Are you curious about the fascinating wildlife found in Dubai? From the iconic Arabian oryx to the elusive sand cat, Dubai is home to a diverse variety of animals adapted to its desert environment.
However, many of these species face challenges due to habitat loss and human activity. Understanding these animals’ unique adaptations and conservation status can help us appreciate and protect Dubai’s wildlife.
In this article, we will explore some of the most interesting animals in Dubai, their conservation status, and where you can spot them in the wild.
Places to Find Interesting Animals in Dubai
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
There are several species of mammals and reptiles seen in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) is known to be the first National Park of the UAE. This reserve for wildlife in Dubai is home to the Arabian Oryx, which is a rare species and one of the most special species of the reserve.
The desert reserve is also home to a variety of bird species and also rare species of insects. There are tour operators who are responsible for organizing camps, safaris, and other activities in the reserve.
Dubai Safari Park
Dubai Safari Park, which is home to nearly 3,000 animals has become a popular attraction in Dubai for locals and tourists alike. The zoo is divided into various zones named as ‘Villages’, and these are classified based on the regions around the world.
Dubai Safari Park boasts a diverse collection of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and more. Visitors can encounter everything from lions, elephants, and giraffes to crocodiles, flamingos, and various primate species.
Ras Al Khor
The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary in Dubai is a popular place to see flamingos. Located at a little distance from Dubai.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a home to many different and rare species of birds, due to its greenery. This place consists of lagoons, salt flats, mangroves, intertidal mudflats and other Dubai wildlife. This sanctuary is visitors’ attraction as well as the habitats for the birds.
This place for wildlife in Dubai is a paradise for people who love bird watching. Being a wetland reserve, Ras Al-Khor attracts many migratory birds, the Flamingos being the most common visitor of its marshland, which have almost become a mascot for the Wildlife protection program.
9 Interesting Animals in Dubai with Facts
Many large terrestrial mammals are thriving on the land of the United Arab Emirates. Such as the Arabian tahr, the Arabian oryx, the sand gazelle, and many more.
Arabian Sand Gazelle
Name: Arabian sand Gazelle
Scientific name : Gazella marica
Conservation status : Vulnerable
The Arabian sand gazelle is a species of gazelle native to the Arabian and Syrian Deserts but more generally to the Middle East. It is listed as vulnerable to extinction on the IUCN red list and can only be found in small, scattered populations across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Oman.
Places to spot these interesting animals in Dubai are hard as they inhabit a few particular areas of the UAE.
Arabian Wolf
Name: Arabian Wolf
Scientific name: Canis lupus arabs
Conservation status: Data deficient
The Arabian wolf is a subspecies of the gray wolf native to the Arabian Peninsula and the neighboring areas of Jordan and the Negev Desert . It is the smallest of all wolves and is particularly well adapted to its desert environment.
This wolf lives in small groups, feeds on small to medium-sized prey, and omnivorous. They are opportunistic predators with a varied diet, including small mammals like rodents, hares, and even small ungulates. Occasionally, they may scavenge carrion or feed on fruits and vegetation
Arabian wolves were once found throughout the Arabian Peninsula. They made their homes in the mountains, the deserts, and the coastal plains. The excessive hunting over the last years has led to the relative extinction of Arabian wolves in the Arabian Peninsula.
Interesting Fact: The Arabian Wolves don’t howl.
Mountain Gazelle
Scientific name: Gazella gazella
Conservation status: Endangered
The mountain gazelle is also known as the Israel mountain gazelle. It is one of the most interesting animals in dubai wildlife.
Their coat is short and dense, with a coloration that varies according to the region they inhabit. Typically, the coat ranges from pale tan to reddish-brown on the upper body, with a white underbelly. They often have a distinctive white rump patch.
The mountain gazelle is well-suited to a range of habitats, including open woodlands, semi-arid plains, and rocky hillsides. They are particularly adapted to mountainous terrains, which is where their name originates
Lappet-faced Vulture
scientific name : Torgos tracheliotos
Conservation status : Endangered
The lappet-faced vulture, also known as the Nubian vulture, is a large species of Old World vulture native to sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is the only vulture found in the United Arab Emirates, and one of the very few raptor species.
This vulture inhabits the dry savannas, arid plains, and deserts of the United Arab Emirates. Similarly to other vultures, it is a scavenger and finds animal carcasses by soaring over open areas.
Arabian Oryx
Name: Arabian Oryx
Scientific name: Oryx leucoryx
Conservation status : Vulnerable
The Arabian oryx, also known as the white oryx, is by far the most important animal in the United Arab Emirates. It is the national emblem of the country and is well-known for being the first animal to revert back from the brink of extinction.
Arabian Oryx antelope is the smallest member of its genus and the national animal of the United Arab Emirates. Reintroduction, and protection of the natural habitats also helped in increasing the population of the Arabian Oryx, and avoiding their extinction.
Desert Eagle Owl
Desert Eagle Owls usually live in desert regions, but can also be found in woody and rocky areas. The Desert Eagle Owl is a large owl, with adults measuring around 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 inches) in length, and having a wingspan of approximately 110 to 140 cm (43 to 55 inches).
It is one of the most interesting animals in Dubai, and have distinctive ear tufts or “horns” on its head, which are actually clusters of feathers that give it an owl-like appearance
Spiny Tailed Lizard
Spiny Tailed Lizards usually live in colonies, with each lizard occupying a separate burrow. These lizards are one of the interesting animals in dubai, and are categorized as endangered animals on the IUCN red list if endangered animals.
Their hunting is banned in the UAE and are primarily herbivorous. But these reptiles can feed on insects and small animals occasionally. This lizard species is blessed with tremendous survival instincts and can live for months on very little vegetation.
Interesting fact: Spiny Tailed Lizards change body color depending on the time of the day. In the morning, they flaunt dark grey color to absorb more sun rays to heat up the body. During the daytime, skin color changes to light beige to reflect the sunray to avoid overheating.
Arabian Red Fox
Arabian Red Fox is native to Arabia and well adapted to the desert life. These foxes are one of the most interesting animals in dubai.
Arabian red foxes are skilled diggers and create underground burrows for shelter. These burrows provide protection from extreme temperatures and predators. They use vocalizations, body language, and scent marking to communicate with each other. These behaviors are important for establishing territories and maintaining social bonds.
Sand Cats
Deserts of the UAE are the home to one of the most elusive little feline species, Sand Cats. If you are a cat-lover, these furry little creatures are going to melt your heart with their beautiful coat and cute facial features.
The Arabian Sand Cat looks more or less like a common house cat with almost the same body size. Arabian sand cats are skilled nocturnal predators.
It is one of the most interesting animals in Dubai, and its natural habitats include rocky or desert environments. Sand cats are adapted to a life without much water and manage to get the fluids they need from the prey they eat.
Interesting fact Sand Cats can regulate their body moisture to prevent the urge to drink water or feed on prey for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wild animals are in Dubai?
Dubai is home to a variety of wildlife, including Arabian leopards, sand cats, Arabian wolves, spiny-tailed lizards, Arabian oryx, Arabian sand gazelles, dromedary camels, flamingos, desert eagle owls, and falcons.
What is the famous animal in Dubai?
The Arabian oryx is the famous animal of Dubai.
What is the rarest animal in Dubai?
The Arabian Sand Cat is considered one of the rarest animals in Dubai. This elusive and nocturnal feline is well-adapted to the desert environment, with its sandy-colored fur and large ears that help regulate body temperature. The Arabian Sand Cat is a highly elusive species, making it challenging to spot in the wild.
What is Dubai’s national animal?
Dubai’s national animal is the Arabian Oryx. The Arabian Oryx is a large antelope native to the Arabian Peninsula, and was once nearly extinct in the wild before conservation efforts helped reestablish populations. The Arabian Oryx is a symbol of the UAE’s natural heritage and is featured on the UAE’s coat of arms.
How Does the One-Humped Camel Survive Without Drinking?
Dromedary camels, or one-humped camels, are well-adapted to the desert and can survive up to two weeks without drinking water. Obtain moisture from their diet and conserving water through their metabolism.
What is the national bird of UAE?
The national bird of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the Falcon. The Peregrine Falcon, to be specific, is a symbol of the UAE’s strength, speed, and agility, reflecting the country’s values and aspirations.
How many species of birds are found in Dubai?
Falcons, Ostriches, Grebes, Tropicbirds, Petrels, and many more species of birds are found in Dubai. The Falcon is the national bird of UAE. It’s the symbol of force and courage.
Hi, I’m Olivia Kepner and I am a zookeeper here in San Diego. Since I was a young girl I have always been fascinated by animals and species across the globe.
I used to beg my parents to take me to our local zoo every single weekend. Well, I say local – it was more like a two hour drive away. But they took me as much as they could, allowing me to fall in love with the animals again and again.
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