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Did you Know?
  • The Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx) calves are born a sandy brown colour and only change to their adult white at about six months of age

The Research conducted in the DDCR since 2003 provides an essential management tool, enabling the decision-making process to be based on sound scientific principles. It is providing baseline data for future surveys and research, thereby ensuring the preservation and improvement of the biodiversity and unique desert environment.

Research Reports

Leptien’s Spiny-tailed Lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia leptieni) in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Leptien’s spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia leptieni), endemic to the UAE and Oman, are large herbivorous lizards found on gravel terrain and inter-dune compact soils. They can grow up to 75cm long and usually live in loose colonies.
2009  |  Full Report (PDF, 20MB)  |  Poster (PDF, 4.1MB)

A Comparative Study of Vegetation Structure and Regeneration between two Monitoring Surveys in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

The objective of the study was to compare the structure and the regeneration patterns of the vegetation between two monitoring surveys in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
2009  |  Full Report (PDF, 3.4MB)  |  Poster (PDF, 4.5MB)

Re-introduction of Arabian Oryx into the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx) are endemic to the Arabian Peninsula, with a historically range across Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Kuwait and Iraq. They are the largest of the antelopes in the region and are extremely well adapted to the extremely arid environment and are culturally significant.
2007  |  Full Report (PDF, 199kB)  |  Poster (PDF, 1.4MB)

Effects of camel grazing on density and species diversity of seedling emergence in the Dubai (UAE) inland desert

Germination in the arid rangelands of the UAE occurs as an ‘event’ following a mid-winter to spring rainfall. A fence line study of germination events was conducted in 2005 and 2006 to identify the response to differential grazing regimes.
2007  |  Full Report (PDF, 475kB)

Camera Trap Survey in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

In order to achieve the aim conserving the natural resources of Dubai’s inland desert and to restore the natural fauna and flora to its original bio-diversity it was decide to carry out a number of surveys to assess the current situation.
2006  |  Full Report (PDF, 1MB)  |  Poster (PDF, 2.9MB)

Intensification of rangeland grazing in an oil-rich state; causes, consequences and possible solutions

Over the last 35 years land management and farmer lifestyles have changed dramatically on the rangelands of the United Arab Emirates. The human relationship with the rangelands has moved from subsistence to a secondary income or hobby.
2006  |  Full Report (PDF, 148kB)

Effects of camel grazing on the ecology of small perennial plants in the Dubai (UAE) inland desert

Camel grazing is recognized as a primary cause of ecological degradation in the UAE. A study of perennial plant species <1m in height was conducted along a fence separating continuously camel grazed land from land in which camels had been replaced by oryx and gazelle species for 5 years (Al Maha).
2005  |  Full Report (PDF, 239kB)

Effects of camel vs. Oryx and gazelle grazing on the plant ecology of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Grazing of the Dubai inland desert has changed substantially over the last century, and particularly over the last three decades. Populations of oryx, ostriches and gazelles have been replaced by an increased camel herd, which are at least 2.5 times historical levels.
2005  |  Full Report (PDF, 128kB)

Effects of Grazing on the Seed Germination in the Inland Desert of Dubai UAE

2005  |  Poster (PDF, 366kB)

Preservation of natural and cultural heritage on Dubai arid rangelands amid changing farmer lifestyles

Plant biomass of arid rangelands within the United Arab Emirates has been reduced by excessive grazing, and probably also by groundwater extraction. The reduction of annual plant biomass production is severe but reversible.
2005  |  Poster (PDF, 354kB)

Vegetation of Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, 2004

During the period of Jun 2004 until Feb 2005 a study was carried out to assess and quantify the vegetation cover and plant community in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR).
2004  |  Full Report (PDF, 5.2MB)  |  Executive Summary (PDF, 2.3MB)
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