a day ago
EA launches national plan to document rare flora in Eastern Hajar
Muscat – Environment Authority (EA) has launched a national initiative to monitor and classify rare trees and plants in the Eastern Hajar mountain range, one of Oman's richest natural environments.
Announced last week, the project seeks to build a comprehensive database of endangered and endemic flora and support efforts to preserve the country's biodiversity.
'The Eastern Hajar mountains are home to unique and sensitive plant life, including the juniper tree which is facing threat from various environmental factors,' an EA official said. 'This initiative is designed to protect these species through accurate documentation and scientific monitoring.'
Besides junipers, the mountains host endemic flora as Herniaria, Pteropyrum, Rumex, Dionysia, Tephrosia, Searsia, Polygala, Convolvulus, Teucrium, Verbascum, Iphiona, Schweinfurthia and Ziziphus .
The announcement was made during a meeting between EA officials of North Sharqiyah and University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Ibra. Both sides discussed cooperation in fieldwork and the use of advanced tools such as high-resolution imaging, GPS and digital databases.
University officials said their role will be to provide scientific expertise in plant research and classification, while the authority will coordinate field operations. 'We aim to apply internationally recognised methodologies to ensure the accuracy and reliability of this project,' a university representative said.
According to the authority, the database will include location, biological characteristics and natural habitats of rare plants. The information will support national preservation efforts, scientific research, higher education and public awareness.
'This is an important step in safeguarding Oman's biodiversity and ensuring future generations understand the value of these ecosystems,' the EA official added.
