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Arabian Oryx returns to the desert
posted on 19/04/2008
The sighting of a tiny calf on unsteady, matchstick legs marks the long-awaited return of the Arabian Oryx to the deserts of Abu Dhabi.
The animals were driven to extinction in the UAE in 1972 but a breeding programme established by the Environmental Agency Abu Dhabi has resulted in the birth of 17 calves and raised hopes that the animal will once again breed in large numbers.
For decades, hunting and the destruction of habitat have meant the Arabian Oryx survived only in zoos. The Environment Agency estimates that around 4,000 of the animals now live in the UAE. The region's population is 8,000-strong, according to a recent publication in a Dubai-based conservation magazine, Wildlife Middle East.
With its pale coat and distinctively shaped horns, the Arabian Oryx has become an international symbol of wildlife in the deserts of Arabia where once it roamed in huge herds.
The Abu Dhabi calves, which were born between December last year and this March, are the offspring of 98 adults which EAD released into the wild last year.
"This is the first reintroduction programme in the UAE and the third in the Middle East after Saudi Arabia and Oman,β said Khaldoun Kiwan, the section head at the terrestrial protected areas department in EAD.
The animals were set free on a 10,000 square km area in the Empty Quarter on the border with Oman and Saudi Arabia, 320km from Abu Dhabi city.
The area is almost twice the size of Lebanon and three times bigger than Bahrain and Qatar put together.
Preparations for this year's release began with the selection of the breeding animals from herds on Sir Bani Yas Island, an area developed as a private wildlife park by the late Sheikh Zayed. Al Ain Zoo and private collectors also contributed to the project.
The animals were first transported to several pre-release areas where they were given time to adjust to their new surroundings and to form their herds.
Oryx herds average 10 animals and are hierarchical. Each is lead by a female known to scientists as the alpha-female. Only the main male in the herd, the alpha-male, reproduces.
EAD tracks the released animals through collars fitted with satellite transmitters.
"They are doing very well,β said Kiwan. "We lost some of the animals during the release, which was expected as part of calculated risks.β Ten of the animals died.
To protect the surviving animals and their young, part of the desert has been sealed by a fence, which will eventually be extended to cover the entire perimeter. For further protection, 50 desert rangers patrol the area to monitor the animals' well-being.
The Oryx herds, as well as some 3,000 gazelles released in the area, are provided with food. Kiwan said this was a temporary measure while the agency works to restore the natural vegetation.
"The area was heavily affected by camels and goats as well as drought,β he said.
Another measure to guarantee the rare animals' well-being is to declare the area where they have been released as protected.
"The proposal has been submitted to the Government for approval,β said Kiwan. "There is big commitment from the Abu Dhabi Government and the executive council. A decision can be expected at any time.β
Kiwan said EAD is considering plans for encouraging educational and tourism activities in the area.
"Biodiversity conservation is a top priority for us but, also, environmental education is a tool that we use to make people understand and appreciate our work,β he said. "We are hoping to gain support from the public and to change their behaviour towards the environment and conservation.β
He added: "Tourism is another aspect we are looking at. Environmentally friendly tourism can add value to the project.
"Some areas will be for conservation, others for tourism. Things can work in balance if we can find the right equation.β
"We want to bring visitors but there will be very strict regulations in terms of their number, the activities, areas to visit and the time of the visits as well [as how] all these affect the natural resources in the area,β said Kiwan.
The reintroduction programme will continue for the next five years. EAD is planning to release an additional 100 animals by the end of this year. β The National
RELATED ARTICLES
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Al Ain zoo has reason to purr after birth of two sand cats - 27 January 2010
70 captive-bred houbara released in the Western Region - 17 January 2010
Al Ain aims to help save white lions - 06 January 2010
Designated camp sites planned - 30 December 2009
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