Sharjah EPAA stands as beacon of wildlife conservation in region
One of the most important animal sanctuaries in the GCC, Middle East
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 23: The Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority is striving to protect endangered animals, including the Arabian Leopard and Arabian Cobra by providing a habitat for the rare species of animals. The authority has set up one of the most important animal sanctuaries in the GCC and Middle East, a region affected by wars and natural disasters that threaten the environment and wildlife.
The importance of conservation is made explicit with the patronage and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who has provided all the necessary support, including the facilities, equipment, experts and budget for the natural reserves and protected areas in Sharjah. The invaluable support will enable the EPAA to conserve the environment and wildlife in the Emirate.
HE Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah, stated that the accomplishments made by the authority are attributed to the directives His Highness
A photo from the event
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi who follows up with their work in detail. His Highness has issued decisions to prevent manmade environmental degradation and to provide adequate care for the endangered and war-affected animals. This includes providing a breeding habitat for any vulnerable species.
Currently, the eight reserves, protected areas and their seven sanctuaries are home to over 25,000 animals representing more than 250 various species of vertebrates, carnivores, reptiles and birds. The number is growing, thanks to the veterinary care by specialists for each species of animal, in accordance with international standards.
Furthermore, the EPAA plays a key role in raising community awareness of the need to take care of the environment and wildlife and maintaining a safe and animalfriendly environment. To this end, the authority implemented the directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah with regards to taking certain measures to prevent or minimise environmental harm.
Recently, the EPAA has completed the first phase of the Breeding Centre for the Predatory and Dangerous Animals, the first of its kind in the GCC countries that extends over an area of 27,000 square metres in Desert Park in Sharjah. Animals in the centre vary from mixed wildlife and predators to reptiles. Many kinds of cages that meet international design standards have been provided for the centre, as it contains dangerous animals such as lions, tigers and snakes.
The EPAA holds the ethical responsibility for the welfare of all species of birds. The authority provides much-needed training for critically endangered birds, especially those in war-torn countries, on how to use safe migration routes, stopover points and how to avoid war-torn areas. These birds are released by the EPAA with a lead bird flying in a flock together to Europe, Africa and Asia through the UAE and to other Eastern countries. This will be repeated many times until the birds are trained on how to use safe migration routes.
Breeding the Arabian Cobra, a species of cobra found in the Arabian Peninsula, is one of EPAA’s tasks. This species was acquired from Taif Centre in the KSA for the purpose of breeding, as it is crucial to the food pyramid. The Arabian Leopard is another endangered species of which the EPAA is in charge. This species is generally found in the Arabian Peninsula (Oman, UAE, KSA and Yemen) and is at risk due to wars and trafficking.