Arabian Oryx Sanctuary
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| Arabian Oryx Sanctuary* | |
|---|---|
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
| State Party |  Oman |
| Type | Natural |
| Criteria | x |
| Reference | 654 |
| Region** | Arab States |
| Inscription history | |
| Inscription | 1994 (delisted 2007) (18th (delisted 31st) Session) |
| * Name as inscribed on World Heritage List. ** Region as classified by UNESCO. |
|
| Arabian Oryx Sanctuary | |
|---|---|
| Location | Oman |
| Coordinates | |
| Area | 27,500 km² |
| Established | 1994 (to World Heritage List) (the site is not legally protected) |
The Arabian Oryx Sanctuary is an animal sanctuary in the Omani Central Desert and Coastal Hills. Within its boundaries are found rare fauna, including a free-ranging herd of Arabian oryx, the first since the species' extinction in the wild in 1972, and subsequent reintroduction in 1982 at this site.
The endangered Houbara Bustard, a species of wader, breeds in the wild only at sites in the sanctuary. Other species found here include the largest wild population of the endangered Arabian gazelle, as well as Nubian ibex, Arabian wolves, honey badgers, and caracals.
On June 28, 2007, the reserve became historic as the first ever to be delisted and removed from the World Heritage register. UNESCO cited Oman's decision to reduce the site by 90% and the reduction of the population of Arabian oryx from 450 in 1996 to 65 as reasons. Only four mating pairs remain.
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