Exploring Dhofar during Khareef is beginning to feel like a lesson not only in biology, but also in Oman’s remarkable animal diversity.
Every year, most of us arrive looking for the familiar signs of the season: mountains wrapped in mist, waterfalls returning to life and hillsides transformed into seemingly endless shades of green. This year, however, some of the most fascinating images coming out of Dhofar have not been of the landscape. They have been of the animals living within it.
Across social media, people have shared footage and photographs of Arabian wolves moving through the mountains, an Arabian leopard reportedly seen near Dhalkout, an Arabian caracal, red foxes, Arabian chameleons and eagle-owls resting among rain-soaked branches. The wider Dhofar ecosystem also supports striped hyenas, Nubian ibex, Arabian gazelles, honey badgers, porcupines and rock hyraxes.
Many of these animals have probably always been nearby. We are simply seeing more of them because almost everyone now carries a capable camera, while telephoto lenses, camera traps and night-vision devices allow us to observe what once remained hidden.
There is something worth celebrating in that. Beyond the tourist roads and crowded viewpoints, Dhofar remains wonderfully wild. Seeing an animal moving comfortably through its natural habitat reminds us that the greenery is not merely a beautiful background for photographs. It is shelter, feeding ground and home.
At the same time, a sighting should never become a chase.
The Environment Authority has warned against pursuing or filming wild animals without the required permission. Following an animal for a better video may frighten it, interrupt its feeding or push it towards a road, a crowd or another dangerous situation.
The rules for ordinary visitors can be simple. Keep a generous distance. Stay inside the vehicle when encountering a large or unfamiliar animal. Never surround, follow, feed or touch wildlife. Avoid flash, loud noises and sudden movements. Do not reveal the precise location of rare species online. If an animal appears injured or poses an immediate danger, contact the authorities rather than attempting a rescue yourself.
I am encouraged that many people already appear to understand this. Their response has largely been one of amazement rather than interference and that awareness deserves recognition.
These encounters make Dhofar even more interesting, but they also give visitors a responsibility. A wild animal does not owe us a closer photograph.
Seeing one is already a blessing. May these animals continue to move safely through Dhofar’s mountains, forests and wadis and may future generations experience the same privilege of knowing they are still there.
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