CONSERVATION OF ARABIAN GAZELLES - Nwrc.gov.sa

Many projects were initiated at KlSR and EPC to study the impact of the crude oil on the
flora and fauna of the contaminated areas. Preliminary results indicated low productivity of the
vegetation and a high level of soil contamination. Birds, turtles, fishes and other animals were also
casualties of the oil spills on land and at sea. Field studies are continuing and data on the long term
impact of crude oil on the marine and desert ecosystems will soon be available.
In addition to environmental contamination, the park suffered a large amount of physical
destruction such as the removal of the top soil by movement of tanks, artillery and other vehicles, and
the breakage of existing fences (including the boundary fence). A further hazard is the presence of
many mines, left behind by the departing Iraqis. Intensive efforts are presently being made by the
military authorities to clean the desert and marine ecosystems.
Summary and conclusions
Realizing the intrinsic value of protected areas for conserving flora and fauna while allowing public
recreation, the Kuwait Government took measures to conserve its natural heritage by designating and
fencing large areas. The Kuwait ("Jal Az-Zor") National Park, established in 1983, is one example of
this commitment. Other potential areas have been proposed and some are in the process of
assessment and evaluation.
The Gulf War caused severe destruction and deterioration of terrestrial and marine habitats.
The fences of the national park and other exc10sures were broken or destroyed by the Iraqi forces.
Measures to reclaim soil and to rehabilitate and/or restore the natural habitats are being considered
and undertaken by the authorities concerned.
References
AI-Besharah, I. 1992. The Kuwait oil fires and oil-lakes. Facts and numbers. In Proceedings of an
International Symposium held at the University of Birmingham, U.K. 17 October J991. Institute
of Occupational Health. The University of Birmingham, U.K.
AI-Satti, A.K.S., and Harrington, I.M. 1992. The environment and health impact of the Kuwait oil
fires. In Proceedings ofan International Symposium held at the University of Birmingham, U.K.
17 October 1991. Institute of Occupational Health. The University of Birmingham, U.K.
Blackwelder, B. 1991. Green Plan for a Future. In: Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth. Earth Day
Journal,3-S.
Kuhn, T. 1991. Up in Flames. Science and the citizen. SCientific American, 17-20.
Omar, S.A., and Bartolome, 1. 1992. Impact of crude oil on soil and forage plants of Kuwait.
Environmental Pollution.
Omar, S.A., and Taha, F.K. 1981. Selection and criteria for national parks I nature reserves in
Kuwait's desert. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Report No. KlSR334A, Kuwait.
(Report submitted to Kuwait Municipality).
Omar, S.A., Sdirawi, F., Agrawal, V., Hamdan, L., Bakri, D., and Shuaibi F. 1986a. Criteria for
development and management of Kuwait's First National ParkJnature reserve. Vol. I. Inventory
and zoning. Final Report (AGSI). Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, KlSR2 I 64.
Omar, S.A., Taha, F.K., AI-Sdirawi, F., and AI-Shuaibi, F. 1986b. Criteria for development and
management of Kuwait's first national parkJnature reserve. Vol. 2. Re-introduction, management,
and legal landuse. Final Report (AGSI). Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, KlSR2164.
Rice, A.R.G., and Sheppard, C.R.C. 1991. The Gulf: Past, Present and Possible Future States. Marine
Pollution Bulletin, 22: 222-227.
158