Sunday 27 / July / 2025
Al Jazir: As part of its efforts to enhance the protection of ecosystems and monitor biodiversity in the Sultanate of Oman, the Environment Authority this year conducted comprehensive field surveys of birds in the coastal area of Al Wusta Governorate’s Wilayat Al Jazir, with emphasis on the three creeks of Khor Ghawi, Khor Qaised and Khor Ghadisir.
Abdullah Salim Al Wardi, Head of the Department of Environment Conservation in Al Wusta Governorate, said that the surveys were aimed to document various species of seabirds and migratory birds and assess the overall environmental situation in these sites—deemed rich in biodiversity and natural resources.
Al Wardi told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the surveys conducted in Al Wusta Governorate this year unveiled the prevalence of more than 60 species of resident, migratory and rare birds in the target areas. He explained that the bird species include the great white heron, grey heron, green-backed heron, black tern, sandwich tern, roseate tern, black ibis, little sandpiper, red-legged sandpiper, Siberian gull, greater flamingo, common mynah, water curlew, bulbul and the house crow, among other species.
Al Wardi pointed out that field surveys bring about various benefits, like monitoring biodiversity with precision, documenting rare and endangered species and analysing the environmental status of coastal systems to enhance sustainable environmental management decisions.
He added that surveys also provide environmental databases with accurate and up-to-date information, identify sites of special significance that might be eligible for listing as protected wildlife reserves, in addition to raising public awareness and enhancing cooperation with partner environment authorities.
