Sharjah’s Conservation Centre welcomes first Arabian Tahr birth

The Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah (EPAA) has welcomed the first birth of an Arabian Tahr at the Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre, marking a significant milestone since the inauguration of the Centre’s expansion in early March by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah.

This milestone signifies the initial success of the

Arabian Tahr conservation project within the Centre’s recent expansion efforts. The EPAA aims to protect rare, endangered animals, including the Arabian Tahr, and has successfully reintroduced this species to the Hajar mountains.

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the EPAA, commended the team’s efforts at the Centre for mountain environment conservation in Sharjah’s eastern region.

These efforts are part of Sharjah’s strategy to bolster its role in biodiversity conservation locally, regionally, and internationally, while supporting environmental strategies for wildlife protection and the promotion of endangered species’ reproduction. By creating an ideal natural breeding environment, the Centre serves as a sanctuary for over 30 types of mountain wildlife.

The Arabian Tahr, a diurnal animal that forms small groups, has a lifespan of 8 to 16 years and weighs between 15 to 40 kg. It primarily resides on rugged mountain slopes close to permanent water sources. Their diet consists of water, grass, small shrubs, leaves, and wild fruits.