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Approximately a thousand Bedouin families living in unrecognized, scattered settlements in the Negev desert, Israel, raise sheep and goats even though this enterprise shows marginal profits and, sometimes, losses. The aim of this study was to examine the uses of flocks among Bedouin households. It emerged that the flocks were kept for status, preservation of social networks, source of income, employment, family cohesion and maintaining land claims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germination of Carrichtera annua seeds on soil crusts and soil samples from beneath shrub canopies, collected from 9 or 10 locations along a rainfall gradient, was tested under laboratory conditions at 15 C in light. The germination trends are correlated to soil traits and average rainfall at the sites from which soil samples were collected. The average annual rainfall ranges from 50 mm in the central Negev Desert to 325 mm in the northern Negev. Germination of C. annua seeds on soil crusts was negatively correlated with the average annual precipitation at the source site. Total carbon content of the microphytic soil crusts was negatively correlated with C. annua seed germination. Soil crust microbial activity was positively correlated with the rainfall gradient. According to our findings, it seems that the properties of the soil substrate may affect seed germination and, therefore, distribution of plant species along the desert landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article cites a study which intends to address reasons for the maintenance of flocks, emphasizing the labor division among members of Bedouin families in the central and northern Negev, Israel. This research analyzes the uses of flocks by 24 Bedouin families who live in scattered rural settlements in Negev. The findings reveal that keeping wives at home and preventing children from non-acceptable behavior contribute to the maintenance of flock and employment. It also shows that shepherding may likewise provide employment to men who lack other occupations. The results indicates that raising flocks enhances dependence and the need of solidarity and cohesion among family members.