WATCH: Qatar's captivating wild life

If you live in Qatar or have been here on a visit, you are probably already familiar with the Oryx.

Much credit goes to Orry The Oryx, who has been a very prominent and enchanting feature of Doha's Corniche since 2006.  

While the Arabian Oryx is known as the country's national animal and is even featured in the logo of Qatar's national airline, Qatar is also home to some other fascinating animals.

Here's a look at four of these wild creatures that roam around our peninsula:

Jerboa 

Jerboas, also known as kangaroo mouse, live in the desert and steppe areas of Arabia, including sandy plains, gravel and stony plains, interdunal plains and sabkha margins. Nocturnal by nature, these furry creatures come out of their burrows at sundown. 

Interesting facts: 

With their very long feet, Jerboas can hop up to a striking 3 meters (9.8 feet).

These tiny jumping rodents can survive a lifetime without a single drop of water.

They have excellent hearing and can therefore easily escape predators.

Dugong 

Dugong, also known as the sea cow, is Qatar's largest mammal. Just like its namesake, this huge mammal can feed on seagrass for hours. A distant relative of Manatees, Dugongs can range in length from about 7 to 11 feet and weigh anywhere between 230 to 420 kg.

Interesting facts: 

Dugongs in protected habitats can live up to 70 years or more.

This cutesy animal breathes with its lungs. It must reach the surface of the water every six minutes to take in atmospheric oxygen.

Dugongs may prefer being solitary or roam around in pairs. They can be part of larger groups of up to 200. 

Sand Cat 

The only cat residing in the desert, sand cat also known as sand dune cat, belongs to the desert by nature. It can live without water, detect prey underground, and with its unique foot covering can traverse the desert without leaving footprints in the sand. This cute-looking cat is not meant to be a pet as it is fierce like predators.

Interesting facts 

They mew like any other cat but can also bark like a dog.

These little hunters can run as fast as 25mph with their cushioned feet.

Sand cats primarily feed on small rodents and also hares, birds, spiders, insects, and reptiles. They are known snake hunters and can catch their prey including venomous vipers in a jiffy.

Uromastyx

Locally known as Dabb, these spiny-tailed lizards are regularly spotted around Qatar's deserts. Typically an adult Uromastyx can be between 10 to 18 inches in length. This lizard is cut out to master the desert heat with its ability to store water.  

Interesting facts 

Uromastyx can change its colors according to the temperature, which means that it can go from looking very pale to very bright depending on its surroundings. 

Typically, this lizard can survive for up to 15 years.

The Uromastyx sleeps with its tail at the edge of its burrow to create space between itself and potential intruders.

These are just a few of the wild animals that enrich wildlife in Qatar. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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