EDITORS COMMENT

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

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

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