MUSCAT: Al Ansab Wetlands is one of the natural sites in Muscat. They provide a fascinating spectacle and landscapes that host some important wildlife in the Sultanate. They are located in Al Ansab in the Wilayat of Bausher in the Governorate of Muscat, just a few kilometres from Muscat International Airport. Al Ansab Wetlands are considered a popular destination for visitors interested in nature and wildlife, researchers, students of universities, colleges and schools and the amateur photographers of wildlife.
The management of the wetlands provided them with special places to capture some images of local and migratory birds.
The wetlands represent a safe haven for more than 290 species of birds that visit the wetlands at different times of the year.
Al Ansab Wetland are not a private sanctuary for birds, but also represent a safe environment for Omani plants, butterflies and other species of wildlife. There are four different types of natural habitats, which attract different types of birds, such as the open ponds that attract many bird species.
Mohammed bin Mansour al Barwani, Wetland Specialist, at Haya Water Company, in Al Ansab Wetlands said there are five large ponds that were dug to collect the filtered water, as between 3,000 to 5,000 cubic meters of filtered water is pumped out daily. The main pond is 3.5 metres deep.
He told ONA that the ponds are used for breeding and propagation of fish. The goal of breeding these fish is to eliminate mosquito larvae, as these fish feed on the larvae. He added that this method is used in order to avoid the use of chemical pesticides that affect birds and plants.
Regarding the number of birds, Al Barwani said it was increasing, with more than 290 species of birds currently registered in the ponds, most of which come in the winter, and most of them are immigrants from Europe, Africa and Asia, as well as Iraq, Iran, besides the local birds.
The wetlands stretch over 40 hectares in area or about 18 square kilometers while for trees located in the area are a natural variety of local trees, along with a special nursery for Omani trees.
Al Barwani noted that the Mesquite trees, sea Ghaf, were removed from the area and replaced by other local trees from the Governorate of Dhofar and Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, as well as other governorates of the Sultanate. He added that the Mesquite trees are used to make chairs and fences for the ponds, which add more beauty to the scene. He explained that persons wishing to visit Al Ansab Wetlands can contact them through the website www.haya.om or via the call centre at: 80077111. — ONA
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