision when practical conservation start.

The aim of this project is to assess the conservation status of these species with the help of local community, and to generate long-term conservation plans through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates demography and ecology.