Feature by Nawaf Al-Deqbasi
DOHA, March 12 (KUNA) -- The Arabian oryx, which represents an icon of authenticity and heritage for Qatar, has been chosen as a symbol by many government and private institutions, and authorities have protected the unique animal from extinction by establishing natural reserves.
Qatar maintains care for the Arabian oryx through attention to the natural reserves, as a part of a policy to preserve the wildlife, providing nutrition according to scientific basis, as well as conducting research. They have install pamphlets addressed to the reserve administration on care for newborns and their mothers.
Qatari Director of the Natural Reserves Bureau Talal Bin Jabr Al-Nuaimi told KUNA that the idea of maintaining the Arabian oryx started with Sheikh Jassem bin Hamad Al-Thani in 1964, after trekking into empty deserts coming across the beautiful animal. Later, two Qatari groups followed suit with similar interest to this animal, until the number of oryx raised in farms totaled 120 in 1978.
Al-Nuaimi added that in 1979, the first reserve for the Arabian oryx was established in Al-Shahhaniya area, with the number not exceeding 17, but they multiplied later on.
In the early 90s, Qatar established government agencies tasked with oryx breeding and care, set up Al-Asharej Reserve in the north and Al-Masehabya Reserve southwest of the country.
A small number of oryx have been dispatched to Doha Animal Zoo and farms, where they remained under direct state supervision.
Later, the reserves were provided with sophisticated equipment, laboratories, in addition to the appointment of staff veterinarians with experience and skill in dealing with this rare animal.
The oryx, known in Arabic language as the "maha," has a beautiful snow-white color with gorgeous wide eyes. It is largely settled in the Arabian Peninsula, Iraq and the Levant. (end) nnd.mb