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Nature and Environment

Island of the White Antelope

March 29, 2021

The Arabian oryx is a beautiful, almost luminously white antelope. But, after being over-hunted by humans in the 20th century, it only narrowly escaped extinction.

https://p.dw.com/p/3rLWC
Filmstills der Dokumentation "Insel der weißen Antilope - Abu Dhabis Naturoase"
Image: ORF

Today, on the desert island of Sir Bani Yas, the endangered animals find refuge.

Filmstills der Dokumentation "Insel der weißen Antilope - Abu Dhabis Naturoase"
Image: ORF


Part of an archipelago west of Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas is home to a large wildlife reserve, where animals from Arabia, Asia and Africa roam freely. You can watch cheetahs hunting, and imagine how the Bedouins once lived, under open desert skies. 

Filmstills der Dokumentation "Insel der weißen Antilope - Abu Dhabis Naturoase"
Image: ORF


Established in the 1970s, extensive ecological measures turned Sir Bani Yas into a man-made "paradise for wild animals." Now, the reserve stands for the region’s desire for a sustainable future. It’s also a great place to see the magnificent Arabian oryx running free, once more. 

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