Arabian tahr

Abstract: The Endangered Arabian tahr Arabitragus jayakari is a rare and little known mountain ungulate, endemic to the 650 km mountain chain of northern Oman and the United Arab Emirates. To investigate the species’ status and distribution we conducted a systematic camera-trap survey across its entire range. We used occupancy modelling to quantify habitat associations and create a predictive distribution model for the species. We found that tahr preferred steep, rugged mountain habitats, and occupancy was much higher in protected areas. Arabian tahr were subject to anthropogenic threats, with occupancy decreasing with closer proximity to villages, and with increasing numbers of domestic goats. Tahr occupancy was also negatively associated with elevation and rainfall, with peak occupancy at 800–1,000 m. Although previous assessments have associated the entire Hajar Mountain range with the Arabian tahr, we found that only 23.9%, or 6,986 km2, of the mountain range was occupied. This reduction in area of occupancy reflects recent population declines, but also our improved methods of assessment. Based on our findings, future conservation efforts should focus on creating more protected areas, control measures to partition goats from core habitats of the Arabian tahr, and restoration and captive reinforcement within suitable habitats unoccupied by Arabian tahr. As infrastructure development is a threat to the Arabian tahr, our occurrence probability map provides a useful tool for spatial planning of developments to reduce impacts on the species.

Abstract: There is at present no national park in any part of peninsular Arabia. The FPS therefore welcomed the chance to help Dr Harrison and Major Gallagher formulate their plans for a park in Oman to help save the Arabian tahr and also pioneer the idea of national parks in the Arab world. The FPS approached the Omani authorities, who readily agreed to allow Major Gallagher to make the preliminary survey, and the Society is also sponsoring the proposed scientific expedition in April 1975 described in this article. Michael Gallagher's photograph above was taken in the area.

Abstract: Objective: An article on the acceptance of a custom designed Intraosseous Transcutaneous Amputation Prosthesis (ITAP) fitted to the left hind limb of a female Arabian tahr (Arabitragus jayakari) and the factors needed to optimize recovery, rehabilitation and successful reunion with the herd. Study Design: A Case Report. Sample Population: A 4 year old, 15kg Arabian female tahr from the Omani Mammals Breeding Centre. An implant was inserted 4 months after amputation of the hind left leg at the level of one third distal tibia. Method: The distal limb amputation was due to a trauma allowing the possibility to insert the custom designed ITAP into the tibia. 2 weeks after the surgery an exoprosthesis was attached to the limb. 3 months post implantation a myiasis complication was observed in the junction between the skin and the implant. Immediate, aggressive treatment prevented implant infection and failure. The outcome of the surgery was measured by means of subjective assessments of the limb function and radiographic examination. Results: Skin integration with the ITAP was achieved within 28 days and shortly after the attachment of the exoprosthesis the Arabian tahr exhibited no signs of discomfort whilst walking. The tahr was successfully reunited with the breeding herd. Conclusion: Application of the ITAP to the left tibia of the Arabian tahr resulted in positive functional outcomes. 6 months post-surgery observations confirmed ambulation was restored in a pain free manner. Reintroduction to the breeding group continues to ensure conservation of endangered species. Clinical Relevance: ITAP offers a viable option to restore functionality and ambulation in wildlife despite possible post amputation problems thus saving individual animals contributes to conservation and breeding programs of endangered species.