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United Arab Emirates
The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is presently the largest protected area in all of the 7 United Arab Emirates, which encompass 83,600 square kilometers. With increasing development in Dubai, desert habitat and wildlife are vanishing. Over 4.7 million human inhabitants and feverish consumerism has left the biological heritage of this outstanding region in jeopardy, challenging the leadership to target some of its enormous oil, gas and international trade surpluses for conservation efforts. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) which surrounds the eco-tourist resort and preserve of Al Maha (Arabic for the rare flagship species, Arabian oryx) is one unprecedented example, the brainchild of Managing Director Tony Williams, and the vision of the founding fathers of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and his sons.
With Al Maha resident naturalists Greg Simkins and Ryan Ingram, DSF was able to document for Sanctuary some of the biological treasures that are protected in the 225 square kilometer DDCR, as well as the research and monitoring ongoing there to expand the biodiversity database. With continuing eco-tourism to the area and intensive survey work, the fenced protected area will likely expand in the future, while setting a remarkable example of high scientific stewardship for the rest of the Gulf region.
Using camera traps, and daily observational records, Greg, Ryan and team have found over forty resident avians, twenty-one reptile and a dozen mammal species. Shrubs include a known 26 varieties, in addition to four grass and six tree species.
As for the gorgeous ungulate, the oryx, there are now an estimated 5,000+ living in their former ranges that include the U.A.E.. Al Maha and DDCR are crucial components of that success story.
The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve,
United Arab Emirates
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve