Oman / Al Wusta / The Arabian Oryx Project

The project was assisted by the World Wildlife Fund, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, and the Society for the Preservation of Animals (SPA). In 1962, the SPA had formed 'Operation Oryx' which aimed to protect the animal from extinction. A SPA research group flew to the Hadrahmut where they managed to capture two male and one female oryx. Other oryx were donated by Sheikh Jabir bin Abdullah al Sabah from Kuwait, King Sa'ud bin Abd Al'Aziz Aal Sa'ud from Saudi Arabia, and London Zoo, which had received its oryx from Sultan Said bin Taimur. Nine oryx were sent to Phoenix Park in Arizona, which has a similar climate to the Jiddat al-Harasis, and a breeding programme was started to reintroduce sufficient numbers of the oryx to the wild.

In 1980, the original nine oryx returned from Arizona, and together with four oryx from Salalah, were transported by the Royal Omani Airforce to the Jiddat al-Harasis.

Towards the end of 1980, a second group of oryx arrived from the US and in 1981, a third group consisting of four animals, joined them. Thus, in January 1992, Sultan Qaboos realised his wish to see the Arabian oryx back in its natural habitat, when the gates of the oryx pens were opened and the first herd were released into the wild.

Reintroduction of the oryx into the wild begins by placing the animals in 100m2 pens until they become accustomed to the climate, indigenous plants, and each other. The oryx interact in hierarchies and form leaders, which the others follow. The oryx had to be taught where to find their food and initially were given straw until they were confident enough to fend for themselves which usually occurred after downpours of rain, when food becomes more abundant. Observation of the oryx was carried out by a team of guards who tracked the beasts for up to 10km and collated information on their habits and haunts.

The Arabian Oryx is a creature well suited to the arid conditions of the desert. It is able to go without water for up to 22 months, drinking only the dew from the Samr and Ghaf trees. Its white coat provides perfect camouflage except when it wishes to be seen; then it will climb to the top of the hills and the sun's reflection on its coat means it can be seen for up to 3km. The oryx can travel for long distances at between 4 - 6km/hour.

The longest recorded distance the animal has travelled is 155km. Its average weight is 50 - 70kg and it has a life expectancy of 13 - 17 years in the wild.

The sanctuary is home to a number of other wild animals found in Oman.

The Arabian Gazelle is common in the desert, but due to superb camouflage, is sometimes rather difficult to see. The Reem Gazelle will also visit the area, but it is more at home in the sand dunes. This is a larger beast than the Arabian Gazelle and more nervous, taking flight at disturbance. Nubian ibex are a fairly common sight in the rocky outcrops of the Jiddat. It is a goat-like beast with huge curved horns. Smaller mammals found in the area include the jerboas, gerbils, spiny mice, Arabian hares and the sand fox. Rare animals, such as the caracal lynx and Arabian wolves, have been spotted by the reserve's guards.