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Several species are currently endangered or extinct in the wild as a result of a number of reasons; intense hunting pressure with modern techniques, Collection and consumption of sea turtle eggs, several land-use issues such as encroachment by villas, sewage effluent, rubbish disposal and land reclamation are just a few. In some locations pollution from the oil and gas industry is having negative impact on species diversity. Other pollutants include sewage and garbage that is causing the loss of physical habitat. Pollutants in the environment can impact components of biodiversity potentially causing increased mortality or diminished reproductive success. The marine environment in Qatar is historically important and constitutes a cultural symbol and a natural source of food, water and wealth for the people of Qatar. Qatar is surrounded by sea water on three sides extending for a distance of 700 km. Qatar's territorial waters encompass some 35,000 square km surrounding the peninsula. Coastal waters are extremely shallow, averaging 30 m along the northern and eastern coastlines, and only 20 m along the western coastline. About 955 marine species have been noted in Qatar. Marine life has had to adapt to the relatively harsh conditions of the Gulf with high average temperatures and high salinity. In addition, the Arabian Gulf is considered an environmentally sensitive area due to its relatively small volume and limited exchange of water. The 22 Species at risk in Qatar are mostly marine species. A systematic determination of risk using national criteria for Qatar would likely identify a greater number of species at risk. Terrestrial Species at Risk in QatarEndangered | Arabian Oryx | Oryx leucoryx | Vulnerable | Greater Spotted Eagle | Aquila clanga | | Lesser Kestrel | Falco naumanni | | Corn Crake | Crex crex | | Sociable Lapwing | Vanellus gregarius | | Socotra Cormorant | Phalacrocorax nigrogularis | Lower Risk - near threatened | Great Snipe | Gallinago media | | Ferruginous Duck | Aythya nyroca | | Pale Harrier | Circus macrourus | | Cinereous Bunting | Emberiza cineracea | | Houbara Bustard | Chlamydotis undulata | Data Deficient | Black-winged Pratincole | Glareola nordmanni |
Marine Species at Risk in Qatar| Critically Endangered | Hawksbill Turtle | Eretmochelys imbricata | | Leatherback Turtle | Dermochelys coriacea | | Endangered | Green Turtle | Chelonia mydas | | Loggerhead Turtle | Caretta caretta | | Olive Ridley Turtle | Lepidochelys olivacea | Vulnerable | Dugong | Dugong dugong | | Blacktip Shark | Carcharhinus limbatus | | Brown Shark | Carcharhinus plumbeus | Data Deficient | Black Finless Porpoise | Neophocaena phocaenoides | | Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin | Sousa chinensis |
The flora and fauna of Qatar are unique and well adapted to the hot and arid environment. Qatar was the first country in the Arab region to breed the Arabian oryx in captivity. What started as a private hobby by one person was adopted by the State. Captive breeding is now a large and well run activity operating out of wildlife parks such as Shahaniya Wildlife Park and Ras Osheirij and Al Mas-habiyya. The Supreme Council for the Environment and Natural Reserves (SCENR) was set up in 2000 with an aim to protect and conserve wildlife and their natural habitats. The council prohibits trading in or dealing with all elements of the endangered wildlife, either dead or alive. Hunting of wild birds and animals is also strictly prohibited within the boundaries of natural sanctuaries, islands, cities and villages. In order to preserve the resources of wildlife, on May 1, 2002 the council enforced the wildlife hunting law, which organizes wildlife hunting and designates the times and places where hunting is prohibited, as well as the techniques of hunting and the penalties for violations. Reintroductions
Reintroductions are one of the pillars of the SCENR's protected areas policy whereby captive bred animals, particularly Arabian oryx and Reem gazelle, are distributed to landowners who will take care of them under the guidance of the SCENR. A number of reintroductions have taken place on publicly owned land where the release of wildlife needs to be coupled with extensive public information and surveillance to control any illegal hunting that may occur. Actual sale of some of the gazelle to Qatari citizens has already proved to be an effective method of controlling their numbers in captivity as well as sharing out the responsibility of caring for wildlife with the people of Qatar. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) promotes the conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of natural resources and equitable sharing of the benefits of biodiversity in the State of Qatar. (Courtesy: National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and SCENR)
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