Animals in Qatar

The Gulf State of Qatar is home to a beautiful yet limited animal ark. Wild animals living in the country's arid desert terrain include exotic species such as dromedary camels, and the Oryx, a large antelope with long straight almost upright or swept back horns.

The decline in critical marine habitats in the coastal areas is part of the Qatar's preservation mission. The deep sea waters nearest to the country's coast are still inhabited by tropical species. Coral reefs, inter-tidal salt marshes, mangroves and sea-grass kelp beds grow across the coast. Macro-invertebrates living in the intertidal waters of Qatar are comprised of common marine species like the Mollusca.

Marine species living in the Arabian Gulf are growing scarce due to consumption and climate conditions. At present, there are approximately 150 species of fish recorded on record. The richest biome of aquatic life is in north east of Qatar on the Arabia Sea. Carangids, emperors, snappers and sweet lips are abundant with a smaller population of barracudas, goatfish, groupers, lizard fish, rabbit fish, shark and thread fins.

Due to the extremity of the climate, there is intense focus on animal husbandry. Camels constitute 21% of Qatar's livestock farming comparative to cattle ranching of 29% of similar activities. The country's domestic livestock holdings also include sheep herding of 3 to 1,500 heads, and goat herding of 5 to 650 heads at each farm. Domestic food production is the basis for intensification of livestock animals in Qatar. Aside from the market in fish, sheep and calf production is essential to Qatar's national consumption.