Steppe Eagle Sighted in Al Buraimi Governorate

Al Buraimi, 20 Nov 2025 (ONA) --- Environment Authority specialists in Al Buraimi Governorate have spotted the steppe eagle, one of the rare migratory birds of prey that visit the Sultanate of Oman during the winter season. The steppe eagle, globally listed among endangered species, is distinguished for its dark brown feathers, broad black wings and its ability to fly over long distances during migration seasons.

The specialists pointed out that the steppe eagle's sighting was part of monitoring programmes that are implemented by the Environment Authority in different natural environments in the Governorate of Al Buraimi with the aim of preserving biodiversity and documenting rare and migratory species.

Mohammed Al Balushi, an environment systems specialist at the Environment Authority’s department in Al Buraimi Governorate, said that the existence of the steppe eagle constitutes an important indicator of healthy ecosystems in the governorate—since this type of birds depends on open deserts that abound with their natural prey.

He added that the sighting of the steppe eagle proves that this bird of prey has found a natural habitat that caters to its needs in the Governorate’s open desert. It also reflects ongoing efforts to monitor migrating birds and consolidate their protection programmes.

For his part, Eng. Salim Al Maskari, Director of the Environment Department in Al Buraimi Governorate, said that the Environment Authority lays emphasis on monitoring wildlife.

He added that the Environment Department in Al Buraimi Governorate is implementing systematic plans to monitor biodiversity, in cooperation with research institutions.

Documenting endangered species, like steppe eagle, reflects the attention accorded to enriching the national wildlife database and supporting the Sultanate of Oman's drive to safeguard biodiversity, Al Maskari said.

He explained that the steppe eagle is one of the large birds of prey that are widespread in the regions of Asia and Eastern Europe. The birds, he observed, spend the winter in the warm regions of the Middle East.

The steppe eagle is about 65–80 cm long, with a wingspan of more than two metres. It feeds on rodents and small birds. This species faces a number of threats, including the loss of natural habitats and the decline in food sources.

Programmes for monitoring the steppe eagle seek to raise public awareness about the value of biodiversity in the Sultanate of Oman. The programmes are in line with the goals of environmental sustainability and the conservation of natural resources for future generations.

--- Ends/Bishara