An Awesome Encounter with the Arabian Tahr in Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain , Abu Dhabi

A cautious Arabian Tahr concealing itself  on the rock face

Like a true parent ever watchful of its young calves

Checking out Samuraibug as he tries to come closer 

Strong and secured footing is a must in such dangerous terrain

An awesome hornful threesome

Can you locate and count how many are there? 

A final glimpse before disappearing into the rocky mountain landscape 

My recent expedition at the heights of the Jebel Hafeet in the Oasis City of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi has provided me an awesome encounter with a magnificent, truly endangered and rare mountain mammal. It was early morning, the sun was barely rising in the sky, I was out in search for mountain insects and birds when I saw from the face of the rocky mountain a number of horned-figures. These animals were quite robust, agile and elusive. I have to slowly approach the rocky terrain to have a better glimpse and take the snap shots. They were fast and secure in their footing even in the sharp and solid mountain inclines. From a distance, they were able to recognize my presence, thankfully, I was able to secure my precious photo clicks. I had a face to face and close encounter with a herd of Arabian Tahr!     

Arabian Tahr, Arabitragus jayakari 

IUCN STATUS: Endangered

It is the smallest species of the tahr (sure-footed, wild mountain-goat like mammals of the family Bovidae native to Asia). It bears a robust body and backed-arching horns. Males are more robust than the females. Males have manes which extend right down its back and can grow longer as it ages. Similar to mountain goats and sheep, they have rubber-like hooves which provide traction and balance on steep and rocky terrain. 

DISTRIBUTION of Arabian Tahr

They are endemic to Eastern Arabia. They live on the rocky slopes of the Al Hajar Mountains in Oman and the United Arab Emirates. They are also found in the slopes of Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE.   

The desert sand and its mountains never ceases to surprise me with such awesome creatures. My face to face encounter with a family of tahrs at the rocky slopes of Jebel Hafeet was truly awesome! 

I would like to encourage you to explore, observe and learn from these creative wonders.

Awesome creature! Awesome CREATOR!

Thanks for your support and careful attention. 

If you need Pest Management Training, Technical Field Support, On-Line and On-Site Consultancy, please feel free to send me an email: odelon.reyes@gmail.com