Motion-sensor cameras confirm rare Arabian lynx sighting in Wadi Wurayah, marking a breakthrough for UAE biodiversity conservation.
FUJAIRAH: In a rare and encouraging development for conservationists, the critically endangered Arabian lynx has been sighted at Wadi Wurayah National Park, confirming the continued presence of this elusive species in the UAE’s mountain ecosystems.
Captured by motion-sensor cameras as part of the ‘Notice Nature’ initiative — a collaboration between the Fujairah Environment Authority, Emirates Nature–WWF, and Mashreq Bank — the sighting signals a hopeful moment in the nation’s efforts to protect endangered species and their natural habitats.
Classified as Critically Endangered on the UAE’s National Red List, the Arabian lynx (Lynx caracal schmitzi) had not been documented in the reserve for years. Previous sightings occurred in Jebel Hafeet in 2019 and near Wadi Shees in 2023, with this 2025 sighting offering renewed hope for the lynx’s survival in the wild.
Dr. Ali Hassan Al Hammoudi of the Fujairah Environment Authority stated that the reappearance aligns with World Habitat Day and highlights the effectiveness of ongoing habitat preservation efforts. The reserve’s advanced camera network, paired with community participation through Emirates Nature’s Leaders of Change programme, has been instrumental in recording this and other rare species such as the Blanford’s fox.
Dr. Andrew Gardner from Emirates Nature–WWF described the sighting as both a celebration and a warning, stressing the need for sustained conservation measures. The lynx, with its powerful build and signature black ear tufts, plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance in mountainous regions.
As the Arabian lynx remains nocturnal and reclusive, sightings are exceptionally rare, making this photographic evidence a valuable tool in shaping long-term protection strategies and understanding the species’ behavioural patterns in a changing landscape.
