I am pleased to welcome you as a reader of Arabian Wildlife, the
first magazine of its kind devoted to all aspects of the peninsula's
natural world. A quick glance through these pages will provide
an indication of just how diverse and fascinating our natural
environment is. Despite the great development that has taken place
throughout Arabia, the peninsula still harbours many unique wilderness
areas where wildlife continues to flourish. From the hidden depths
of the Red Sea, where undescribed species of fish are yet to be
'discovered' by Man, to the high mountain ridges of southern and
western Arabia, where rare animals and plants live in unique and
fascinating isolated communities, Arabian wildlife is full of
surprises. In a world where Nature is generally in retreat, and
where the environment is strained by Man's own demands upon it,
it is pleasing to report some good news. In this issue we look
at a number of conservation achievements in which the hands of
the clock are being turned back. Populations of Arabian oryx and
Arabian gazelle are both on the increase due to captive breeding,
release and habitat protection programmes. Studies on Arabian
birdlife indicate an increase, rather than a decrease, in the
variety of species breeding on the peninsula. Several species
that were widely regarded as threatened with regional extinction
are benefiting from unique wildlife management involving government
sponsored programmes and the active support of local communities.
Even the harmful environmental effects of the Gulf War have stimulated
positive developments in the form of important studies that have
revealed how nature responded to the incredible impact of one
million tons of crude oil polluting the Gulf. It is clearly important
that these activities, and the studies by many scientists and
naturalists throughout Arabia, should reach as wide an audience
as possible.
In this new magazine we hope to create a stimulating forum for information, news and stories about Arabian wildlife. We hope that you will enjoy reading Arabian Wildlife and will play an active part in its future success, both as a subscriber and contributor. We would like to hear your own views on how we can improve the magazine and we invite you to tell us of your own special interests and involvement with Arabian wildlife, whether as a casual observer, an amateur naturalist, or as a professional scientist or photographer. The magazine's Editorial Board welcomes news from correspondents and hopes to bring more up to date information concerning the activities, programmes and work of the the many societies, organisations and institutions throughout Arabia that play an active role in wildlife research and conservation.
Finally, in this issue comes the first announcement of an exciting new international competition, the Arabian Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition. Dig out the camera, don the walking boots and get out there in the field. You do not need to be a professional photographer to win a prize. There are plenty of interesting categories to enter for both young photographers and adults. Winning entries will be displayed at selected venues in the different Arabian countries, as well as in the magazine itself.
Professor Abdulaziz H. Abuzinada
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Arabian Wildlife. Volume 1, Number 1