Unknown Rodent Thriving in Dubai's Desert Ecosystem
Hidden deep in Dubai's Al Qudra Lakes, a surprising group of travelers has made its home - a pack of Patagonian maras. These unique animals, often described as rabbit-like rodents with long legs and hoofed bodies, are thriving in the dunes, leaving experts puzzled about how they arrived in the UAE.
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Unexpected Residents at Al Qudra
Al Qudra Lakes, a popular outdoor retreat located 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Dubai's bustling center, is usually known for its gazelles, birdlife, and stunning manmade lakes. Now, it also serves as a desert oasis for the mysterious maras. Sightings suggest as many as 200 may inhabit the area and the nearby Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
An Associated Press journalist recently spotted several packs of maras at Al Qudra, including a nursing mother. These hardy creatures have adapted to the harsh desert conditions, building warrens among the dunes despite summer temperatures soaring to 45°C.
A Mystery Without Answers
How these animals arrived in the UAE remains unclear. Patagonian maras are native to central and southern Argentina, not desert landscapes. Experts speculate that the maras may have escaped from captivity, potentially from nearby farms or private collections in Dubai. Exotic animals, while controversial, have been owned by the wealthy in the Emirates, despite strict laws against keeping endangered species.
Jacky Judas, a UAE-based wildlife expert, noted in a publication that the maras are often found in zoological collections. "They are not adapted to arid environments, but in the absence of predators, they can survive in modified habitats like Al Qudra," he explained.
Breeding and Survival
The growing number of maras suggests successful breeding in the area. These animals are known to mate for life, with females giving birth to one to three offspring at a time. Al Qudra’s environment, with tree plantations, grass lawns, and water features, mimics the maras' natural habitat just enough to sustain them.
Predators like the Arabian red fox do roam Al Qudra, but they don’t seem to pose a significant threat. The maras’ survival over the past few years hints at their resilience and adaptability.
Global Intrigue
The presence of Patagonian maras in Dubai isn’t the first case of these animals appearing far from home. Earlier this year, one was spotted in Colorado, while another was discovered in a trafficking attempt at the Turkey-Greece border.
Their arrival in Dubai, however, continues to intrigue locals and visitors. Some suspect they may have escaped from Dubai Safari Park, though the zoo is as far from Al Qudra as the city center.
A Unique Desert Encounter
For those visiting Al Qudra Lakes, the sight of these exotic creatures is an unexpected treat. Whether seen lounging in roundabouts or foraging near the lakes, the Patagonian maras add a touch of mystery to this outdoor hotspot.
As their numbers grow, it raises questions about their long-term impact on the ecosystem and whether authorities will step in to manage their population. For now, they remain one of the UAE’s most curious desert inhabitants, thriving in a land far from their South American roots.