Qatar's deserts are subject to one of the
harshest climates on Earth. For centuries, these deserts
have tested humankind, with barely anyone being able to live
in them for any extended period of time. The animals that
inhabit these lands continuously beat humans in their
ability to adapt. This article highlights five extraordinary
animals that call the rocks and dunes of Qatar home.
Sand Snake
Growing to just over 1.5 meters long (almost two yards), the
sand snake is one of the longer serpents of Qatar. This
snake moves effortlessly through sand dunes to seek its
prey, which consists of small mammals and lizards. The sand
snake is venomous, but will not strike unless it is scared
or startled. The sand snake is brown, and accented by black
and white streaks.
Fork-Tongue Desert Monitor Lizard
This lizard, found throughout the Arabian Peninsula, should
be given its space. Growing up to a metre long (just under a
yard), the fork-tongue desert monitor lizard is known for
its aggressiveness and devastating bite. This prehistoric
reptile belongs to a phylogenetic tree that traces its roots
to the dinosaurs of the Cretaceous Period (over 65 million
years ago).
Ethiopian Hedgehog
Contrary to its name, the Ethiopian hedgehog can be found
hiding in rocky crevasses around Qatar. Despite its small,
cuddly appearance, this rodent is anything but. With an
armor of spikes complimenting its dauntless attitude, the
Ethiopian hedgehog will fight even the most fearsome snakes
that enter its domain, and then eat them for dinner -
literally. (Being terrified of snakes, I think I could learn
a thing or two about courage from the Ethiopian hedgehog.)
Arabian Gazelle aka Reem Gazelle
The Qatari Government is currently in the process of
reintroducing the Arabian gazelle, which is near extinction,
to its desert domain. The animal stands just over a metre
tall (close to a yard) and can be identified by its thin
frame, complimented by a pair of long, curved horns
protruding from its forehead. The Arabian Gazelle was a
favourite game animal of the 19th century.
Arabian Oryx
The Arabian oryx is the national symbol of Qatar. It is a
large, mostly white animal with long, pointed horns. The
oryx quenches its thirst by consuming the leaves of desert
plants. However, the animal can survive for weeks without a
drop of water. Even though the animal was classified as
Extinct In Nature in 1972, a careful reintroduction program
spearheaded by the Qatari Government (and similar
reintroduction efforts in Saudi Arabia) has brought this
ghost-like animal back to life in the Arabian Peninsula, and
it is now noted on the International Union for Conservation
of Nature (IUCN)'s List of Threatened Species as vulnerable.
For more on wildlife in the Arabian Peninsula, see:
