Waheed AlFazari Photogarphy
Wildlife Photographer | Guide | Conservationist
Sooty Falcon Project
Although the Middle East supports a high level of avian biodiversity, the ecology of relatively few species that use the region has been studied in detail. Despite its restricted breeding distribution in the Middle East, and apparent unfavorable conservation status, little is known about the population ecology of the Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor), one of only two falcon species that breeds in the boreal summer. We spent nearly 9 years studying this species in Oman. Here are some of the published results (more coming soon):
Survival of Sooty Falcons (Falco concolor) breeding in Oman, published in Journal of Ornithology, 2015.
Sooty Falcon Falco concolor reproduction and population dynamics on the islands in the Sea of Oman, published in Ibis, 2017.
Has Sooty Falcon Falco concolor distribution contracted in Oman?, published in Sandgrouse, 2018
Island accessibility and distance from beach influence nesting success of Sooty Falcons Falco concolor in Oman, published in IBIS, 2018
Oman Birds Researchs
Oman is important to migrant and resident scavenging raptors, including the globally endangered Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus. We counted birds scavenging at Muscat’s main (Al Multaqa) municipal landfill, November 2013–March 2015. Furthermore, I have been involved several other avian studies in Oman, Here are some of the publication:
Counts of Egyptian Vultures Neophron percnopterus and other avian scavengers at Muscat’s municipal landfill, Oman, November 2013–March 2015. Published in Sandgrouse, 2016.
Observations on the Nesting Ecology of Seabirds in Al –Daymaniat Islands, Sultanate of Oman, published in International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 2014.
Birds of Wadi Sayq, Dhofar, Oman: British Exploring Society expeditions January–March 2012 and 2013, published in Sandgrouse, 2015.
Arabian Gazelle Research
We conducted distance sampling surveys of the Arabian Gazelle (Gazella arabica) in two protected areas, Al Wusta Wildlife Reserve (WWR) and Ras Ash Shajar Nature Reserve (RSNR), regarded as important for gazelle conservation in northern and central Oman. You can read more about the results in the following paper.