Wildlife sanctuary coming up in Fujairah

A decree to this effect is expected to be issued in a few days by Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi.

The decision is a sequel to the report submitted to Shaikh Hamad after an indepth study was carried out by Fujairah Municipality in the region.

Located 15km in the mountainous areas of Al Bidayya village, Al Weraiaa is a beautiful landmark that is home to a host of antiquities and rare wildlife.

The scenic waterfalls that add beauty to the rough wilderness of the place attract many visitors and tourists from neigbouring countries as well as from other parts of the world. Tourists often throng the place to enjoy the flow of water cascading from the mountains, making the place an ideal spot for camping.

Al Weraiaa has been designated a protected area because it is vulnerable to exploitation, including excessive waste of natural water resources, over-grazing and deforestation, besides littering and vandalism, said Director-General of Fujairah Municipality Rashid Hamad Abdullah. Quarrying and construction projects also contribute to degeneration of the region, he added.

Protection of the area is strongly needed as 63 ancient villages, human settlements and two graveyards as well as an archeological site with carvings on rocks were unearthed, Abdullah said. The proposed 112sqkm area extends from Fujairah up to the border with the emirate of Sharjah, he specified. The area receives 218.7mm of rainfall each year. Among other water resources are waterfalls and streams running through gorges and valleys, he noted. A research study was conducted on the wildlife and habitat in the area focusing on birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects. During the survey, many unknown and uncommon plant species, including the orchid, were discovered. Besides, 10 wild animals and 63 species of birds were recorded.