UAE releases Nubian ibex herd in Jordan

10/24/2015 8:36:19 PM

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

Sixty Nubian ibexes a desert-dwelling goat species have been released into the Wadi Rum nature reserve in Jordan by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD).

The release is part of the Nubian ibex Reintroduction and Release Programme of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. The Nubian ibex is an endangered species in Wadi Rum due to irresponsible human practices like excessive hunting and destruction of the species' natural habitats.

"We look forward to providing a free natural environment for these species so they can multiply and overcome the threat of extinction" said Dr Shaikha Al Dhaheri executive director of Biodiversity Sector at the EAD. The desert-dwelling mountain goats known for their large curled horns once populated the mountainous areas of Oman Yemen Saudi Arabia Algeria Jordan Palestine Egypt Ethiopia and Sudan. Today there are only about 1200 of them left in the wild.

The reintroduction and release programme works by raising the number of ibexes within a controlled environment to allow them to adapt to their new habitat by releasing them into fenced valleys surrounded by high mountains.

This new habitat consists of a wide range of plant and animal species. Furthermore the programme monitors the animals' general wellbeing provides them with health care and attends to their young after birth.

"We work closely with our partners in Jordan to further the preservation of these species and increase their numbers within their natural habitats in Jordan" said Dr Al Dhaheri.

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