Landmark field guide to mammals released

The Diwan of Royal Court has announced the publication of the Field Guide to the Mammals of Oman, a landmark scientific reference that, for the first time, brings together detailed documentation of both terrestrial and marine mammals of the Sultanate of Oman in a single, comprehensive volume. The guide is authored by Dr Andrew Spalton, Dr Hadi al Hikmani, Gareth Whittington-Jones and Robert Baldwin; and is jointly published by the Diwan of Royal Court and Nomad Publishing.
The publication provides an authoritative account of Oman’s mammalian diversity, covering 60 terrestrial and 20 marine wild mammal species. Its scope ranges from the White-toothed pygmy shrew — among the world’s smallest mammals, weighing less than five grams — to the Blue Whale, the largest mammal on Earth, which can reach weights of up to 150,000 kilogrammes. While iconic species such as the Arabian Leopard and the Humpback Whale are well known, the guide also sheds light on lesser-known mammals, including many of Oman’s 24 bat species, several of which are described in detail for the first time.
Beyond the 80 species of wild mammals, the guide also records two vagrant bat species, four introduced rodent species and eight domestic or feral species, offering the most complete overview to date of mammal species known from Oman.
Each species profile is supported by photographs, illustrations and distribution maps, alongside concise information on geographic range, habitats, reproduction and behavioural traits. Practical field guidance enables readers to identify mammals through signs such as tracks, feeding remains and droppings, making the guide a valuable resource for researchers, conservation practitioners and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
The book also explores Oman’s diverse ecoregions — from the Al Hajar Mountains in the north and the vast interior sand seas to the monsoon-influenced Dhofar Mountains in the south. These varied landscapes include 30 protected areas that play a vital role in supporting mammal populations. Wadi Al Sirrin Nature Reserve, for instance, is home to the Arabian Tahr and at least 13 other wild mammal species. Offshore, the Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve hosts at least six species of whales and dolphins, while Jabal Samhan Nature Reserve in Dhofar supports 27 mammal species—the highest number recorded in any protected area in Oman — including the Arabian Leopard.
Commenting on the release, Dr Andrew Spalton said the guide “captures decades of fieldwork in Oman and translates that knowledge into a resource that bridges science and practice”. Dr Hadi al Hikmani noted that the volume “consolidates critical information on description, distribution, ecology and reproduction into a single, accessible reference in support of national conservation efforts”. Gareth Whittington-Jones added that the guide is “designed to be clear and user-friendly while maintaining scientific rigour”, while Robert Baldwin highlighted that “the inclusion of both terrestrial and marine mammals provides a complete picture of Oman’s mammal diversity”.
Published in both Arabic and English, the Field Guide to the Mammals of Oman is intended for specialists as well as the wider public. The Diwan of Royal Court stated that the publication reflects Oman’s commitment to conserving its natural heritage and strengthening scientific knowledge of the country’s biodiversity. The guide is expected to support wildlife research and management, contribute to the protection of wild species and enhance public awareness of Oman’s rich and varied mammal life.