Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
RAS AL KHOR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the world’s natural wonders: a wetland of declared international importance; located in a hyper-arid environment; and uniquely immersed in the middle of one of the world’s most urbanized landscapes. Wetlands are among the most productive and important ecosystems on the planet, supporting high biodiversity, storing greenhouse gases, and providing clean water, nutrients and habitat conditions upon which countless plant and animal species depend. Healthy wetlands contain high concentrations and varieties of bird, reptile, amphibian, fish, invertebrate, and plant species.
Reserve type: Wetland
Total Area: 10.13 km²
Legal Framework:
Declared as a Protected Area on March 1, 1998 by Local Order No. 2 of 1998
Law No. 11 of 2003 on the Establishment of Protected Areas in the Emirate of Dubai
Ramsar Site. Formally designated Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 2007, the first wetland in the Country.
Important Bird Area (IBA), by BirdLife International.
Awards:
The GCC Award for Environment and Wildlife – The Best Protected Area in the Gulf Countries, 2015
Middle East Award for Excellence of Municipalities in the category of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, 2016.
Wildlife:
The sanctuary is mostly famous for hosting migratory birds. In winter, the number of birds may reach up to 25,000 of 201 different species. Flamingoes are the main attraction for visitors but the sanctuary also hosts large populations of mallards, pintails, common teals and other duck species, waders, shorebirds, songbirds and raptors. It supports globally threatened water birds such as Socotra Cormorant, Ferruginous Ducks and Social Lapwing each which is listed on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species.
201 Birds
13 Mammals
14 Reptiles
145 Invertebrates
47 Flora
52 Fish
472 Total species
24 Species listed in the IUCN Red list of Threatened Species.
Key Habitats:
Mangroves
Inter- tidal areas
Mudflats
Sabkhas
Cultural Significance:
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is an integral part of the cultural and traditional heritage of the UAE. Being an important spawning area for fish, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary supported traditional fishing that ultimately led to the establishment of three settlements early in the 18th Century, known as Deira, Shindaga, and Bur Dubai.
Things to do
Dubai Municipality has built three bird hides at strategic locations to give visitors a closer view of birds and other wildlife in the area. As the hides offer tremendous opportunities for education and observations of wildlife, there have been many school visits taken to educate students about the important of wetland reserves, and this amazing wetland conservation area has attracted more than 90,000 visitors from over 100 countries.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the world’s natural wonders: a wetland of declared international importance; located in a hyper-arid environment; and uniquely immersed in the middle of one of the world’s most urbanized landscapes. Wetlands are among the most productive and important ecosystems on the planet, supporting high biodiversity, storing greenhouse gases, and providing clean water, nutrients and habitat conditions upon which countless plant and animal species depend. Healthy wetlands contain high concentrations and varieties of bird, reptile, amphibian, fish, invertebrate, and plant species.
Reserve type: Wetland
Total Area: 10.13 km²
Legal Framework:
Declared as a Protected Area on March 1, 1998 by Local Order No. 2 of 1998
Law No. 11 of 2003 on the Establishment of Protected Areas in the Emirate of Dubai
Other Status:
Ramsar Site. Formally designated Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 2007, the first of its kind in the Country.
Important Bird Area (IBA), by BirdLife International.
Awards:
The GCC Award for Environment and Wildlife – The Best Protected Area in the Gulf Countries, 2015
Middle East Award for Excellence of Municipalities in the category of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, 2016.
Wildlife:
The sanctuary is mostly famous for hosting migratory birds. In winter, the number of birds may reach up to 25,000 of 201 different species. Flamingoes are the main attraction for visitors but the sanctuary also hosts large populations of mallards, pintails, common teals and other duck species, waders, shorebirds, songbirds and raptors. It supports globally threatened water birds such as Socotra Cormorant, Ferruginous Ducks and Social Lapwing each which is listed on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species.
201 Birds
13 Mammals
14 Reptiles
145 Invertebrates
47 Flora
52 Fish
472 Total species
24 Species listed in the IUCN Red list of Threatened Species.
Key Habitats:
Mangroves
Inter- tidal areas
Mudflats
Sabkhas
Cultural Significance:
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is an integral part of the cultural and traditional heritage of the UAE. Being an important spawning area for fish, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary supported traditional fishing that ultimately led to the establishment of three settlements early in the 18th Century, known as Deira, Shindaga, and Bur Dubai.
Things to do
Dubai Municipality has built three bird hides at strategic locations to give visitors a closer view of birds and other wildlife in the area. As the hides offer tremendous opportunities for education and observations of wildlife, there have been many school visits taken to educate students about the important of wetland reserves, and this amazing wetland conservation area has attracted more than 90,000 visitors from over 100 countries.
Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
AL MARMOOM DESERT CONSERVATION RESERVE
The largest protected area in the Emirate, covering almost 23% of Dubai, the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve is situated in the desert area of Saih Al Salam. Stretching along the sands of the vast desert, its delicate but persistent array of ecosystems support various wild animals like the Arabian Oryx, Sand Gazelle (Reem), and Arabian Gazelle (Aldmani) as well as an extraordinary diversity of bird, reptile and invertebrate species.
The reserve is classified as a Category II (National Parks) Protected Area under the IUCN Protected Areas System, and is one of the first unfenced desert sanctuaries in the country open to the public for sustainable recreation.
Al Marmoom Reserve hosts the Mohammed Bin Rashid Solar Park, one of the world’s largest renewable projects, and also has one of the most important Houbara Reintroduction Programmes in the region. The extraordinary combination of man-made lakes and natural ecosystems makes this reserve a truly unique experience for residents and tourists alike. Finally, the reserve contains the exciting and mysterious archaeological site, Saruq Al-Hadid. Dating back to the Early Iron Age, the internationally significant Saruq Al-Hadid is one of the largest and most important archaeological sites in the Arabian Peninsula, offering insights of industrial activity, trade and everyday life in Iron Age Arabia.
Reserve Type: Desert
Total Area: 949.35 km²
Legal Framework
Decree No. (22) of 2014 by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai
Law No. 11 of 2003 on the establishment of Protected Areas in the Emirate of Dubai
Wildlife:
258 Birds
11 Mammals
26 Reptiles
47 Flora
134 invertebrates
3 Fish
The reserve also includes other animals of local importance such as the Persian Wonder Gecko (Teratoscincus keyserlingii) and Spiny-tailed Lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia leptieni), Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx), Mountain Gazelle (Gazella gazella cora) and Sand Gazellle (Gazella marica).
Key Habitats:
Sand sheets with Panicum
Prosopis cineraria Woodland
Dunes
Aeolianite
Sabkhas – interdunal plains
Gravel plains
Artificial lakes
Cultural Significance:
The site of Saruq al Hadid, discovered by H.H Shiekh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, within the reserve’s south-western boundary, is one of the oldest heritage sites in the country, dating back to the Iron Age more than 3000 years ago.
Things to do:
Enjoy summer sunsets with nature all around you. Dubai Municipality has built eight bird hides at the reserve for bird watching to promote eco-tourism and provide Dubai residents with many opportunities to connect with nature.
Tourists and families can visit the lakes throughout the year for leisure and recreation.
Jabal Ali Wildlife Sanctuary
JABAL ALI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The pristine beaches of the Jabal Ali Wildlife Sanctuary are bounded on the landward side by gently rolling sand dunes, on the seaside by the sparkling blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, and in the transition between land and sea by an expansive Mangrove forest. The Sanctuary is not only important habitat for many forms of wildlife it also contributes substantially to coastline stability. The beaches at Jabal Ali are the last remaining breeding grounds in Dubai of the ‘Critically Endangered’ Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), with up to 40 nests, on average, recorded so far in the last five years.
The sanctuary contains vast sea-grass beds, which are important fish nurseries and feeding grounds for the Green Turtle and Dugongs. Its shallow waters support one of the most diverse coral reefs in the southern Arabian Gulf. The reserve is also known for its cetaceans such as the ‘Near-Threatened’ Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops adunious), and Finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides).
Jabal Ali Wildlife Sanctuary, with its unique coral species and marine fauna of international conservation status, was designated in 2015 as an Ecologically and Biologically Significant Site pursuant to the Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992.
Reserve type: Coastal Marine
Total Area: 75.2 km²
Legal Framework:
Declared as a protected area on 1st March 1998, Local Order No. 2 of 1998
Law No. 11 of 2003 on the Establishment of Protected Areas in the Emirate of Dubai
Ramsar Site, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 2018
Ecologically and Biologically Significant Marine Area, Convention on Biological Diversity, 2015
Wildlife:
The reserve is noted for its seabird communities such as the ‘Near-Threatened’ Eurasian curlew (Numenius arquata), the ‘Vulnerable’ Socotra cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis), Macqueen’s Bustard (Chlamydotis macqueenii) and Cream-coloured Courser (Cursorius cursor), Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse (Pterocles exustus erlangeri) among many others.
Jabal Ali Wildlife Sanctuary is also a stronghold for an impressive list of reptile species including but not limited to the Persian Wonder Gecko (Teratoscincus keyserlingii) (which once occurred in the reserve), Blue-headed Agama (Yellow-spotted Agama – Trapelus flavimaculatus), Spotted Toad-headed Agama (Phrynocephalus maculatus), several species of Sand Gecko and various snake species.
Three species of marine turtle have been recorded at the sanctuary, including the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta). Three sea-snakes have been recorded in the area of which the Arabian Gulf sea snake (Hydrophis lapemoides) is the most common and regularly encountered at seagrass beds.
127 Birds
11 Mammals
27 Reptiles
218 Invertebrates
79 Flora
157 fish species
Key Habitats:
Coastal/coralline white sands
Coastal plains
Intertidal mudflats & lagoons with mangroves
with mangroves
Sabkhas
Seagrass beds
Coral Reefs
Cultural Significance:
The people of Dubai have always had strong economic and cultural ties to Jabal Ali due to its richness in biodiversity and resources. At one time, Jabal Ali was a renowned camping site. Originally, Jabal Ali was among the most important meeting points between people and nature, with Jabal Ali at the heart of the traditional pearl diving, fishing, and hunting economy of Dubai.
Things to do:
Schools and corporate can book for environmental educational activities as a part of the CSR mandate.
Hatta Mountain Reserve
HATTA MOUNTAIN RESERVE
The Hatta Mountain Reserve is a part of the Hajar Mountain range, the highest mountains of the eastern Arabian Peninsula. The reserve represents a unique environment in Dubai due to its elevation, wadi ecosystems, and is deemed of high archaeological and cultural significance.
Characterized by high mountains with elevations varying between 250m and 1,060m the range is considered to be one of the best exposed Ophiolite formations in the world. Ophiolites are rare rock sequences composed of brilliant green, snake-like serpentine minerals of marine sediments, ocean crust and mantle that has been uplifted and exposed above sea level.
Hatta contains numerous wadi’s that store and distribute large quantities of rainwater, supporting distinctive flora and fauna, and many human endeavors. The main feature of the reserve are two dams that were constructed in the early 1990’s to store rainwater for agricultural use. The dam’s reservoirs attracts wildlife, including many birds such as the Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) and Western Reef Heron (Egretta gularis) which are commonly seen around their banks. Many houses and farms were built around the reserve where palm trees, Alban, Sidr, Mango, Neem and Tamarind trees were planted along with fodder crops such as Alfalfa for animal husbandry.
Reserve Type: Mountainous
Total Area: 21.56 km²
Legal Framework:
Decree No. (22) of 2014 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the UAE, the Ruler of Dubai.
Law No. 11 of 2003 on the Establishment of Protected Areas in the Emirate of Dubai.
Formally designated Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 2019
Wildlife:
128 Birds
27 Mammals
20 Reptiles
133 plant species
9 fish species
2 amphibians
29 invertebrates
The reserve hosts great biodiversity with over 133 recorded plant species and more than 215 other wildlife species ranging from large mammals to birds and reptiles. Some of these species are endemic to the area. One of the most characteristic animals of the Hatta Mountain Reserve is the Arabian Tahr (Arabitragus jayakari), the Reserve’s flagship species. The Critically Endangered Arabian Leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) is also associated with the reserve, which until recently is believed to have represented a part of its historical range. Observations of several different bat species have also been made in Hatta.
The Hajar Mountains are one of the strongholds of several bird species in the Arabian Peninsula including Sand Partridge (Ammoperdix heyi), Desert Lark (Ammomanes deserti), Striolated Bunting (Emberiza striolata), Hume’s Wheatear (Oenanthe albonigra), and Scrub Warbler (Scotocerca inquieta).
The freshwater habitats of this mountainous area provide ideal breeding grounds for two species of toads (Duttaphrynus arabicus and D. dhufarensis), two native fish species Oman Garra (Garra barreimiae (endemic to the UAE and Oman)) and Arabian Killifish (Aphanius dispar), snails spp., as well as water-dependent species such as dragonflies and damselflies.
Key Habitats:
Mountain Slopes
Wadis
Fresh Water pools
Cultural significance:
Traditional honey gathering sites.
Hatta Heritage Village, Hatta Fort and Hatta mosques – Showcase rural living dating back centuries ago.
Falaj systems – traditional water supply – dating back to the Iron Age.
Civilized settlements -51 burial sites dating back to 2500 – 2000 BC, and ancient petroglyphs (etchings in rock, also known as “rock art”) scattered across the mountainous landscape.
Things to do:
Hatta has some of the best hiking routes in the UAE. Tourists can also visit Hatta for retreats in the hotels and do activities such as kayaking, mountain climbing and biking, which are in close proximity to the Hatta Mountain Reserve.
Ghaf Nazwa Conservation Reserve
GHAF NAZWA CONSERVATION RESERVE
The Ghaf Nazwa Conservation Reserve was established to conserve one of the finest groves of the culturally, traditionally and ecologically significant Ghaf Trees (Prosopis cineraria) in the Emirate of Dubai. Ghaf was declared the national tree of the UAE in 2008.
Located north of Margham, the Reserve is managed by the Dubai Municipality with the aim to conserve the exceptional biodiversity, wild habitats and heritage value of the smallest protected area in the Emirate.
Reserve type: Desert
Total Area: 0.13 km²
Legal Framework:
Decree No. (22) of 2014 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai.
Law No. 11 of 2003 on the Establishment of Protected Areas in the Emirate of Dubai.
Wildlife:
Ghaf Trees are a key habitat for many desert species of wild birds who use them for shade, breeding, and nesting. Of note at the Ghaf Nazwa Conservation Reserve, is the presence of endangered and vulnerable birds of prey, such as the Pharaoh Eagle Owl (Bubo ascalaphus savigny), which roost in the Ghaf trees and nest nearby.
The Reserve is also home to reptiles, insects and plants. It hosts a number of reptile species including the Eastern Sand Skink (Scincus mitranus), the White-spotted Lizard (Acanthodactylus schmidti), the Arabian Sand Gecko (Stenodactylus arabicus), Sand Boa (Eryx jayakari), Worm Lizard (Diplometon zarudnyi) and Heyden’s Gecko (Hemidactylus robustus).
Despite its small size, the Ghaf Nazwa Conservation Reserve also has a relatively rich arthropod biodiversity.
In total, the Reserve is a prime example of a desert ecosystem, supporting many prototypical lifeforms including:
19 Birds
5 Mammals
6 Reptiles
24 Invertebrates
12 Flora
Key Habitats:
Sand Sheet and dunes with Prosposis cineraria
Low Sand dunes with the Sedge species Cyperus conglomeratu
Cultural Significance:
Currently, the Ghaf Nazwa Reserve has farms growing palm trees, crops and other medicinal plants reflecting the traditional life of Dubai. Several pottery fragments found at the Site indicates it once served as a shelter for nomads.
Jabal Nazwa Conservation Reserve
JABAL NAZWA CONSERVATION RESERVE
The Jabal Nazwa Conservation Reserve is a small but distinctive habitat of high conservation value located in the Southeast corner of the Emirate of Dubai. Supporting a unique and rich biodiversity, the heart of the Reserve features an isolated ‘mountain’ of limestone, called an “Inselberg”, jutting out of its surrounding sea of sand dunes.
Reserve Type: Desert/Mountainous
Total Area: 0.48 km²
Legal Framework:
Decree No. (22) of 2014 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai.
Law No. 11 of 2003 on the Establishment of Protected Areas in the Emirate of Dubai.
Wildlife:
The Jabal Nazwa Conservation Reserve has impressive biodiversity. It is home to a number of endangered and vulnerable species including the Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx), Mountain Gazelle (Gazella gazella cora) and Sand Gazelle (Gazella marica), all of which pass freely from the neighboring Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR). Other species of cultural importance are found there including the Dwarf honeybee (Apis florea).
Jabal Nazwa is an important habitat for a variety of regional endemic species like the Persian Leaf-toed Gecko (Hemidactylus persicus) and a number of floral species. In addition, the Gordon’s Wildcat (Felis silvestris gordoni), and two species of bats indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula inhabit the Reserve.
The Jabal Nazwa Conservation Reserve is an important area for resident and migratory bird species. It is a well-known nesting and breeding site for Pharaoh Eagle Owl (Bubo ascalaphus savigny), Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis) and Southern Grey Shrike (Lanius meridionalis). Among the other species are the Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus), which appear regularly in the sedge trees at the foot of the mountain.
111 Birds
20 Mammals
24 Reptiles
21 Invertebrates
70 Flora
Key Habitat:
Sand Sheet and dunes
Alluvial Plans and dwarf shrub vegetation
Mountain Slopes and screes
Acacia–Euphorbia community.
Cultural Significance:
Traditional honey making is one of the significant activities associated with this reserve.
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
DUBAI DESERT CONSERVATION RESERVE
One of the most biologically diverse and rich environments in the Emirate, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) is Dubai’s prime destination for desert lovers and wildlife safaris. The reserve contains 562 known species of wildlife, including the Arabian Oryx, gazelles, foxes, lizards and birds, as well as several species new to science. Second largest of the protected areas in the Emirate of Dubai, DDCR is located in the southeastern part of the Emirate, extending northward near to the Sharjah border.
The DDCR represents an outstanding example of the high level of success which can be achieved through active collaboration between the Public and Private sector. As one of the leading drivers of tourism in the region, Emirates Group has sponsored and supported wildlife conservation programmes within the reserves, the flagship of which continues to be the DDCR.
Reserve Type: Desert
Total area: 225.9 km²
Legal Framework:
The Decree No. (22) of 2014 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai.
Law No.11 of 2003 on Nature Reserves within the Emirate of Dubai
Declared as Important Bird Area (IBA), Birdlife International
Wildlife:
142 Birds
22 Mammals
28 Reptiles
298 invertebrates
72 Flora
The first National Park in the UAE, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is a haven for desert wildlife and a shining example of traditional Arabian lifestyles. A number of marquis threatened species thrive in the desert environment of the DDCR, including the Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx), Mountain Gazelle (Gazella gazella cora), Sand Gazelle (Gazella marica), and culturally important bird species such as Macqueen’s Bustard (Chlamydotis macqueenii). In addition, endangered and vulnerable birds which find refuge in the reserve include the Pharaoh Eagle Owl (Bubo ascalaphus savigny), and Lappet-face Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos). Moreover, the occurrence of regional endemic species such as the Spiny-tailed Lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia leptieni) and Gordon’s Wildcat (Felis silvestris gordoni) makes DDCR truly unique on the world map.
Other large and small mammals that occur naturally in the reserve are: the Cape Hare (Lepus capensis), Ethiopian Hedgehog (Paraechinus aethiopicus), Arabian Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes arabica), Cheesman’s Gerbil (Gerbilus cheesmani), and Arabian Jird (Meriones arimalius). There are also a number of reptiles such as Sand Boa (Eryx jayakari), Crowned Leaf-nosed Snake (Lytorhynchus diadema), Hooded Malpolon (Malpolon moilensis), Schokari Sand Racer (Psammophis schokari), Horned Viper (Cerastes cerastes) and Sindh Saw-scaled Viper (Echis carinatus).
Both year round resident and migratory birds inhabit the DDCR. In addition to the previously mentioned “species at risk”, and depending on the time of year, a visitor can expect to encounter birds like the Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca), Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus), Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse (Pterocles exustus), Brown-necked Raven (Corvus ruficollis), Southern Grey Shrike (Lanius meridionalis), Blue-cheeked Bee-eater (Merpos persicus), Bluethroat bird (Luscinia svecica), Greater Hoopoe-lark (Alaemon alaudipes), and the Arabian Babbler (Argya squamiceps).
Several insects and arthropods which are new to science have also been observed in the Reserve.
Keystone Species:
Arabian oryx, Oryx leucoryx
Arabian gazelle, Gazella arabica
Sand gazelle, Gazella marica
Lappet-faced Vulture, Torgos tracheliotos
Pharaoh Eagle Owl, Bubo ascalaphus savigny
Macqueen’s Bustard, Chlamydotis macqueenii
Gordon’s Wildcat, Felis silvestris gordoni
Key Habitats:
Inland sand sheets and dunes
Prosopis cineraria Woodland
Interdunal plains/gravel plains
Cultural Significance:
The Reserve has traditional wells, date farms that support the local community.
Al Wohoosh Desert Conservation Reserve
AL WOHOOSH DESERT CONSERVATION RESERVE
Al Wohoosh Desert Conservation Reserve is a tiny jewel of desert biodiversity located in the Al Aweer Desert at the Dubai/Sharjah Border, adjacent to the desert camps in the Emirates of Sharjah.
To date, 91 species of fauna have been found at Al Wohoosh, ranging from desert foxes, hedgehogs, wild hares, and lizards to a large variety of insects. Although small in size, the Reserve supports a multiplicity of native plants, including a remarkable assortment of tree species such as the Ghaf Tree (Proposis cineraria), Samar Tree (Acacia tortilis), Sidr Tree (Ziziphus spina-christi), Miswak or Toothbrush Tree (Salvadora persica), Ashar or Sodom’s Apple (Calotropis procera) and Ramram Tree (Heliotropium kotschyi).
Reserve Type: Desert
Total Area: 15.06 km
Legal Framework:
Decree No. (22) of 2014 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai.
Law No. 11 of 2003 on the Establishment of Protected Areas in the Emirate of Dubai.
Wildlife:
Al Wohoosh serves as home to several desert adapted mammal species such as the hardy Mountain gazelle (Gazella gazella cora), one of the few mammals where both sexes have horns. Birds found there are both resident and migratory, and include: Southern Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor), Brown-necked Raven (Corvus ruficollis), Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis), and Asian Desert Warbler (Curruca nana).
Due the presence of several priority habitat types: Sand sheets and dunes with Ghaf (Prosopis cineraria) woodland; Sand sheets and dunes with Broom Bush (Leptadenia pyrotechnica); and Interdunal plains, the Reserve hosts over 49 plant species, and the impressive Leptien’s Spiny-tailed Lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia leptieni), which is restricted to the interdunal plains in the northern half of the Reserve.
Other documented reptiles found at Al Wohoosh include: Desert Monitor (Varanus griseus), Worm Lizard (Diplometon zarudnyi), Arabian desert gecko (Bunopus tuberculatus), Arabian Toad-headed Agama (Phrynocephalus arabicus), and Eastern Sand Skink (Scincus mitranus).
Remains of the Giant Longhorn Beetle (Anthracocentrus arabicus) have been found in the Reserve. This insect species is closely associated with the Ghaf Tree, and is considered to be of high conservation value.
19 Birds
4 Mammals
8 Reptiles
49 plant species
11 invertebrates
Key Habitats:
Sand sheets and dunes with Boom Bush (Leptadenia pyrotechnica)
Interdunal plans.
Sand sheets and dunes with Ghaf Tree (Prosopis cineraria) woodland
Cultural Significance:
In the past, this desert area was known for its predatory animals, which is where the name of the Reserve is derived.
Things to Do:
Al Wohoosh Reserve is a hub for extensive recreational desert activities, including tourist camps and duning.