Sir Bani Yas Island is often hailed as a paradise for tourists looking to escape the hustle of Abu Dhabi, but it’s also an important home for many animal species, on land, in the air and the water. Here’s a quick rundown of the species that call the island home, and that make it a true haven for wildlife.
A Wildlife Haven for Many
Sir Bani Yas Island has always been linked to conservation, from its beginnings as a Royal Nature Reserve in 1971 to its current status as a luxury destination. It features the Arabian Wildlife Park, home to more than 11,000 animals of 30 different species, with resorts like Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara providing guests with guided excursions to witness these animals.
Animals on Land
One of the more iconic animal species on the island is the rare Arabian oryx, which now has a population of 700+. Cheetahs, sand gazelles, urial sheep, and blackbuck antelope are some of the other endangered species present, making safaris on the island one of the best Abu Dhabi things to do.
Vibrant Birds
There are also many species of birds on Sir Bani Yas, which include flamingos, cormorants, crab plovers, grey herons, shovelers, wildfowl, and black-winged stilts. Many of these species are non-indigenous and have settled on the island during migration, making it their home.
Marine Species
The waters around Sir Bani Yas Island also make up a safe home for several marine species. This includes the 8-kilometre no-fishing zone that is home to turtles, dugongs and dolphins that can safely thrive without interference from marine traffic.