RAK is home to a rich natural diversity that combines mountains, valleys, coastlines, and deserts, creating ideal habitats for a wide range of wildlife and bird species that reflect the beauty of nature and the balance of local ecosystems. Through these pages, readers are invited on a visual journey to discover part of the emirate’s wildlife heritage through photographs captured by wildlife photographer Bashar Bouka, whose lens highlights the remarkable biodiversity and natural beauty of RAK.
Telescopus dhara
Mildly venomous snake, harmless to humans.
Colubridae.
Slender camouflaged snake with large eyes
Rocky deserts, wadis, mountain habitats.
Small reptiles and rodents.
Crepuscular, nocturnal, excellent climber.
Found in the Hajar Mountains of the UAE.
Globally listed as Least Concern.
The Arabian Cat Snake reveals the hidden side of
life in arid rocky environments.
Paraechinus aethiopicus
Fast nocturnal desert mammal with defenses.
Erinaceidae.
Small Spiny Mammal With Large Ears.
Arid deserts and sparsely vegetated plains.
Insects and small invertebrates.
Nocturnal, agile, curls when threatened.
Widespread throughout the UAE.
Globally listed as Least Concern.
The Desert Hedgehog is a small nocturnal mammal adapted to arid environments and feeds mainly on insects.
Otus brucei
Camouflaged nocturnal owl maintaining balance.
Strigidae.
Hight 19–21 cm Wingspan: about 50–55 cm
Small pale owl with distinctive yellow eyes.
Dry environments with scattered trees.
Insects and other small invertebrates.
Nocturnal bird relying on camouflage.
Resident breeder in northern UAE.
Globally listed as Least Concern.
The Pallid Scops Owl is one of the smallest tree-dwelling owls found in arid environments.
Ceryle rudis
Rare Migrant bird with exceptional hunting skills.
Alcedinidae.
Hight 25–30 cm Wingspan: about 35–41 cm
Black-and-white kingfisher with breast bands.
Freshwater and coastal habitats supporting fish
Mainly small fish.
Hovers above water before catching prey.
Rarely observed in the UAE.
Globally listed as Least Concern.
The Pied Kingfisher is a rare bird distinguished by
its striking black-and-white plumage.
Vanellus gregarius
Rare migratory bird facing conservation risks.
Charadriidae.
Hight 27–30 cm Wingspan: about 65–72 cm
Black-bellied bird with sandy-brown back.
Open grasslands, dry plains, farmland habitats.
Insects and small invertebrates.
Walks slowly, often seen in groups.
Rare winter visitor to the UAE
Critically endangered.
The Sociable Lapwing is a rare migratory bird associated with open grassland and plain habitats.