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Tourism in Oman
Oman can offer a compelling sense of exploration and discovery, and a wildlife
holiday that few would imagine possible. Tourism aimed specifically at those
interested in the natural environment, or eco-tourism, may be the keystone to
the future of the industry in Oman. Thoughtfully planned and carefully managed
it will allow for the generation of revenue without clashing with conservation
concerns and cultural heritage.
The stark beauty and wide range of contrasting landscapes that characterize the
country create habitats for a wealth of wildlife. Among the variety of fauna
and flora are millions of migrant wading birds passing through year after year;
entire marine ecosystems unique to science; mountain, desert and shoreline
plants of stunning diversity; desert dwellers of surprising abundance;
endangered Arabian mammals like leopard and oryx; seashells of exquisite
nature; coral reefs that stud the sea with vibrant colours; innumerable endemic
fish; whales and dolphins from coast to coast and turtles that nest in numbers
matched by no other country on the planet. And alongside the natural wealth is
a culture as rich as the sea, mountain and desert environments with which it
has arisen.
The Mountainous North
Wadis dissect the mountains of northern and central Oman and provide the only
means of access to many areas. While most wadis are seasonal, some have a
constant flow of water, attracting settlement and also wildlife. Red foxes are
frequent evening visitors, skirting the villages in search of scraps. Mountain
gazelle are still a regular sight and their 'v' shaped hoof prints (distinct
from the two parallel imprints left by a goat hoof) are easy to find in sandy
areas. Hares, which include a race unique to Oman, small rodents and even
wolves may still be found, although the latter are more likely to be seen
further south.
To access many of the areas where wildlife is more commonly encountered means
leaving your vehicle and continuing on foot. Blue-headed agamid lizards will
scurry from sun-drenched rocks at your approach and 'water snakes' (most
commonly, racers) will lie in wait in, or at the edge of, pools for
unsuspecting fish, other reptiles, Arabian toads and even rodents that dare to
venture to the water's edge to drink. Bats can be found in many of the
extensive cave systems and birds of prey such as Egyptian Vultures and, for the
lucky, Golden Eagles, circle above magnificent mountain panoramas. A trip to
see the remarkable juniper forests at the
Deserts
The deserts of Oman vary from the rolling sand seas of the Wahiba, with classic
photogenic dunes of rich gold, to the flat stony Jiddat al Harasis in central
Oman and the Rub al-Khali or 'Empty Quarter' further south, where individual
mountains of sand rise from a flat desert and stretch endlessly across the border
into Saudi Arabia. However, far from being empty, the desert is host to a
surprising amount of wildlife. Caracal lynx, sand foxes and wild sand cats,
with hair-covered feet that help provide grip in soft sand, are some of the
larger predators. Rheem gazelle, Arabia's largest gazelle, also seem to prefer
sandy regions. On rocky outcrops, such as the Huqf escarpment to the east of
the Jiddat al Harasis plains, live Nubian ibex. They are also found in more
mountainous areas in Oman. The males, in particular, are an impressive sight,
sporting magnificent horns with which they spar for females. The desert
provides habitat too for skinks, lizards and geckos and their more deadly
cousins, such as the saw-scales or carpet viper and the horned adder. A host of
small rodents survive the desert heat despite the high metabolic rates of small
mammals. A number of species of gerbils, jirds, jerboas, mice, shrews and rats
have all adapted to life under harsh conditions. Flocks of Coronetted,
Chestnut-bellied, Spotted and Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse can be regularly seen
at precise times, soaking their modified breast feathers in precious watering
holes and transporting the stored water to ground nests some distance away.
There are very few people, even those who have visited desert environments many
times, who are not continually surprised and enthralled by the activity and
profusion of wildlife.
White Oryx Project
In the flat stony desert of central Oman live the famous Arabian oryx. Once
hunted to extinction in the wild, the last herds were seen in this area in the
late 1970s. Fortunately a small collection of zoo animals existed in a number
of separate localities around the world from which suitably mixed herds could
be assembled. Now, reintroduced herds enjoy the protection of the
conservation-minded ways of the local Harasis tribes, members of which have
become their guardian rangers. Vegetation, nourished by sea blown mists,
supports the oryx numbering over 230 animals, many of which were born in the
wild. Some are even second generation wild animals. World-wide the Arabian or
White Oryx Project in Oman is heralded as one of the most successful animal
reintroduction schemes ever attempted and the entire area where the oryx now
roam has been designated a world heritage park.
Dhofar
Precambria basement sediments have formed the Dhofar mountains in the far south
of Oman. The mountains and narrow coastal belt benefit each year from
moisture-laden south-west monsoon winds or khareef. Rains from early July to
the end of August and heavy mists create lush green hillsides and cool
temperatures more reminiscent of a English spring than an Arabian summer.
Immediately behind the mountain range the desert heat continues to scorch the
earth. With obvious reason, this seasonal transition has created a haven for
many forms of wildlife and has made possible spectacular mountain drives and
hikes. The best time to visit is September, when mists have lifted to reveal
the luxuriant green landscape.
The capital of the southern region of Dhofar is Salalah, known throughout
Arabia as 'The Garden City'. It has the feel of a small East African coastal
town, relaxed, cool and humid and rife with banana, coconut, sugarcane and
papaya plantations. Beyond the plains of Salalah where frankincense trees grow,
rise the wooded hillsides of Jabal Qara. The vegetation that clads the southern
mountains is unique in Arabia. The dominant and endemic Anogeissus dhofarica
was only scientifically described in 1979 despite its abundance. Among the
vegetation are trees more commonly associated with Africa and Asia, such as the
enormous and bizarre baobab. There is a population of about 50 baobab trees
growing on the sloping valleys of Wadi Hinna, not far from Salalah. Perhaps
these are a relict population of a once wider distribution of the species or
perhaps they are a reminder of early traders from East Africa. The desert rose
is an attractive and distinctive plant which was used for medicinal purposes by
the Jibbali people of the Dhofar hills
Although there are no permanent watercourses in Dhofar, during the monsoon
great waterfalls tumble over limestone cliffs into the sea several hundred feet
below, and springs such as those at Ayn Razat and Ayn Jarsis bubble with
freshwater. Pools remain in many of the wadi beds long after water has ceased
to flow, and, some, such as Wadi Darbat, contain a constant supply of water for
resident and passing wildlife. Heading east from Salalah, monsoon clouds
quickly disperse as they spill over the mountain tops of the Jabal Samhan. Similarly,
Jabal al Qamar to the west only enjoys monsoon mists and rains during
exceptional years. However, even where the greenery ends, wildlife thrives.
Leopard, caracal, hyaena, wolf and ratel all find territories along with many
others. Hedgehogs and the nocturnal vegetarian porcupines leave evidence of
their presence with a handful of shed quills, and birds pass through in their
thousands.
Where wadis reach the sea, lagoons, or khors, form along the coast, acting as a
focal point for wildlife, especially birds. Reeds and reedmace typically line
the landward rims of the khors while the salt tolerant mangrove trees spread to
seaward in more saline conditions. Some of the more spectacular birds to
frequent Oman are to be found in khors. The stately flamingo filters food from
the shallow sediments, colourful ducks, storks, stilts, plovers, sandpipers,
egrets and herons wade nearby and the glossy ibis feeds on insects at the
water's edge. Some of the khors are set aside as reserve areas where visitors
are not allowed. However, the majority will remain open to the public provided
that due care and respect is paid to the wildlife and its fragile habitat.
To the north-east of Salalah, still in the southern province of Dhofar, is a
beautiful sand beach
The coast of Dhofar boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Sultanate.
At certain times of the year many of these beaches are criss-crossed by the
tracks of turtles that return seasonally to nest. The beaches below the
spectacular headlands and cliffs of Ra'as Hamar, just half an hour's drive west
of Salalah, is one spot where it is possible, in late summer months, to watch
both green and loggerhead turtles nesting simultaneously.
Turtle -Watching
There are, in fact, four species of turtle that nest in Oman, (the highly
endangered hawksbill and the rare-for the-region olive ridley, are the other
two), some in world record and globally significant numbers. The best location
for turtle-watching is about
Permits are provided by the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Environment
for camping in the Ra's al Hadd area, which has been designated a national
nature reserve. The campsite to which visitors are restricted is situated at
two of the prime nesting beaches. Turtle -watching tourists are guided by
locally employed turtle wardens from nearby villages, such as Ra's al Junays.
Rules and regulations are designed to prevent disturbance of the globally
endangered turtles, but still allow for good viewing. The sight of a full grown
female turtle emerging from the sea to lay her eggs as her ancestors have been
doing for the past 90 million years, is an exciting experience that is not
easily forgotten. Photography is encouraged only at dawn, using natural
lighting so as to avoid disturbance to both nesters and hatchlings. The best
months of the year to watch turtles are August and September. Nesting numbers
are high and the chance of seeing hatchlings is also very good. However, it is
unlikely that you will be disappointed at any time of the year.
Underwater Oman
There is a wealth of scenery, wildlife, pleasure and opportunity awaiting
divers in the Sultanate of Oman. There is also the constant promise of
discovery of new places, species and phenomena. Much of the rocky coast and
islands of the Sultanate with their many exciting underwater sites are easily
accessible to divers. The water is warm all year round and the underwater world
offers dramatic scenery, close contact with nature, and great opportunity for
exploratory diving. A lucky few have even dived with whales in Oman and
snorkelling with dolphins is a hobby of those who have taken time to get to
know these intelligent and lovable marine mammals. There remain many areas that
have never been dived before and knowing that you are the first human being to
view a particular site conveys a sense of excitement and anticipation. The
observant are rewarded with new species of fishes, corals, shells and almost
any other form of marinelife.
Eco-tourism in Oman
The government of Oman, particularly through the Ministry of Regional
Municipalities and Environment, has carried out many scientific studies and
surveys in order to set aside key regions of importance to wildlife as
protected areas. The Directorate General of Nature Protectorates is in the
process of planning legislation and effective natural reserve systems to ensure
the conservation of natural resources. Similarly, the Directorate General of
Tourism is, at the time of writing, reviewing policies and investigating the
possibility of eco-tourism in new areas. Visitors to Oman who wish to view the
natural wildlife and beauty of the country should be aware that some areas may
soon be placed under controlled access and it is sensible to seek the advice of
officials for up-to- date information.
We should all remember our responsibility to protect Oman's wildlife and its
range of valuable habitats. As a country new to the concept of eco-tourism,
both the environment and the culture of a distinct and deserving people require
time to adapt to the pressures that are inevitably forced upon them by the
tourism industry. Those people fortunate enough to explore the Sultanate today
will be the first to acknowledge the need to protect the fragile ecosystems and
the sensitive culture of a beautiful country for those who will explore and
enjoy it in the future.