Located in Oman’s Central Desert and Coastal Hills, the sanctuary was established in 1994 to protect the Arabian oryx, a species that had been driven to extinction in the wild by the 1970s. In 1982, Sultan Qaboos bin Said initiated “Operation Oryx,” reintroducing captive-bred oryx into their native habitat. By 1996, the population had grown to 450 individuals.
UNESCO World Heritage Status & Delisting
In 1994, the sanctuary was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its significant role in species recovery and its unique desert ecosystem. However, in 2007, it became the first site to be removed from the list. This decision followed Oman’s reduction of the sanctuary’s size by 90% after oil reserves were discovered, leading to habitat degradation and a sharp decline in the oryx population to just 65 individuals, with fewer than four breeding pairs remaining.
Biodiversity and Habitat
Beyond the oryx, the sanctuary was home to other endangered species, including the Arabian gazelle, Nubian ibex, Arabian wolf, honey badger, and caracal. Its diverse flora and fauna were supported by seasonal fogs and dews, creating a unique desert ecosystem.
Reintroduction Efforts
The sanctuary played a crucial role in the reintroduction of the Arabian oryx to the wild. Efforts have continued in other regions, with populations now established in Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates. As of 2016, the global wild population was estimated at over 1,200 individuals, with an additional 6,000–7,000 in captivity.