Shaumari Wildlife Reserve

Shaumari was established in 1975 to breed the Arabian oryx, which had been shot out of the wild entirely, using animals from zoo collections, and the herd raised here supplied reintroductions across the peninsula. The reserve also holds onager and ostrich, both reintroduced after local extinction. It is fenced desert steppe rather than open country, and viewing is from a vehicle on a set circuit with a guide.

Background

The reserve is approximately 100 km east of Amman, close to the town of Azraq. It was set up as the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature's breeding centre for wildlife that was endangered or had died out locally, and it is considered regionally important. The protected area covers 22 square kilometres. Its animals include Arabian oryx, Somali ostriches, gazelles and Persian onagers, a wild ass of Asia that comes from Iran. These are among the most threatened animal species of the Middle East.

Source: Wikipedia, "Shaumari Wildlife Reserve"

What you'll find

• The Arabian oryx - the herd descended from the animals used to save the species.
• The onager - the wild ass reintroduced after local extinction.
• The ostrich - the North African birds brought back to the reserve.
• The desert steppe - the fenced habitat the animals are kept in.

When to go

March to May and October to November are the comfortable months. Summer heat is severe. Early morning and late afternoon are best for animals.

What to expect

The reserve is fenced and this is managed breeding, not wild country. Viewing is on a fixed vehicle circuit only. Summer heat is severe with limited shade.

Nearby

Azraq Wetland Reserve is nearby, and Qasr Burqu' is far east.

Key facts