Masirah: Wetlands and mangrove areas play a vital role in providing food sources and nesting sites for birds, while also supporting ecological balance and enhancing biodiversity. Regular monitoring and documentation of these species serve as a key indicator of the condition of natural habitats and any related impacts.

According to Oman News Agency, the Environment Authority has successfully documented bird sightings along the shores of Khor Al Har in the Wilayat of Masirah, South A'Sharqiyah Governorate. These efforts are in pursuit of periodic field monitoring and surveillance conducted by specialists and observers in coastal areas and wetlands. They highlight the environmental significance of these sites as crucial natural habitats for numerous bird species.

The registered sightings recently included the Red-wattled Lapwing, Glossy Ibis, Green Sandpiper, and Common Snipe. These species were observed at various locations within Khor Al Har, notably in areas featuring mangrove trees, which constitute a vital ecological component of coastal and wetland ecosystems that provides a suitable environment for diverse forms of wildlife.

Gassi bin Hamad Al Farsi, Supervisor of the Environmental Monitoring Unit at the Masirah Environment Center, said that the monitoring activities carried out by observers at Khor Al Har are part of the periodic biodiversity monitoring programme. He added that documenting bird sightings in their natural habitats helps generate continuous field data and facilitate the ongoing tracking of species and natural habitats. The activities include field-based site monitoring and biodiversity documentation, which help enhance knowledge about existing species and their distribution, while at the same time supporting conservation efforts and the sustainable management of natural habitats, he observed.

Al Farsi pointed out that field monitoring is a crucial aspect of the Environment Authority's approach to meeting environmental indicators linked to operational goals. By providing up-to-date data on biodiversity, wildlife species and their distribution, these activities support the assessment of environmental conditions and facilitate the implementation of appropriate conservation measures.

Monitoring activities conducted by the Environment Authority across various ecologically significant sites in the Wilayat of Masirah track wildlife and document observations and findings, thereby strengthening the database of biodiversity and helping to track changes within ecosystems.