HAIMA: Over 1,300 people visited the Arabian Oryx Reserve in the Wilayat of Haima in the Al Wusta Governorate since the beginning of 2024.
Sultan bin Mohammed al Balushi, Director of the Arabian Oryx Department, said the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary is an important centre for wildlife conservation and an engine for economic development by promoting ecotourism. The reserve includes ambitious projects such as the project for planting 80,000 wild trees within the framework of the programme to raise the vegetation cover and rehabilitate natural habitats with the aim of sustaining ecosystems.
The Arabian Oryx Reserve covers a vast stretch of 2,824 square kilometres, encircled by diverse wild environments. The reserve is home to 900 Arabian Oryx, in addition to 1,240 sand gazelles and 160 Arabian gazelles. Other species living in the reserve include the Nubian ibex, sand fox, striped hyena, wild rabbit and honey badger, he said.
The reserve contributes to enhancing awareness of the ancient environmental and geological history of Oman through an exhibition displaying pictures and brochures that shed light on the story of its establishment and development, Al Balushi said.
Al Balushi noted that the Arabian Oryx Reserve utilises advanced technologies to trace herds of Arabian Oryx, Arabian gazelle and sand gazelle and document their migration routes to monitor their natural habitats. Last April, 50 sand gazelles were released into the reserve, a step that would enhance biodiversity sustainability in the governorate. — ONA
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