Species Protection

Sub Section: Birds Oryx Wild Animals Turtles Nature Reserves

Facts and research taken from Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Environment's "Guide to Oman's Protected Species".

The Arabian Oryx Sanctuary

The Jiddat al-Harasis desert region in al Wusta is an area of great interest to scientists and environmentalists alike. It is here that the last sightings of the Arabian Oryx in the wild were recorded, whose numbers were depleted drastically by hunters, and where His Majesty, Sultan Qaboos established the Arabian Oryx Reserve in 1974.

The project was assisted by the World Wildlife Fund, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, and the Society for the Preservation of Animals (SPA). In 1962, the SPA had formed 'Operation Oryx' which aimed to protect the animal from extinction. A SPA research group flew to the Hadrahmut where they managed to capture two male and one female Oryx. Other Oryx were donated by Sheikh Jabir bin Abdullah al Sabah from Kuwait, King Sa'ud bin Abd Al'Aziz Aal Sa'ud from Saudi Arabia, and London Zoo, which had received its Oryx from Sultan Said bin Taimur. Nine Oryx were sent to Phoenix Park in Arizona, which has a similar climate to the Jiddat al-Harasis, and a breeding programme was started to reintroduce sufficient numbers of the Oryx to the wild.

In 1980, the original nine Oryx returned from Arizona, and together with four Oryx from Salalah, were transported by the Royal Omani Air force to the Jiddat al-Harasis. Towards the end of 1980, a second group of Oryx arrived from the US and in 1981, a third group consisting of four animals, joined them. Thus, in January 1992, Sultan Qaboos realised his wish to see the Arabian Oryx back in its natural habitat, when the gates of the Oryx pens were opened and the first herd was released into the wild.

Reintroduction of the Oryx into the wild begins by placing the animals in 100m2 pens until they become accustomed to the climate, indigenous plants, and each other. The Oryx interact in hierarchies and form leaders, which the others follow. The Oryx had to be taught where to find their food and initially were given straw until they were confident enough to fend for themselves which usually occurred after downpours of rain, when food becomes more abundant. Observation of the Oryx was carried out by a team of guards who tracked the beasts for up to 10km and collated information on their habits and haunts.

The Arabian Oryx is a creature well suited to the arid conditions of the desert. It is able to go without water for up to 22 months, drinking only the dew from the Samr and Ghaf trees. Its white coat provides perfect camouflage except when it wishes to be seen; then it will climb to the top of the hills and the sun's reflection on its coat means it can be seen for up to 3km. The Oryx can travel for long distances at between 4 - 6km/hour. The longest recorded distance the animal has travelled is 155km. Its average weight is 50 - 70kg and it has a life expectancy of 13 - 17 years in the wild. 

The sanctuary is home to a number of other wild animals found in Oman. The Arabian Gazelle is common in the desert, but due to superb camouflage, is sometimes rather difficult to see. The Reem Gazelle will also visit the area, but it is more at home in the sand dunes. This is a larger beast than the Arabian Gazelle and more nervous, taking flight at disturbance. Nubian ibex are a fairly common sight in the rocky outcrops of the Jiddat. It is a goat-like beast with huge curved horns. Smaller mammals found in the area include the jerboas, gerbils, spiny mice, Arabian hares and the sand fox. Rare animals, such as the caracal lynx and Arabian wolves, have been spotted by the reserve's guards.

Ra's al Hadd Turtle Reserve

The Ra's al Hadd Turtle Reserve is located in the Wilayat of Sur in the Sharqiya region of the Sultanate. Its total area covers 120km2 with a coastline of 42km. The Ra's al Hadd Peninsula is of great importance as it attracts the largest number of nesting turtles in Oman. Between 6000 - 13000 turtles migrate here annually from the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea and the East African coast. Contained within the reserve are many sites of historical importance such as Khawr al Jamarah, Ra's al Jinz and Ra's al Khaba. Specialist research studies are carried out in order to achieve the balance between protecting these areas and encouraging visitors. Many tourists visit the area to observe the estimated 20,000 nesting turtles. Oman is one of the most important sites for green turtles in the Indian Ocean.

Turtles spend most of their lives at sea but return to the land to lay their eggs. The sex of the unhatched turtle depends on the temperature of the sand in which the female lays her eggs.

Khawr al Jamarah contains a large mangrove plantation and many coral reefs. This type of environment is rich in crustaceans and plankton which attracts fish to spawn and in turn provides food for the hatchlings. The mud flats flanking the khawrs provide migrating birds with essential food and shelter during the winter months. Over 130 species have been recorded in the area. Other animals found in the reserve include the Red Fox and the Arabian gazelle.

Ra's al Hadd is also home to a large fishing community. The reserve boundary extends for one kilometre from the seashore into the sea. In order to promote harmonious co-existence, two management areas have been proposed. The first priority is given to the turtles and their nesting sites, but also deals with the needs of the fishermen. Tourism and its adverse effects is also addressed and strictly monitored. All visitors are given these instructions:

1. Obtain a visitor's permit from the Director General of Nature Reserves, Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Environment or the Directorate General of Regional Municipalities and Environment, A'Sharqiyah Region prior to visiting the reserve.

2. Do not spend the night on the beaches.

3. Litter or waste must not be disposed of on the beaches or in the sea.

4. Do not approach the turtles as they emerge from the sea, from digging nests or from laying eggs.

5. Do not use lights or torches during visits to the nesting sites as this deters females from nesting and may also disorient young hatchlings.

6. Do not use flash photography or create loud noises at night.

Wild Life:- Birds Oryx Wild Animals Turtles Nature Reserves

Tourism:- Welcome To Oman Regions eco-tourism Heritage attractions Entertainment Wildlife Articles Visa Tourist guide