- 01 Oct 2025
New Discoveries from Al Shaumari Wildlife Reserve
For the first time, camera traps at Al Shaumari Wildlife Reserve have revealed fascinating behaviors of two of Jordan’s most iconic species: the Asiatic onager and the Arabian oryx. These hidden insights provide a rare glimpse into their lives, shedding light on social dynamics, mating behaviors, and herd structures that were previously unknown.
A legacy of conservation
Established in 1975 by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), Al Shaumari Wildlife Reserve holds the distinction of being Jordan’s first protected area. Its mission began with the reintroduction of the Arabian oryx, a desert antelope that had vanished from the wild by the mid-20th century due to overhunting. With just eight animals flown in from Phoenix Zoo, Arizona, the oryx population flourished, growing to over 200 in the 1980s. Today, the herd numbers around 40, carefully balanced by natural predators like wolves and jackals.
What the Cameras revealed
The introduction of camera traps has revolutionized research at the reserve. For Asiatic onagers, footage showed that males and females remain together in the mornings but separate at night, with males preferring solitude. Typically calm and silent, the animals rely on body language, like head movements for communication. Yet during mating season or perceived threats, they display intense aggression. Male dominance battles are fierce and sometimes fatal, underscoring the harsh realities of survival.
The Arabian oryx, too, revealed surprising social dynamics. Footage confirmed that herd leadership usually lies with an older female, while the dominant male protects from the rear. Newborn calves, born brown, gradually lighten to white within 4–5 months. In conflicts over dominance, defeated males withdraw for weeks before returning, either to challenge again or quietly reintegrate.
Facts about Asiatic Onager
- Population in Al Shaumari Wildlife Reserve (2025): ~40 individuals
- Gestation: ~11 months, usually one foal
- Lifespan: up to 40 years
- Speed: 60–70 km/h
- Weight: 250–300 kg
- Extremely wild, historically known as “Al-Akhdar” or Syrian wild ass
- Second most endangered equid species globally
Facts about Arabian Oryx
- Initially reintroduced from Phoenix Zoo, USA (1975)
- Population maintained through careful management and natural predators
- Calves born brown, turning white within month.
- 1,200 Arabian oryx roaming the deserts of the Middle East.
- Standing sideways to appear larger.
- Lifespan up to 20 years
- Weight between 68 and 95 kg
Conservation Impact
These discoveries not only enrich our understanding of these species but also reinforce the importance of protected areas, monitoring, and conservation initiatives. By revealing previously unknown behaviors, the camera traps help managers make informed decisions to protect these rare animals and maintain the delicate balance of Jordan’s desert ecosystems.
Unlocking the Secrets of the Desert
The NatureWorks Project has marked a milestone in Jordan’s wildlife conservation with the first-time deployment of camera traps at Al Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, opening a new window into the secret lives of Asiatic onagers and Arabian oryx. These discoveries not only highlight the power of research, technology, and conservation but also equip conservationists with vital knowledge to better manage habitats, support healthy populations, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewardship. Protecting these species is essential for sustaining Jordan’s natural heritage and driving conservation efforts across the region.