The Arabian Oryx Status - Research Proposal Example

Informative Proposal General Purpose: To espouse my mates with the requisite information on the Arabian Oryx, its status as an endangered species and the role of the Qatari government has taken up in its preservation domain. Specific Purpose: To elucidate specific strategies viable for the preservation of the Arabian Oryx. Thesis Statement: The Arabian Oryx is an exigent wildlife resource with elemental holding in the economy of any country. My audience is: My classmates who look to amass primal capacity in light of the Arabian Oryx as a wildlife resource, and ultimately gather the optimal knowledge with regard to conservation initiatives. Background The Arabian Oryx is emergent as the smallest specie of the Oryx in entirety. Its whole body is white and carries black markings on its face and below the knees. It is an antelope of medium size that weighs between 65 and 75 kg. The species resides in nomadic herds which follow rare rains, and has the capacity to utilize fresh plant growth occurring after rainfall (IUCN n.d). Behavior The Arabian Oryx primarily consumes grasses, but also incorporates herbs, leaves, and ancillary vegetation to its diet. It can consume water whenever the resource is available, but if required the Arabian Oryx can go a number of days without water. The species is mostly prevalent in herds of between of between 2 and 20. Habitat The species inhabits mainly rocky deserts, dunes, as well as other arid habitats like semi-deserts, steppes, and deserts. The description of the Oryx habitat is a flat plain of stone and gravels which fringes the Arabian Peninsula’s sand desert. The area is called’ the Jol’. Conservation Status The species was classified by the IUCN in 1996 as endangered. How the Oryx is endangered Reasons for the endangerment of the Arabian Oryx are ascribed to three key tenets: habitat loss, hunters, and their slow nature of breeding. The species was considered extinct from the Arabian Peninsula’s wild din 1972, and was reintroduced in 19782. As such, the species’ population having suffered extensive illegal poaching in a bid to sell its products to the black market collection is mainly left with males within its vastly depleted population (Taylor1993, pg. 47). Another daunting issue is overgrazing areas and the severe conditions of drought that adversely impact their habitat and ultimate survival. Predators especially wolves are an additional danger to the species, and function to reduce its population in the wild substantively. A final threat is agricultural development and the introduction of goats and sheep, which compete with the species for food (IUNC n.d). Contextual Placing in Qatar Qatar considers the Arabian Oryx as the state’s mascot and symbol. The graceful white species is believed to carry basis ascribed to the legend of the unicorn, and ultimately featured prominently as the state’s insignia. Efforts by the State of Qatar in Conservation Qatar is among the first counties in the Arabian Peninsula to initiate significant interest in the species and its preservation from extinction. As such, the state established the sector of natural reserves under the ministry of environment to facilitate technical supervision and the conservation of the Oryx through the adoption of the newest scientific methods. The ministry has also enforced limitation laws for the duration of hunting season in the wild to protect the species. The Arabian Oryx is protected within some specific areas, and this protection is of optimal assistance. An imminent challenge however is that they tend to roam from these regions and this therefore curtails efforts of re-introduction to the wild (Al Ali-Khalid 2004, pg.21). Name University Course Instructor Date SPEECH The Endangered Arabian Oryx Opening Statement: Today we’re going to discuss one of most imperative issues facing our societies in the current world. Specifically, I am going to provide you with various issues facing the endangered Arabian Oryx. Introduction I Description of the Arabian Oryx and its habitat A. The Arabian Oryx is weighs approximately 65kg and 75kg and resembles an antelope. B. It is well adapted to the harsh desert conditions and survives for a long period of time without water. C. It primarily survives on dew and fog as it feeds on little shrubs. The Oryx spends long hours on the heat of the sun and sometimes under the shades of the shrubs. D. During winters, it grazes at day and hides at night to protect itself from the cold night winds. E. It possesses a characteristic ability to detect rain signals carried on the wind which is imperative for its survival in the desert environment. II Importance of the Arabian Oryx in the bio-physical environment; there are various roles played by the Arabian Oryx in the environment which cannot be overlooked, they include: A The Arabian Oryx is an important component of bio-diversity; it occupies an important position in the food chains owing to the fact that Arabia is geographically located in an arid climate with fewer species of animal. B A good number of tourists visiting Arabia are attracted by the natural phenomenon such as desert and unique species of fauna, the Oryx inclusive. C The Arabian Oryx, if proper conservation measures are put into place, can be used as a source of protein by the natives of the Country as well as other visitors. III Ways in which the survival of the Arabian Oryx is threatened. The survival of the Arabian Oryx has been threatened for a period of four decades since 1792 in Oman due various anthropogenic factors such as: A. Indiscriminate hunting of the Arabian Oryx by the natives as a source of food B. Poaching; after introduction of several measures to control the extinction of this specie, some of the natives resorted to illegal hunting of the Oryx which is sold to foreigners. C. Research has also shown that the current climate change is also affecting the survival of the Arabian Oryx. Alteration in the seasonal growth of pastures due to climatic change has also affected the survival of this endangered species. IV We all know that environmental issues affect several stakeholders of the environment and in most cases require the attention of the government. In this perspective, the Qatar government has formulated and implemented various strategies meant to preserve this endangered species. For instance: A. The Qatar government has introduced protected areas (Animal Sanctuaries) where various endangered species are preserved. Protected areas such as the Al Mas Habiyya, Ras Osheirji as well as Shahniya have been established to promote the breeding and protection of the Oryx from extinction. B. Education and Public awareness is another strategy that has been applied by the Qatar authorities to protection endangered species. The government through partnerships with organs like IUCN frequently carries awareness programs where the public are informed on the importance of biodiversity conservation and various ways of conserving the endangered species, the Oryx inclusive. C. Qatar being an Islam dominated country; the government is making efforts to ensure that the Islamic principles of protection and conservation biodiversity are applied to protect the Arabian Oryx. D. There are also efforts that have been directed towards re-introducing the Oryx in into the habitat where they are taken care of by special persons chosen by the government as well as the community. V I would also like to mention how the Arabian Oryx is used as a symbol and a mascot in Qatar. It is believed to be a mysterious creature whose horn is a charm for good luck against the scorpion bites. The Qatar government has incorporated a picture of the Oryx on the national emblem to symbolize peace and their love for the country. VII Conclusion It is important that we take initiatives to protect our environment and for us and the future generation. This is because I believe that the protection of the environment begins at a personal level. As environmentalists, let us take this opportunity to make our world a better place for all creatures. Thank you. Work cited Al-Ali, Khalid. National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. Qatar: SCENR, 2004. Print. "IUCN - Home." IUCN - Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Sept. 2012. . McGuire, Veda. Animal reintroduction (conservation biology). Delhi: University Publications, 2012. Print. Taylor, J. David. Endangered desert animals. Toronto: Crabtree Pub. Co., 1993. Print. Georgetown University: Web hosting." Georgetown University: Web hosting. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Sept. 2012. . Read More