Al Saleel National Park sees record visitors in 2023
Al Saleel National Park is home to rare animal and bird species and also hub for wildlife and archaeological exploration
Published: 05:08 PM,Aug 10,2024 | EDITED : 09:08 PM,Aug 10,2024
The reserve has recorded more than eight species of mammals including the Arabian gazelle
MUSCAT: Al Saleel National Park in the Wilayat of Al Kamil W'al Wafi pulled over 10,000 visitors last year including researchers, academics and students who sought to learn about the reserve’s wildlife and the archaeological and geological sites.
Al Saleel National Park contains the oldest rocks in Oman that date back 700 million years in addition to a slew of archaeological sites.
The reserve produced more than 158,000 wild plants as well as thousands of trees that were distributed all over the country last year. The reserve has a dedicated exhibition that showcases and documents its history as well as the archaeological sites and biodiversity.
Ahmed bin Rashid al Maamari, acting director of Al Saleel National Park at the Environment Department, said that the reserve distributed 93,500 seedlings to all governorates and 158,000 wild seedlings produced in its nursery in 2023 with a view of supporting the national initiative to plant 10 million trees.
The reserve is characterised by a wide spread of plants with more than 100 plant species recorded in the park so far. The largest percentage of plants and trees is concentrated in the channels and low places since seeds are carried by wind and water from high areas to low areas.
Al Maamari noted that the reserve has recorded more than eight species of mammals including the Arabian gazelle.
The Arabian ibex, a rare and endangered species, lives on the northern edges of Al Hajar Mountains. Besides, the park is home to the red fox, the wildcat (Sanmar), the wild rabbit and other small mammals.
The reserve’s environment is a safe haven for wild, resident and migratory birds with over 57 species of wild birds have been recorded in the reserve.
Al Saleel National Park contains the oldest rocks in Oman that date back 700 million years in addition to a slew of archaeological sites.
The reserve produced more than 158,000 wild plants as well as thousands of trees that were distributed all over the country last year. The reserve has a dedicated exhibition that showcases and documents its history as well as the archaeological sites and biodiversity.
Ahmed bin Rashid al Maamari, acting director of Al Saleel National Park at the Environment Department, said that the reserve distributed 93,500 seedlings to all governorates and 158,000 wild seedlings produced in its nursery in 2023 with a view of supporting the national initiative to plant 10 million trees.
The reserve is characterised by a wide spread of plants with more than 100 plant species recorded in the park so far. The largest percentage of plants and trees is concentrated in the channels and low places since seeds are carried by wind and water from high areas to low areas.
Al Maamari noted that the reserve has recorded more than eight species of mammals including the Arabian gazelle.
The Arabian ibex, a rare and endangered species, lives on the northern edges of Al Hajar Mountains. Besides, the park is home to the red fox, the wildcat (Sanmar), the wild rabbit and other small mammals.
The reserve’s environment is a safe haven for wild, resident and migratory birds with over 57 species of wild birds have been recorded in the reserve.