MUSCAT: In a delightful public reminder that trees are not for tourists to perch on, Oman’s Environment Authority has politely asked visitors to stop monkeying around in nature—literally. The recent advisory gently but firmly notes that “only birds nest in trees,” and tourists should absolutely resist the urge to climb or sit on branches, no matter how Instagrammable they look.
The message, shared across official channels, comes with three very sensible reasons: First, trees are living things and don’t appreciate broken limbs (unlike gymnasts, they don’t bounce back). Second, birds and other tiny forest dwellers rather enjoy their treetop privacy. And third—perhaps most convincingly—falling out of a tree mid-selfie is a surefire way to ruin a holiday.
The Environment Authority didn’t mince words either: tree-climbing isn’t just bad for the local flora and fauna, it’s also a legal no-no. In short: climb a tree, and you might branch out into trouble.
So next time you see a sturdy acacia or a palm whispering your name, just wave and move on. After all, the only thing that belongs up there is a feathered friend singing its heart out—not your beach sandals and backpack.
