Ibra – Environment Authority has identified seven distinct species of reptiles in North Sharqiyah as part of an ongoing biodiversity survey shedding light on the governorate’s ecological richness. The survey will highlight how reptiles have adapted to North Sharqiyah’s varied terrains, including mountains, valleys, plains and deserts.

The seven species identified are the yellow-spotted gecko, serpent-tailed lizard with fringed toes, Omani Jayakari lizard, broad-toed rock gecko, Eastern Arabian desert gecko, broad-toed gecko, and Arabian gecko. These reptiles are primarily concentrated in valleys and mountainous habitats where cooler temperatures and more stable conditions prevail; fewer species are found in the plains and deserts.

Saud bin Saif al Busafi, environment inspector, who is overseeing the survey, informed that the project focuses on the wilayats of Dima, Wa al Taiein, Al Qabil and Ibra.

“We are using advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map habitats and understand how these reptiles interact with their surroundings,” he said. The collected data will be critical for future conservation efforts.

The findings will also support an atlas of terrestrial reptiles of Oman, which documents over 100 species, including 20 endemic lizards. North Sharqiyah’s unique landscapes play a key role in sustaining this biodiversity, highlighting the governorate’s ecological significance within Oman’s natural heritage.

“Studying reptiles is essential for understanding the challenges wildlife face in different environments,” Busafi added. The survey considers factors such as high temperatures and droughts, which influence survival and adaptation of reptiles. Exercises like these reflect Oman’s commitment to preserving its natural environment and promoting sustainability.