By the end of the year a total of 100 new Oryx would have been released
Under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the Agency in coordination with Al Dhafra Region Municipality, recently released a new group of Arabian Oryx into the Houbara Protected Area.
The group is the first of 100 Arabian Oryx to be released in stages before the end of the year. Located in Baynunah, the Houbara Protected Area is managed by EAD, and extends over a total area of 774 square kilometres.
An important step towards the resettlement of the Arabian Oryx and the enhancement of their numbers in the wild, the initiative, which is supervised by EAD, is part of the Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Arabian Oryx Reintroduction Programme, and aims to release the Arabian Oryx back into their natural habitat, within large reserves.
In the past, the formation of growing herds capable of being self-reliant and roaming freely within their natural habitat, was effective once management programmes and long-term protection plans were put into place.
Expressing his pride with the successful release, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan said: “The Emirate is committed to preserving wildlife and endangered species, and the release of these majestic animals into the wild constitutes a moment of pride for us. This emphasizes our efforts to reintroduce the Arabian Oryx, a project that was launched in Al Ain City back in 1968.”
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan added: “The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan issued his directives to establish programmes to protect the Arabian Oryx, such as breeding and protecting the wild animals from extinction, while reintroducing them back into their natural habitat.
“Following this, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan launched a similar programme in 2007, which is part of the Abu Dhabi government’s vision to create a regional herd that reflects all programmes for the resettlement of the Arabian Oryx in their range countries.
In the past, the formation of growing herds capable of being self-reliant and roaming freely within their natural habitat, was effective once management programmes and long-term protection plans were put into place.
Expressing his pride with the successful release, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan said: “The Emirate is committed to preserving wildlife and endangered species, and the release of these majestic animals into the wild constitutes a moment of pride for us. This emphasizes our efforts to reintroduce the Arabian Oryx, a project that was launched in Al Ain City back in 1968.”
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan added: “The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan issued his directives to establish programmes to protect the Arabian Oryx, such as breeding and protecting the wild animals from extinction, while reintroducing them back into their natural habitat.
“Following this, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan launched a similar programme in 2007, which is part of the Abu Dhabi government’s vision to create a regional herd that reflects all programmes for the resettlement of the Arabian Oryx in their range countries.
