If you are interested in watching wild animals and birds in their natural habitats, visit Ras Al Shajar Natural Reserve in the Wilayat of Qurayat (90 km south of Muscat). The sanctuary is unique tourist and environmental location that combines the sea and the mountains.
The reserve is home to Arabian gazelle (pictured), Arabian ibex, the red fox and the lynx. It is also considered a safe haven for species of resident and immigrant birds including hoopoe, Indian hawk, owl, falcon and eagle.
One can see hordes of the Arabian gazelle especially in the plains located between the villages of Fins and Bama. The most important characteristic of the Arabian gazelle is its dark brown colour and its thick, arched horns. It can often be seen feeding on the leaves of Al Sumur and Al Ghaf trees.
The reserve is characterised by the presence of a number of wild plants that sustain honey bees and herbivorous animals in the reserve.
Other tree species in the reserve include Babul, Dhamasa, Rock Fig, and Caralluma Arabica which people still use as medicine even today.
The reserve is composed of rocky beaches, low plains and high mountains that reach 1,800 metres. In the areas surrounding this reserve there are many archaeological sites, the most important of which are Majlis Al Jinn Cave, Kabikab graveyard and Hawiyat Najm Park.
Geological surveys have confirmed the presence of many archaeological sites dating back thousands of years in more than one location in the reserve. The reserve is also famous for the presence of many valleys like Wadi Al Ajama, Wadi Al Souqa and Wadi Al Harsh, which are frequented by wild animals and birds to drink water.
The local community in this reserve is aware of the importance of preserving natural elements. The majority of them are livestock herders. Others are craftspeople who use palm fronds to make products with elegant colours. Some community members collect leaves of thyme that grows in the mountains of the reserve. They sell it in the souqs of the wilayats of Qurayat and Muttrah. There are few beekeepers whose honey is known for its purity and distinct taste.
Citizens, in cooperation with the Environment Authority, recently planted hundreds of seedlings of Al Ghaf (Prosopis cineraria), Al Sumur (Acacia tortilis) and Al Sidr (Ziziphus spina christi).
A team of the Environment Authority has been guarding the reserve and filing status reports.
“Wildlife observers are making great efforts to monitor the mountainous, plain and coastal areas. This monitoring aims to update the sighting of various animals and birds. The monitoring programmes also aim to report poaching and attacks on wild animals," an official said.
One must obtain a permit to visit the natural reserve. The visitors must follow regulations displayed at the site. These include warnings about animal crossing and speed limits. They must also desist from dumping waste and not leave plastics which some animals tend to consume thinking it as food.
The regulations also prohibit barbecuing within the boundaries of the reserve to avoid the risks of wildfires.
“Field studies reveal that the numbers of animals, birds, reptiles and butterflies in the reserve have increased significantly. Camera traps found many new types of animals and birds,” the official said.
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