Oman's diverse nature

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The predominant image of the Arabian natural landscape is the sand desert. But Oman's nature is far more diverse and so is its flora and fauna, even though water shortages affect all life in the country.

In the summer months, the monsoon sweeps across the coast of Südomans, then "breaks up" the landscape there. Within a very short time, a multitude of unique plants sprout from the previously seemingly barren soil. Liana-covered forests with a few old baobab trees are reminiscent of the tropics, while rolling, green pastures remind the European visitor of familiar Alpine foothills, were it not for the sight of a few camels grazing the grass. A few weeks after the end of the monsoon, the lush grass withers and the landscape transforms back into a barren mountain world.

The barren rocky and sandy desert of northern Oman is also home to many animals and plants that have adapted to the extreme conditions.

Among the more dangerous are numerous species of snakes and scorpions. As these animals live in the desert and are very shy, they pose no danger to visitors to the desert - provided they observe a few basic rules.

Frescos, lizards, freshwater fish and a whole range of insects find a habitat in the fertile oases, where cereals, forage grass, herbs and a wide variety of fruit are grown alongside date palms.

Environmental protection is a high priority in Oman. It is strictly forbidden to hunt animals or disturb them in their natural habitat.

This applies in particular to the various nature reserves such as the Qurm Nature Reserve in Muscat, the protected area for the Oryx antelopes in the Jiddat al Harassis, the protected areas for sea turtles at Ras al-Jinz or at Jebel Aswad for the Arabian tahr.

Collecting shells, fossils and corals  is also prohibited. Various species of sea snails only leave their shells temporarily.

The geological diversity of the country is also a special feature. Almost all of the world's geological phenomena can be found here - an Eldorado for geologists.