The Rawdat Al Faras Center is dedicated to the care and breeding of the vulnerable species, Houbara Bustard. On Gulf Wildlife Day, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) in Doha highlighted its efforts to protect and preserve this species. The MoECC, through the External Reserves Office of the State, has made significant strides in breeding Houbara Bustards. This includes establishing the Rawdat Al Faras Center for Houbara Breeding and other breeding centers both in Qatar and abroad to protect these birds from extinction. By reintroducing a number of Houbara Bustards into their natural habitats, the Ministry aims to increase their population and preserve Qatari heritage.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List classifies the Houbara Bustard as vulnerable and in decline, with commercial trade strictly prohibited. Therefore, the Rawdat Al Faras Houbara Breeding Center follows the highest scientific standards to ensure the reproduction and sustainability of these rare birds and preserve biodiversity in Qatar. The center focuses on fundamental steps like handling Houbara eggs, the incubation period, recording the identity of eggs, and using introductory circles for accurate data recording in their management database.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in Qatar announced plans to have the world’s largest facility for breeding endangered birds like the Houbara Bustard. They also began granting permits to Qatari citizens for starting Houbara breeding projects, providing support in facility design and construction, consultation, fodder, medications, and other essential services. Training courses on Houbara production, biosecurity, and care of chicks and incubators have been organized to enhance knowledge of production and breeding methods. The Rawdat Al Faras Houbara Breeding Center provides support services, technical and advisory services, and educational courses to increase understanding of its breeding methods.
The Houbara Bustard is characterized by its agile body, long neck, and slender legs, with unique adaptations suited for their hot and arid habitat. The female is slightly smaller and dimmer in colors compared to the male. Gulf Wildlife Day, hosted by Kuwait this year, aims to unite efforts for the preservation of wildlife, ecosystems, and endangered species on an annual platform. With the MoECC’s dedication to protecting and increasing the Houbara Bustard population, they play a significant role in preserving this vulnerable species and Qatari heritage. By following strict regulations and high scientific standards at the Rawdat Al Faras Center, the Ministry ensures the sustainability of the Houbara Bustard population and contributes to biodiversity conservation efforts in Qatar and beyond.
