Biology of the Central Desert of Oman

Authors: SHAHINA A. GHAZANFAR

Abstract: A biological survey of the central desert of Oman was done using long distance transects. Vegetation was sparse and consisted of 200+ plant species, 22 species of mammals, 17 species of reptiles and amphibians, and more than 50 species of birds (migratory and resident). Three main vegetation types were identified based on ground substrate and the dominance of species. These were communities with Acacia Willd., Zygophyllum L., and open woodlands of Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce. Over-grazing and development in the central desert has led to concerns over the conservation of the desert ecosystem in Oman.

Keywords: ARABIA OMAN, plant communities, life-forms, conservation

Full Text: PDF