Steppe eagle sighted in Al Buraimi

AL BURAIMI: Environment Authority specialists in Al Buraimi Governorate have spotted the steppe eagle, one of the rare migratory birds of prey that visit Oman during the winter season. The steppe eagle, globally listed among endangered species, is distinguished for its dark brown feathers, broad black wings and its ability to fly over long distances during migration seasons.

The specialists pointed out that the steppe eagle’s sighting was part of monitoring programmes that are implemented by the EA in different natural environments in the Governorate of Al Buraimi with the aim of preserving biodiversity and documenting migratory species.

Mohammed al Balushi, an environment systems specialist at the Environment Authority’s department in Al Buraimi, said that the existence of the steppe eagle constitutes an important indicator of healthy ecosystems in the governorate — since this type of birds depends on open deserts that abound with their natural prey.

He added that the sighting of the steppe eagle proves that this bird of prey has found a natural habitat that caters to its needs in the governorate’s open desert.

For his part, Eng Salim al Maskari, Director of the Environment Department in Al Buraimi Governorate, said that the Environment Authority lays emphasis on monitoring wildlife.

He added that the Environment Department in Al Buraimi Governorate is implementing systematic plans to monitor biodiversity, in cooperation with research institutions

Documenting endangered species, like a steppe eagle, reflects the attention accorded to enriching the national wildlife database and supporting Oman’s drive to safeguard biodiversity, Al Maskari said. – ONA