Six species of owls documented in Al Buraimi Governorate

AL BURAIMI: The Environment Authority in Al Buraimi Governorate is implementing an environmental project involving a comprehensive field survey of owls, considering them a vital indicator of local ecosystem health, as part of its annual plan for 2025. The project aims to document the presence and behaviour of the bird, monitor the challenges it faces — including threats to its survival — and enhance scientific understanding of its importance and role in sustaining ecological balance. Eng Salem bin Said al Maskari, Director of the Environment Department in Al Buraimi Governorate, stated that the field survey focuses on identifying bird locations and monitoring their presence and documentation stages, emphasising the importance of continuing these efforts. Mohammed bin Salem al Balushi, a biodiversity specialist at the Environment Department in Al Buraimi Governorate, said that owls play a key role in maintaining the health of ecosystems, and that this survey will provide accurate data on their numbers, distribution and behaviour. He pointed out that six species have been documented in the governorate, including four resident species: the Pharaoh's Eagle Owl, the Barn Owl, the Barred Tree Owl and the Little Owl. Migratory species include the Short-eared Owl and the European Tree Owl. The survey covers diverse areas of the governorate, including natural reserves, mountainous and desert regions, valleys and sand dunes, utilising modern electronic tools for data collection and documenting the project's stages. The Environment Authority affirms its commitment to continuing initiatives aimed at preserving natural resources, calling on members of the community to cooperate in environmental protection efforts to ensure a sustainable future for future generations. - ONA