(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat- The beautiful Al Ansab Wetlands in Muscat is one of the most beautiful and popular natural sites that attracts scores of visitors.
Located in wilayat of Bausher just a few kilometres from Muscat International Airport, Al Ansab Wetlands is a popular destination with wildlife researchers, students from colleges and schools, amateur wildlife photographers and naturalists.
A safe haven for more than 290 species of birds, Al Ansab Wetlands is also a distinct ecosystem for Omani plants, butterflies and other wildlife species.
Mohammed bin Mansour al Barwani, Wetland Specialist at Haya Water Company in Al Ansab Wetlands said there are five large ponds that were dug to collect filtered water (3,000m3 to 5,000m3 of filtered water is pumped out daily). The main pond is 3.5m deep.
He said that the ponds are used for breeding fish so that mosquito larvae can be eliminated as fish feed on larvae.
Barwani added that this is done to avoid use of chemical pesticides which can adversely affect birds and plants.
Barwani said that the number of birds at the Al Ansab Wetlands are increasing due to the moving of the migratory birds which move to warmer areas during winters.
Many come to Oman during winters from Europe, Africa, Iraq and Iran.
Spread over 40ha, Al Ansab Wetlands also houses a variety of local trees. There is also a special nursery for Omani trees.
Barwani noted that the mesquite trees, were removed from the area and replaced by other local trees from the Governorate of Dhofar and Jebel Akhdar, as well as other governorates of the sultanate.
He added that parts of the mesquite trees have been used to make chairs and fences for the ponds, and this adds to the beauty of the place.
He explained that people looking to visit Al Ansab Wetlands can contact through the website www.haya.om or call centre number: 80077111.
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