We Love Oman: Ibri’s unique topography and rich biodiversity

The geographic region of Al Dhahirah Governorate is characterised with a rich biodiversity and unique topography including mountains, plain lands and deserts. At the eastern part of the Governorate there are high mountains with moderate temperatures in summer and cold winters and with some rare trees including Juniperus excelsa found at Jabal Al Suorat in Ibri. From the mountains at the eastern part of Al Dhahirah Governorate run several wadis towards the desert areas to add a new topography with water springs, varied plants and wildlife.

Engineer Tariq bin Hasan Al Mamari, Director of Environment Department in Al Dhahirah Governorate said that, “Al Dhahirah Governorate is a haven for migrating birds throughout the year”. He said that Al Dhahirah Governorate was famous for Pterocles  (Sandgrouse family birds), one of the local birds that live in the desert area in addition to eagles and other migrating birds that are common in the area.

“The governorate also hosts a number of rare and endangered animals including Arabian Tahar, Arabian Gazelle, Afghan’s fox and caracal among others,” he said  adding that “the plain lands host several wild trees mainly acacia that cope with the climate at the area.”

“The Environment Department in Al Dhahirah Governorate receives complaints from citizens cooperating in preservation of wildlife in relation to any abuse of natural life”, he said.

On the Royal Directives of His Majesty the Sultan for making environment one of the pillars of Oman Vision 2040, the Environment Authority is extending due efforts for protection of environment through the scheme for Oman strategy for development of environment and other sustainable environment projects. Such projects included planting 10 million wild trees in the various parts of the Sultanate to combat desertification and to disseminate green areas, he added.