A vast diversity can be observed in Qatar when it comes to wildlife. Being a desert land sitting by the Gulf, Qatar houses every specie from the aquatic to terrestrial, the reptiles, nocturnal and migratory lives. Focusing over the conservation of Qatar’s wildlife, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment has started projects lie wildlife tours and photography tours to lure the wildlife lovers in bringing out the aesthetical values of these creatures. Today Qatar is a habitat for about 21 species of Mammals, 215 birdlife including the migratory birds, some of the rare species of reptiles and a density of 165 species of fishes.
The Flora And Fauna In Qatar
An abundance of wilderness can be discovered in Qatar and about 23 per cent of its land it just for the conservation of these species. Taking about the wildlife preserved here, one can spot the endangered family of reptiles, the native flora and migratory birds resting along the silent coastlines.
There are more than 300 families of Qatar plant that are surviving in this deserted region. Due to its arid climatic condition, the vegetation here is scattered but, the peninsular species can be found that have adapted to the hot weather and weathered condition of the land.
Acacia tortilis, Tetraena qatarense, Ziziphus nummularia, Lycium shawii, vachellia tortilis and Cymbopogon parkeri are some flora that has adapted to the variant condition in Qatar.
Coming to the fauna, a majority of animals in Qatar, are adapted to its geographic condition. With no dense population of animals, Qatar is a niche for its permanent wilds that can survive in its extreme high temperate and sparse vegetation. The Arabian Oryx is the national animal known for its beautiful straight horns. Similarly, the Desert Hedgehog, Pharaoh Eagle Owl, Arabian Horned Viper and falcons are inhabiting the deserts of Qatar.
Best Places In Qatar For A Wildlife Excursion
It is the rare vulnerable and distinct wildlife of Qatar that makes it best for exploration. While the numbers of animals may be less compared to the safari region of the African continent, Qatar has its unique wilderness that deserves to be highlighted. Not only the wildlife, but there are also some conservatoires and park that exhibits the natural habitat of Qatar favoring the condition for the survival of these fascinating wilds.
Al Thakira Mangroves
The Al Thakira Mangroves is a rare sight to discover greenery amidst the deserts of Qatar. With its distinct ecosystem, the mangrove vegetation and the water stream, this region is known for the migratory birds like herons and flamingos arriving here during the season. Apart from a wildlife tour in Qatar, this is the attraction famous for kayaking while discovering the mangrove plantations along the stream.
The mangroves of Al Thakira are characterized by white or grey leaves and pencil roots that are adapted to survive in high salinity of the water. The species found here is Avicennia Marina that is native to the region and different from the specie found near the lagoons.
- Famous for- Mangroves and migratory birds like Flamingos and Herons
- How to reach- The Al Thakira Mangroves are just 8 km from Al Khor and is just a short drive away.
Suggested Read: Katara Cultural Village- A handy guide for your day at Katara Cultural village
Al Dosari Zoo Game Reserve
One of the famous Zoo in Qatar, the Al Dosari Zoo is privately owned by the family of Dosari where some of the exotic Qatar animals are kept. This is a educational centre where you can learn about different species, their behavior and habitat along with the local culture.
The Al Dosaro zoo or Al Shaniyah Park is home to the natives like Qatar national animal- Arabian oryxes, Arabian wolves and barbari sheep. And other wilds like deer, ostrich, camels and emus along with the big cats like cheetahs, tigers and lion can be spotted here. All the animals here are well kept in habitat resembling their natural surrounding and are takes care of. The park is open for all every day till 7 pm with an entry fee of QAR 10.
- Famous for- Arabian oryxes, ostrich, Arabian wolves, emus, big cats etc.
- How to reach- The Al Dosari zoo is just 44 km from Doha and can be accessed via a 40 min drive
Irkaya Farm
A paradise for bird watchers, Irkaya Farm is a home for many insects and offer a panoramic view. Now if you are a photographer, this is an attraction in Qatar that can never be missed. With its untouched beauty and the rare sight of reptiles and birds, the Irkaya Farm is one of the most beautiful and offbeat attraction to discover.
There are fields, rocks made of limestones, sandy plain region and scattered vegetation that can be observed in the entire area. The farms house an abundance of spiders and you surely can spot every distinct species and uniquely designed spider webs. Now, one has to be very careful as the farm is also dominated by one of the dangerous animals in Qatar, the snakes.
- Famous for- migratory birds, snakes and spiders
- How to reach- Irkaya farm is located towards the west of Doha at a distance of 50 km that will take an hour of drive.
Al Reem Reserve
The only biosphere reserve of the country, Al Reem Reserve provides a natural habitat and suited ecosystem to the peninsular wilds of Qatar. The game reserve proffers an excellent location for wildlife tour in Qatar where wilds like Gazelles and Oryx can be spotted along with other native species of Qatar. It is the arid climatic condition that makes the Al Reem reserve suitable for the survival of these animals in their natural habitat. This game reserve is not just a conservatory but even a breeding ground for these vulnerable wilds to check on their population.
Talking about the topography the region experiences low-lying sabkha plains, the limestone hills, gravel plain and a handful of Date palms plantation.
- Famous for- Gazelles and Oryx
- How to reach- The Al Reem Reserve is located at a distance of 65 km from Doha that will take an hour of drive.
Suggested read: Top Festivals You Can't Afford To Miss In Qatar
Al Khor Family Park And Zoo
Al Khor Family park and zoo is not just about animals but one of the best attractions for a family day in Qatar. Apart from housing more than 315 wilds in its premises, the park has set up activity grounds, cafes and fountains for the visitors. Some wilds here are kept in barns so that the visitors can observe them closely and interact with the wilds without any danger.
There are species of birds, wild cats, zebras, monkeys and other 300 wild animals and birds that can be seen here during wildlife tour in Doha. To make it a popular family spot there are restaurants, library and gaming area like skating area and basketball court at Al Khor park and zoo.
- Famous for- All native and migratory species of wilds
- How to reach- the Al Khor park is located at a short distance of 10 mins of drive from Al Khor.
Wildlife in Qatar might not be known well but is too fascinating to discover ones in your Qatar holiday tours. You can find more zoo’s and park in the country that welcomes visitors to get close to nature. Preserved in their habitat these wilds add more to the natural diversity of Qatar. For your next vacation, plan an excursion to these amazing nature reserves, discovering the wildlife in Qatar.
FAQ’s
Qatar houses six species of Falcons that you can see in any Doha zoo or game park. The wilds life Arabian oryx and other native animals might be hard to spot.
The Al Khor family park and the zoo is best for families where there are gaming centres and facilities like restaurants for visitors.
There are many places near Doha that are not just beautiful but houses some of the rare wilds of Qatar. Visit Irkaya Farm or Al Tharika Mangroves for wildlife photography.
You have to pay QAR 15 for adults and QAR 10 for kids of 10 years and below.
The Al Khor zoo and park, Al Dosari zoo and Irkaya farm are the best wildlife centre near Doha.
