A critically endangered Arabian lynx has been documented in the UAE’s Wadi Wurayah National Park, marking a significant victory for the country’s biodiversity conservation efforts.

The elusive predator was captured on motion-sensor cameras as part of the ‘Notice Nature’ initiative, supported by Mashreq Bank in collaboration with Fujairah Environment Authority and Emirates Nature-WWF.

Why this matters

The Arabian lynx (Lynx caracal schmitzi) is classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the UAE’s National Red List, making this confirmed sighting a rare and momentous event.

The species was last recorded in:

• 2019: Jebel Hafeet
• March 2023: Near Wadi Shees
• 2025: Wadi Wurayah National Park (current sighting)

Each documented appearance provides crucial data to assess the species’ status, protect its fragile habitats, and strengthen long-term conservation strategies.

Master of the mountains

Known for its muscular build and distinctive black ear tufts, the Arabian lynx plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of mountain ecosystems across the UAE and Arabian Peninsula.

The nocturnal predator is notoriously elusive, native to the region’s mountains and deserts but rarely seen in the wild, making camera trap documentation essential for monitoring populations.

How it was captured

Motion-sensor cameras installed throughout the reserve automatically photographed the lynx using infrared technology, capturing images both day and night.

The equipment is operated in partnership with Fujairah Environment Authority and volunteers from Emirates Nature’s Leaders of Change programme.

Wadi Wurayah has become a hotspot for rare wildlife documentation, previously recording sightings of the seldom-seen Blanford’s fox alongside this latest lynx discovery.

Perfect timing

The sighting coincides with World Habitat Day, underscoring Wadi Wurayah’s critical role as a protected sanctuary for endangered species.

Dr Ali Hassan Al Hammoudi, Director of Biodiversity and Natural Resources at Fujairah Environment Authority, emphasized the reserve’s importance: “The lynx’s reappearance highlights the success of our collaboration with Emirates Nature-WWF to protect and monitor this unique landscape through long-term scientific programmes.”

Urgent call to action

While the sighting offers hope, experts stress that continued vigilance is essential.

Dr Andrew Gardner, Associate Director of Biodiversity Conservation at Emirates Nature-WWF, called it “a rare and urgent call to action,” noting that “while documentation offers hope, sustained efforts are essential to secure the lynx’s future.”

Conservation success story

The confirmed presence of the Arabian lynx reflects:

• Impact of protected areas like Wadi Wurayah National Park
• Success of conservation programmes monitoring endangered species
• Value of public-private partnerships (Mashreq Bank, government entities, NGOs)
• Importance of citizen science through volunteer programmes

What happens next

Each sighting contributes to:

• Population assessment and tracking
• Habitat protection strategies
• Long-term species recovery plans
• Regional biodiversity conservation efforts

The Arabian lynx’s return to Wadi Wurayah proves that with dedicated conservation efforts and protected habitats, even critically endangered species can find sanctuary and hope for survival.

Key Facts:

• Species: Arabian Lynx (Lynx caracal schmitzi)
• Status: Critically Endangered (UAE National Red List)
• Location: Wadi Wurayah National Park, Fujairah
• Initiative: ‘Notice Nature’ (Mashreq Bank, Fujairah Environment Authority, Emirates Nature-WWF)
• Technology: Motion-sensor infrared cameras