Al-Mashabiya Reserve:
Al-Mashabiya Reserve is a Qatari natural reserve, established by Decision No. (1) of 2006, designating the areas of Al Eraiq and Al-Mashabiya as a natural reserve. It is in Al Eraiq region, southwest of the capital, Doha, and southeast of the Abu Samra border. The reserve is about 120 kilometers from Doha and covers an area of approximately 54 square kilometers. The reserve was officially inaugurated in 1997. It was established to reintroduce endangered wildlife species such as the Arabian oryx (Al-Wadhihi) and Al Reem gazelle, among others native to Qatar's desert environment. The reserve is home to three animal species, two of which are endangered (the Arabian oryx and Al Reem gazelle), along with a species of ostrich, which is currently not considered endangered. The reserve also contains a variety of native plants and desert animals such as the spiny-tailed lizard (dhub), jerboa, and desert hare. The geographic nature of the reserve is characterized by flat, sandy terrain interspersed with hills, valleys, and geologically diverse formations, providing a suitable environment for the growth of seasonal grasses, wild herbs, and desert shrubs between the sand dunes.
Al Eraiq:
Located in the southwest of Qatar, about 80 kilometers from Doha, Al Eraiq features a mix of gravel plains and sandy flats interspersed with hills and valleys. It has rich biodiversity, including vegetation cover, and is known for the breeding of desert hares and hosting many bird and reptile species.
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