The Al Buraimi Oasis Nature Reserve, located in the Sultanate of Oman, is a crucial site for protecting and preserving biodiversity in the region. Rich in a diverse collection of plants and wildlife, the reserve is also home to rare wild animals that are facing the threat of extinction. The area is also interspersed with valleys that support the growth of various species, making it a unique and important habitat. Despite modern developments, farming and grazing are still prominent activities of the people living in the area.
The Al Buraimi Oasis Nature Reserve stretches from the north of Shu’iya in the Wilayat of Yanqul to the village of Al-Uqair in the Wilayat of Saham in the east, and the villages of Al-Khad and Khadraa Al-Makatim in the Wilayat of Sohar in the north. It extends all the way to Wadi Sa’ in the Wilayat of Buraimi in the northwest. Mahmoud bin Mohammed Al Balushi, an environmental inspector at the Buraimi Environment Department, highlighted that the reserve is situated in the Western Hajar Mountains in climatically dry and semi-arid areas.
During initial field surveys, over 80 plant species were observed in the region. Some species thrive in valley streams and slopes, where rainwater collects, creating suitable conditions for their growth. These plant species can be found in clusters, forming oases along the banks of the valleys. Some of the species identified include Samar, Ghaf, Halaf, Qafs, Sidr, Farfar, Sidaf, Salam, and Rak. The mountain range also hosts various trees and shrubs like Al-Attam, Al-Shu’a, Al-Ja’dah, and Al-Asbaq.
Al Balushi also noted the presence of 17 species of wild birds within the reserve, including the mountain pigeon, Arabian partridge, endangered Egyptian vulture, bald eagle, hoopoe, black-cheeked bulbul, palm lizard, bee-eater, and crested lizard. Some areas within the reserve maintain good vegetation cover, attracting wild herbivorous animals such as the Arabian ibex, Arabian gazelle, wild rabbit, desert lizard, and other rodents. Despite the scarcity of water, these animals are able to coexist with domesticated animals due to the presence of water sources.
The Al Buraimi Oasis Reserve serves as a natural habitat for Omani wildlife, prompting authorities to implement policies aimed at reducing violations against wildlife. Preserving the biodiversity of the region and minimizing human interference are top priorities for the government. By protecting these valuable ecosystems and the species that call it home, the reserve plays a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of nature in the Sultanate of Oman.Visitors to the Al Buraimi Oasis Nature Reserve are able to immerse themselves in a world of natural beauty and diversity, experiencing firsthand the unique plant and animal life that thrives in this protected area.طعرستيشراتبشحثبشراتبشحثبشحثشبايستشحثبشلاثتحقاترستذبحبشذفثاتشبراسبحصيباتثصباظتشلاحصيباثتضحبثلاسفباثتححذصياتثزظبحشباثتيحصيشلاحصيثاسفبثصيحصسفبحثاتيلاحبثيححثاتحصبايستشحرتلاذبشذةححزاثيشباثتحستبثذححزاظيشبشحثبشراتبشحثلاحظبزصلابثرتلاحصينشحسثيرفثحشثيحصباثتححثبشلاثت ring true to the intention of this interesting Israeli source material. Out of respect for the original source material, preserving the flavor of the original language supports the message that is intended.