Re-introduction of Arabian Oryx into the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai, UAE

Summary

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) re-introduced Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) in two phases, first into the 27 square kilometre Al Maha Reserve from 1999, then across the full 225 square kilometre DDCR from 2003. In February 1999, 38 oryx from a private royal collection were released from a pre-release boma, followed by 79 more from the USA released directly in November 1999, supported by five rotating supplementary feed stations to encourage natural herd sizes of about 20 and prevent localized overgrazing. By 2003 the herd had grown to 194 and vegetation surveys showed increased plant diversity and abundance following the removal of domestic grazing. The reserve also cut unregulated tour operators from 17 to four, restricting dune driving to approved routes. Translocations into the wider DDCR in late 2003 and March 2004 had mixed results, with one herd returning to the original reserve, but by moving a feed station into the DDCR in 2005 the two areas became permeable, allowing free ranging herds to form naturally. By May 2008 approximately 270 oryx occupied the DDCR, roughly 50 of them independent of supplementary feed, monitored by observation and GPS collars. Over 200,000 people visited the reserve in 2007. The project rated itself Successful, citing self-sustaining breeding herds, measurable biodiversity gains, and sustainable tourism, while noting unknown founder genetics and the ongoing need for supplementary support in a still-recovering environment.