Alhamdulillah: Arabian Caracal Spotted Again in Fujairah Mountains, Inspiring Hope for Its Future
Assalamu Alaikum dear brothers and sisters, great news from the beautiful mountains of Fujairah! The rare Arabian caracal, a species listed as critically endangered in the UAE, has been spotted once again in Wadi Wurayah National Park, a protected area cared for by the Fujairah Environment Authority.
Thanks to motion-sensor cameras, conservationists working in the region have documented this precious wildcat. This is the third time since 2019 that this elusive animal has been seen, with previous sightings near Jebel Hafeet and Wadi Shees. Each new glimpse helps us learn more about the caracal’s status and how to protect its fragile home.
The Arabian caracal is recognized for its striking black ear tufts and strong build. It is a top predator that plays an important role in keeping mountain ecosystems balanced by controlling prey populations. There are believed to be fewer than 250 mature Arabian caracals living free in the wild.
These cats are mostly active at night and prefer to live alone, which makes them even harder to spot. Historically, caracals were trained by people in the Gulf and India for hunting birds, showcasing their significance in our cultural heritage.
The cameras capture images using infrared light and trigger when there is movement, working day and night. Dr. Al Hassan Alhamoudi from the Fujairah Environment Authority reminds us that the rediscovery of the Arabian caracal highlights the park’s role as a safe home for rare and threatened species.
Dr. Andrew Gardner from Emirates Nature-WWF adds that protecting this wildcat is vital not only for keeping ecosystems healthy but also because it holds cultural value and could help promote eco-tourism in our region.
May Allah bless all efforts to preserve His creations and allow this majestic creature to thrive for generations to come.
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