Ajloun Forest Biosphere Reserve was established in 1987 to protect a representative example of evergreen oak forests within the Mediterranean biogeographical region. The reserve covers an area of approximately 8.5 km² and is located in the northern highlands of Jordan. It is characterized by mountainous terrain intersected by wadies, with elevations ranging between approximately 900 and 1,050 meters above sea level.

The need to protect Ajloun forests emerged based on the findings of ecological studies and field surveys that highlighted their high environmental value. The reserve represents one of the most significant vegetation types in northern Jordan, evergreen oak forests, which form part of the Mediterranean ecosystem, known for its rich biodiversity. This emphasizes its critical role at both the national and regional levels, especially considering that natural forests make up less than 1% of Jordan's total land area.

The reserve is dominated by dense vegetation primarily composed of evergreen oak trees (Quercus coccifera), accompanied by other tree species such as Palestinian pistachio (Pistacia palaestina), and Greek Strawberry Tree (Arbutus andrachne). It also supports a rich ground-layer vegetation of shrubs and herbaceous plants characteristic of Mediterranean ecosystems. Historically, these plant resources have been important to local communities, serving as sources of fuel, food, and traditional medicine.

Ajloun Forest Reserve is distinguished by its significant and rich biodiversity, providing suitable habitats for a variety of forest-associated fauna, including the stone marten (Martes foina) and the Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus), in addition to species such as the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), and the wild boar (Sus scrofa). The reserve also supports rich plant diversity, with hundreds of recorded species, including several of ecological and national conservation importance.

A wide range of wildflowers of significant ecological value are found within the reserve, including the Purple Iris (Iris atropurpurea) and Nazareth iris (Iris bismarckiana), various orchid species such as Anatolian orchids (Orchis anatolica), and red tulips (Tulipa stylosa). Some of these species are listed under international conservation agreements such as CITES, further emphasizing the plant significance and importance of the reserve at both national and regional levels.

In 2000, Ajloun Forest Biosphere Reserve was designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) in recognition of its role in supporting both resident and migratory bird species. In 2025, it was further designated as a Biosphere Reserve under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program of United Nations (UNESCO), reflecting international recognition of its ecological significance and its role as a model for balancing biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and community engagement.

As part of species conservation efforts, the RSCN implemented a reintroduction program for the Roe deer, which had become locally extinct due to overhunting and habitat degradation. The program involved captive breeding followed by gradual reintroduction of individuals within the reserve, contributing to enhancing the presence of the species within its natural habitats.

Despite its high ecological importance, the reserve faces several challenges, including land ownership fragmentation within its boundaries, leading to habitat fragmentation, as well as unregulated human activities such as woodcutting, grazing, and hunting. Additionally, increasing tourism pressure poses further threats to the sustainability of its ecosystems.

Nevertheless, Ajloun Forest Biosphere Reserve stands as a leading model for protected area management in Jordan, where science-based management plans are implemented alongside effective community outreach programs. These efforts have significantly enhanced environmental awareness among local communities, strengthened their participation in conservation, and supported the development of eco-tourism and sustainable livelihood initiatives.