Caracal on canvas: winter makes perfect time for an artist
January 2025 has brought pleasant weather, encouraging outdoor activities, and Al Falaj wadi in Ruwi turned out to be the ideal spot for an artist. The Observer spotted Abdullah al Hunainy, one of Oman's established artists, painting in a natural setting. His subject: a Caracal and its kitten. Al Hunainy is preparing for his next exhibition, focusing on wildlife. Retired, the artist is fully dedicated to painting and has his studio in Ruwi. With weather like this, the wadi is an ideal location to complete his painting of the Caracal. "The Caracal is an important national animal of Oman. I have chosen to depict a mother and cub in their natural habitat," he said. In 2023, the rare Arabian Caracal, a wildcat species, was spotted in Musandam's western mountain range in October. This sighting was the result of the combined efforts of the Environment Authority's National Biodiversity Survey Project team and the Environment Department in Musandam Governorate. About 45 trap cameras were strategically placed across Musandam, following global biodiversity survey techniques. A pair of twin kittens was also captured on camera in the Dhofar Mountains. The Dhofar Mountains and Al Hajar Mountains in Oman are known to be their natural habitats. The International Union for Nature Conservation (IUCN) has classified this cat as critically endangered, as the population in Oman is sparse, unlike in the African continent where the population is more abundant. Experts note that Caracals require an abundance of natural prey for survival, and any changes in their environment can impact their survival and population. Often mistaken for a lynx due to their tufted ears, Caracals possess remarkable hunting skills, being able to run up to 80.5 km/h and jump as high as 10 ft. Abdullah al Hunainy's passion for nature is evident in his paintings. His wildlife paintings shed light on Oman's biodiversity and emphasise the importance of conservation efforts and individual responsibility in promoting conservation. "My brothers and I are preparing for our upcoming exhibition. They have different techniques, and I have mine," he said. Together, the brothers Abdullah, Khamis, and Saud are known as the Hunainy brothers.
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