The UAE beckons adventurers with its breathtaking contrasts, and inviting exploration of expansive deserts and majestic mountains. Here, desert foxes, Arabian oryx, and elusive sand boas thrive, showcasing the remarkable resilience of nature.

Capturing red velvet mites in the UAE desert, each measuring less than 1 cm, proved to be a challenging endeavour. Image Credit: Nimish Peter
Encountering wonder geckos, one of the largest and most vibrant gecko species in the UAE is a common experience during the summer months. These geckos exhibit striking colours, with hatchlings boasting bright yellow skin adorned with black bands. Image Credit: Nimish Peter
Taken during a previous herping, this image challenges viewers to spot the cerastes gasperettii. An unaware beetle unknowingly crosses paths with the hidden viper buried in the sand. Image Credit: Nimish Peter
The medium-sized Cheesman's gerbil, with silky long hair and sandy colour on its back, typically has a slightly darker middle line on the dorsum. The paler sides blend into the cream-to-white belly. The tail is furry, with the underside usually matching the body's underside. The pelage of Cheesman's gerbil is soft and dense. Image Credit: Nimish Peter
A diadem butterfly (Hypolimnas misippus), photographed during a recent trip to the Hajjar Mountains, stands out 700 meters above sea level. Image Credit: Nimish Peter
Eastern Sand Gecko (Stenodactylus leptocosymbotes). Image Credit: Nimish Peter
Sindh saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus sochureki). Image Credit: Nimish Peter
Eryx jayakari, commonly known as the Arabian sand boa or Jayakar’s sand boa, is a species of snake in the family Boidae. Image Credit: Nimish Peter
Orthochirus is a genus of scorpion in the family Buthidae, captured in a photo using UV light. Image Credit: Nimish Peter
Crowned leaf-nose snake (Lytorhynchus diadema). Image Credit: Nimish Peter
Horned vipers exhibit a range of sizes, with some individuals reaching up to 84 cm, although the average measurement is around 45-50 cm. Image Credit: Nimish Peter
A hedgehog was pictured during a herping expedition in the deserts of Dubai. Image Credit: Nimish Peter
The Oman carpet viper, scientifically known as Echis Omamensis, was photographed in Fujairah. Image Credit: Nimish Peter
Semaphore Gecko, one of the small geckos, found during the herping expedition in the deserts of Dubai. Image Credit: Nimish Peter
Nimish Peter

Nimish Peter, an IT professional based in Dubai, has a passion for exploring and capturing wildlife's beauty through photography.