QATARILITMONTH: Nature and Biodiversity in Qatar

Qatar is an 11,437-square-kilometer peninsula surrounded by the Arabian Gulf on three sides. Most of the land of Qatar is flatlands, with some rocky hills, salt flats and mudflats along the coast. Although Qatar has been classified as a hot, subtropical desert region and, with no rivers or lakes, relies on rain and groundwater for fresh water, it is still rich with many animal and plant species. The peninsula is home to around 1,900 animal species and 371 flowering plants, some quite rare.

The Arabian oryx is native to Qatar and is a symbol of the country’s traditional desert heritage. Qatar and its neighbors have launched numerous efforts to preserve the Arabian oryx from extinction.

The animal was the official mascot of the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, and many Qatari institutions, including Qatar Airways, use the oryx as part of their logos.

Qatar has beautiful seas with rich marine environments and biodiversity, including barchan dunes, seagrass beds, coral reefs and mangrove swamps. Native wildlife includes rare species such as the hawksbill turtle, leatherback turtle and Dugong. In March and April, the seas of Qatar are home to the world’s largest population of whale sharks, who mate in the area.

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Although Qatar is a small country, its 371 diverse plant species belong to 236 genera and 61 families (Qatar Biodiversity Inventory, 2003). However, the nature of the severe climatic conditions of high temperatures with insufficient rain means most of them have short lives. Also, there are only a few tree species, such as the mangrove, which occupy the swampy, muddy tidal shorelines in Messaid, Al Wakra and elsewhere. These mangroves have adapted to their ecosystem to grow into lush forests, one of the most productive marine environments. The best way to explore the mangroves in Qatar is by kayak, and several tour organizers and specialized companies plan sunrise and sunset tours.

Qatar is working hard to protect natural life as part of our Islamic values and not to neglect our responsibilities in preserving the earth’s resources. This has played a role in setting legislation, policies and national development to protect and develop biodiversity in Qatar.

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