Muscat: The mission, which spanned approximately 110 kilometers, aimed to enhance environmental awareness, document biodiversity, and assess ecological challenges in this unique habitat.

Beginning at Ras Jabal Samhan in the Wilayat of Mirbat, the team navigated treacherous terrain and long distances, culminating their journey at Wadi Anzur in the Fatkhait area of the Wilayat of Shaleem and the Al Hallaniyat Islands. Overcoming formidable geographical obstacles, the team utilized vehicles and mountain trekking to access remote areas, unveiling the reserve’s natural treasures.

Saeed bin Mohammed Al Shahri, an environmental systems specialist at Jabal Samhan and a team member, highlighted the mission’s milestones. “The exploratory mission began from the southern side of the reserve and reached Wadi Anzur, using vehicles and mountain walking to explore the area with its rough and difficult roads. The team was able to reach distinctive viewing points and observe a variety of migratory birds and local plants,” Al Shahri said.

He added that the team continued walking on the second day for a distance of 15 kilometers in Wadi Anzur, passing through Wadi Fadhid, documenting the terrain and diverse features of the valley. Starting with the flow of the valleys and the unique plant diversity, such as frankincense, jujube, palm trees and many other local plants, in addition to observing traces of the Arabian leopard, Nubian ibex and gazelles, as well as Egyptian vultures, steppe eagles and water ducks, indicating that the team took documentary notes on wildlife and rare plants. Here, they also recorded biodiversity near water ponds and springs before concluding in Fatkhait.

Established in 1997, the Jabal Samhan Nature Reserve spans 4,500 square kilometers and boasts 17 species of wild mammals, including the Arabian leopard, Arabian wolf, and gazelle.