EDITORIAL
FOCUS ON PHOTOGRAPHY
IN THE NEWS
The latest news in the fields of wildlife research and development in the Arabian countries? Will the Egyptian cheetah expedition succeed?
REPTILE Fact File: Dhub’s Den
This month’s fact file takes a close look at that elusive Arabian reptile, the Dhub (or Dhab) lizard — a traditional quarry of desert dwelling people — now threatened by habitat loss and over-hunting.
Travel Feature:
Al Maha . . . the whisper of sand
Having explored some of the world’s most exotic game parks, Peter and Michelle Wright visited one much closer to home where they enjoyed the superb comforts and cuisine of Al Maha — the UAE’s answer to Africa’s safari camps! It sounds too good to be true!
Arabian Discovery Programme
Specially designed for use with established school curricula, this
series is an excellent Arabian natural history resource for teachers
and students alike. In this issue we focus on the fascinating
subject of migration.
mailbox 48
A sampling of recent email and snail-mail messages that have been sent to our sister web site: https://www.arabianwildlife.com, and posted to our office.
FEATURES
Sailfish in Arabian Waters 4
One of Arabia’s best kept secrets, so far as its wildlife attractions are concerned, is that its waters are visited each year by large numbers of sailfish. Researchers are now tagging these to reveal the full picture
of their migration.
New Songs from Arabian Seas . . .
are Oman’s humpbacks unique? 12
A small-dedicated band of researchers are now delving deep into the subject of Arabia’s whales and dolphins. Robert Baldwin describes a recent expedition to Dhofar and raises the question: – could Arabia’s humpbacks be a unique and discrete population?
Wonderful Waders: Part 2 16
Hanne and Jens Eriksen do their best to explain the differences between some of Arabia’s most abundant bird species — the waders.
Special Report: Illegal trade in wildlife 22
It is a sad fact that there is also a dark side to wildlife work in this region. The author has been on the receiving end of this, caring for animals that have been confiscated due to illegal trading. The risks to both animals and humans are considerable. By highlighting these risks we hope to bring an end to these practices.
Sheba’s Legacy: Will we learn? 25
After a whole year spent faithfully following the daily movements of one wild desert cat (a Gordon’s wildcat) the author is shocked to discover that it has been literally burnt alive by placing a hose pipe down its burrow, lighting a fire, and then blocking the cats escape. This tragic story teaches us about both the wildcat and ourselves. Hopefully education of local people can change attitudes and support conservation of this threatened species.
Zoo Mission to Yemen: Leopards, lions
and other furry creatures 28
A veterinary mission to Yemen’s zoos has some unexpected results. Arabian leopards are added to the international studbook; techniques for raising cubs on dog (bitch) milk are revealed; and blood samples taken from lions said to have descended from the original Arabian lion.
Mangroves:
Arabian Sea Forests 31
Khor Kalba: Can it survive? 32
Whilst some Arabian regions have preserved their mangroves, others have completely destroyed them. Two of the peninsula’s most important remaining natural mangrove areas are visited: Khor Kalba in the UAE and Khor Liwa in Oman.
Touring Turtle Country 38
One section of Arabia’s sandy coastline is vital to large numbers of the Indian Ocean’s green turtles. It offers one of the most inspirational experiences for wildlife watchers with a virtual 100 percent chance of seeing a mother turtle laying her eggs.
Decline of the Jerboa 40
The desert jerboa, shaped somewhat like a kangaroo and with a hop to match, is on the decline. It is a warning sign that all of Arabia’s small mammals are under pressure. The only hope, it seems, is to adopt the Jerboa Code of Good Practice!
Spiders 42
Ugh! or Ahh! — depending on your particular stance to these enigmatic creatures. But there is really no such thing as a ‘bad’ spider – they all have their uses. It would certainly be a more fly-ridden world without them! But beware of the black-widow!
The Frozen Zoo 45
Techniques of in-vitro fertilisation and subsequent freezing of early dividing embryos, arresting their development until such time that they can be implanted into surrogate mothers, are being pioneered in the UAE to help save certain Arabian species.
Henna Blossom Time 46
We are used to seeing henna on the beautifully painted hands and feet of women throughout Asia and further afield. It is also used as hair colouring in some of the world’s major hair-care products. But how many of us would recognise the henna tree, or be familiar with the harvesting and marketing of raw henna in the form of its powdered leaves?
