Experts plan to bring back almost extinct species

Al Ain: The scimitar-horned oryx could roam the deserts of the UAE once again if genetic experts and zoologists find a way of breeding them healthily for release back into the wild.

Having once existed from Morocco and Tunisia to Egypt and Sudan, the Scimitar-horned Oryx is now believed to be extinct in the wild. In just a matter of decades known populations have dwindled and are now believed to be totally extinct in the wild.

Conservation experts from Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort from more than 15 of the world's leading conservation organisations are meeting to develop a conservation strategy to revive the population.

The Smithsonian Institution, Zoological Society of San Diego, Zoological Society of London and the World Conservation Union are participating in the four-day summit currently taking place at the Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort Headquarters in Al Ain (AWPR), which is home to a herd of 200 Scimitar-horned oryx.

Rescue

"The successful conservation of the Arabian oryx in the UAE provides a model for rescuing the Scimitar-horned oryx. Following the principles established in the Abu Dhabi 2030 Framework Plan. Working in partnership we aim to become a leader in arid land conservation and education," said Dr Frederic Launay, Chief Executive Officer of AWPR.

The conservation summit is focusing on developing an action plan that will also solve concerns of population viability. More importantly, experts need to establish a secure and genetically viable captive population that will provide animals for reintroduction. AWPR's large herd of Scimitar-horned oryx will be part of the re-introductions of the species.

"The future of this species is dependent upon international cooperation with breeding institutions such as those here in Abu Dhabi, working with scientists all over the world and most importantly, working with the range nations in North Africa where the herds will be re-established," said Dr. Mike Maunder, Chief Collection, Conservation and Education Officer at AWPR.

Five captive bred pairs of oryx were reintroduced to Tunisia in 1989. When the populations has bred successfully over several generations this species will no longer be considered extinct in the wild.

Occasional sightings of animals have been recorded in Chad and Niger but reports have not been confirmed. Both sexes have long sickle shaped horns which curve up and over the back and can grow to a length of 1.2 metres.

These animals have been hunted for meat and as sporting trophies.

They have had to compete with livestock for food and their habitat has been fragmented due to agricultural development. All these factors have all contributed to their decline.