Turtle Reserve

The turtle reserve lies in the Governorate of Ash Sharqiyah South and it was declared reserve on 23/4/1996 by the Royal Decree No. (25/96) with a surface area 120 meter square , extending from Khawr Jirama on the north to Ras ar-Ruways on the south. The reserve beaches are universally known as the most important nesting beaches of green turtles. The reserve contains Khawr Jirama and Khawr al Ḩajar which are known as one important location for birds. The reserve contains many historically valuable archeological sites.

Establishment of the Reserve objectives:

Protection of sea turtles
Protection of nesting beaches and natural landscapes
Encouragement of eco-tourism

Natural resources:

The climate of the reserve
The physical resources of the reserve

The reserve is characterized with the existence of sand beaches , mountain chains and archeological sites of national and universal importance.

Biological Diversity

Turtles:

The reserve attract the largest number of green turtles nesting in Oman, making it of great importance for the continuation of life and survival of this type of endangered turtles. Each year about 6000 to 13000 turtle nest in this region which come from other far regions such as the Arabian Gulf , the Red Sea and the beaches of Somalia.

Birds:

Mudflats surrounding Khawr al Ḩajar and Khawr Jirama are considered important feeding areas for migratory birds that come to seek food and comfort as they move through winter areas,. The coastal rocky highlands also constitute nesting sites for many birds most notably seagulls and terns.

Wild mammals:

The reserve is home to other numbers of wild mammals such as red fox , some deer , Ethiopian hedgehog and the Hare.

Plants:

Mangrove trees:

A group of small Mangrove trees exists in Khawr Jirama which scatters along eastern muddy coast.

Coral reefs:

There is a large group of coral spread in the rocky shores that contribute to the production of large quantities of small fish, because it is considered a fertile environment for breeding; since there are many crustaceans and microorganisms that serve as food for the fish.

Human presence:

Population:

In the borders and surrounding the turtle reserve exist many populations such as Ras Al Hadd, Ras Al Jinz, Al Dafa and Al Khaba, Mahata , Jirama and others.

Human heritage (archaeological areas):

Archeological sites exist in different places in Ras al Hadd peninsula, surrounding Khawr Jirama , Ras Al Jinz, along the coast of Ras Al Khabah . It is noteworthy that groups of experts in archeology conduct intensive archeological studies for many different sites.

Human activities practiced inside the reserve:

The people of the reserve practice fishing on the coasts of some beaches in the reserve as well as grazing in the land side within the reserve.

Visit rules:

Instructions for visitor:.

Instructions to be followed when visiting Turtle reserve:

Entry to reserve beaches is not allowed except by authorization
Car or motorcycle driving is prohibited on beaches.
Fire setting or night camping on turtle nesting beaches is prohibited.
Throwing or disposing of waste or rubbish on beaches or in the sea is forbidden
Be careful not to get closer of the turtles when leaving the sea or when they dig their nests and lay eggs.
Be careful not to use light or take photos by using flash or making loud noise when visiting the nesting coasts at night as it will prevent turtles from nesting and cause disturbance for them.

Turtle Reserve

Turtle Reserve

Biological Diversity

Plants:

Human presence:

Visit rules:

Programmes

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