Arabian gazelle is an integral part of Omani environment since ages

Ibri: The Al Dhahirah Nature Reserve is one of the most prominent environmental sites in the Sultanate of Oman, boasting a rich biodiversity that includes a number of rare species, including the Arabian gazelle, a symbol of environmental sustainability and the ability of living organisms adapting to harsh desert environments.

The Arabian gazelle is renowned for its ability to survive water scarcity and high temperatures, making it an integral part of the Omani environment throughout the ages.

However, this endangered animal faces several challenges, most notably illegal hunting and the shrinking natural habitats it relies on for its survival and reproduction.

Yasser bin Hamoud Al Hinai, Head of the Environmental Control Department at the Environment Authority in Al Dhahirah Governorate, said: “The Arabian gazelle lives in the mountains and plains in groups with its peers, which is difficult to locate.”

He added that the governorate's environmental monitoring teams were able to document the presence of the Arabian gazelle using camera traps in a number of locations, with approximately 120 sightings recorded over the past nine months in the Al Dhahirah Nature Reserve.

He pointed out that the Environment Authority is making strenuous efforts to conserve the Arabian gazelle and its natural habitat.

These efforts include conducting patrols, cooperating with the local community to report any violations, and launching awareness programmes aimed at instilling the importance of preserving this rare species, which is one of the most prominent components of wildlife in the Sultanate of Oman.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, the Authority continues to implement programmes and initiatives aimed at raising environmental awareness among members of society and enhancing their participation in protecting natural resources. Sustainability is a collective responsibility that requires concerted efforts to achieve sustainable development.

It's worth noting that the presence of the Arabian gazelle in the Al Dhahirah Reserve not only represents an environmental value, but is also a national heritage that reflects Omanis' connection to their environment. Preserving the gazelle today is an investment in a more balanced future, one where future generations will bear witness to the harmony between humanity and nature.