Re-introductions in today’s Arabian Peninsula: The first steps for a grander vision?

Abstract

This paper is a personal view, deriving from the knowledge base of the Arabian Peninsula’s fauna, the record on re-introduction of Arabian Oryx and Houbara Bustard, and selective conservation actions for the region’s species, to propose an ambitious vision for restoring the region’s key ecosystems through re-wilding, a holistic approach for biodiversity conservation. It is argued that the need is urgent and the time is right, and that various circumstances and opportunities are now favourable. The prospect is for the Arabian Peninsula to maintain its roles as home to specialised species, to continue to act as a sanctuary and crossroads for species from three major neighbouring biological realms, and to be a potential refuge in the face of climate change.

Key words:

• challenge
• re-wilding
• predation
• ecosystem processes
• attitudes
• society