Wildlife in Hatta
Wildlife in Hatta
Hatta is home to a rich and diverse array of wildlife, making it a vital natural habitat within the UAE’s mountainous and desert landscapes. The region supports a variety of species, from mountain-dwelling mammals like the Arabian tahr and caracal to numerous bird species, reptiles, and insects. This biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting pollination, seed dispersal, and natural pest control.
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VENOMOUS
Oman Saw-scaled Viper (Echis omanensis)
- Venomous: Yes; highly dangerous.
- Human Risk: Potentially fatal if untreated.
- Habitat: Rocky areas, wadis, and agricultural zones in the Hajar Mountains.
- Diet: Frogs, toads, birds.
- Size: Up to 75 cm.
- Lifespan: Estimated 10–15 years.
- Interesting Fact: Emits a sizzling sound by rubbing its scales when threatened.
Persian Horned Viper (Pseudocerastes persicus)
- Venomous: Yes.
- Human Risk: Potentially dangerous; bites can be serious.
- Habitat: Rocky deserts and hills in the Hajar Mountains.
- Diet: Lizards, small mammals, birds.
- Size: Up to 108 cm.
- Lifespan: Estimated 12–15 years.
- Interesting Fact: Features horn-like structures above each eye.
Arabian Horned Viper (Cerastes gasperettii)
- Venomous: Yes.
- Human Risk: Bites can be serious but are rarely fatal.
- Habitat: Sandy deserts and rocky areas.
- Diet: Rodents, lizards, insects.
- Size: Up to 85 cm.
- Lifespan: Estimated 10–12 years.
- Interesting Fact: Uses sidewinding locomotion to move across sand.
What to Do If Bitten by a Snake
- Stay Calm: Try to remain as calm and still as possible to prevent the spread of venom.
- Immobilize the Affected Area: Keep the bitten limb immobilized and at or slightly below heart level.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Go to the nearest hospital or medical facility as quickly as possible.
- Do Not:
- Apply ice or a tourniquet.
- Attempt to suck out the venom.
- Consume alcohol or caffeine.
- Administer any medications unless directed by medical personnel.
Safety Tips in Snake-Prone Areas
- Stay on Footpaths and Hiking Trails: Always stay on the official hiking routes.
- Don Not Disturb Rocks: Don't move any rocks or large stones, especially not with your hands.
- Wear Protective Footwear: Always wear boots and long pants when hiking or walking in areas known for snake activity.
- Use a Flashlight at Night: Snakes are often active at night; using a flashlight can help spot them.
- Avoid Tall Grass and Underbrush: Stick to clear paths and avoid walking through dense vegetation.
- Do Not Disturb Snakes: If you see a snake, do not attempt to handle or provoke it.
- Keep the Area Clean: Dispose of food scraps properly to avoid attracting rodents, which in turn attract snakes.
NON- VENOMOUS
Wadi Racer (Platyceps rhodorachis)
- Venomous: No.
- Human Risk: None.
- Habitat: Rocky wadis, hillsides, dry riverbeds, and sometimes near agricultural areas.
- Diet: Lizards, small mammals, birds and insects.
- Size: 80 to 100 cm.
- Lifespan: Estimated 10-12 years.
- Interesting Fact: The Wadi Racer is extremely fast and alert, making it difficult to capture or observe for long.
Schokari Sand Racer (Psammophis schokari)
- Venomous: Mildly; not harmful to humans.
- Human Risk: None.
- Habitat: Deserts, farmlands, oases, and hill regions.
- Diet: Lizards, birds, occasionally rodents.
- Size: Up to 160 cm.
- Lifespan: Estimated 10–12 years.
- Interesting Fact: Known for its incredible speed, often referred to as "sand-gliding."
Diadem Snake (Spalerosophis diadema)
- Venomous: No.
- Human Risk: None.
- Habitat: Oases, farms, and hills.
- Diet: Rodents, lizards, occasionally birds.
- Size: Large; exact measurements vary.
- Lifespan: Estimated 12–15 years.
- Interesting Fact: Active both day and night; known to hide under rocks or drink from water sources.
Arabian Sand Boa (Eryx jayakari)
- Venomous: No.
- Human Risk: None.
- Habitat: Sandy deserts.
- Diet: Small mammals, lizards, other snakes.
- Size: Varies; typically small.
- Lifespan: Estimated 8–10 years.
- Interesting Fact: Spends most of its time buried in sand, ambushing prey.
Deathstalker Scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus)
- Diet: Insects, spiders, small lizards
- Habitat: Rocky crevices, burrows, under logs
- Lifespan: 4–5 years
- Activity: Nocturnal, inactive in cold months
- Interesting Fact: One of the most venomous scorpions
- Danger to Humans:
-
-
- Effects: Intense pain, sweating, seizures (rare)
- Lethality: Rare in adults; dangerous to children
- Treatment: Cold compress, hospital care. Antivenom sometimes used.
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Arabian Fat-Tailed Scorpion (Androctonus crassicauda)
- Diet: Insects, arthropods
- Habitat: Sandy or gravel burrows
- Lifespan: 5–8 years
- Activity: Nocturnal; hibernates during extremes
- Interesting Fact: Highly aggressive and venomous
- Danger to Humans:
- Effects: Pain, numbness, breathing issues
- Lethality: Possible if untreated, especially in children
- Treatment: Immediate hospital care, cold compress, antivenom available
Arabian Fat-Tailed Scorpion (Androctonus crassicauda)
- Diet: Insects, arthropods
- Habitat: Sandy or gravel burrows
- Lifespan: 5–8 years
- Activity: Nocturnal; hibernates during extremes
- Interesting Fact: Highly aggressive and venomous
- Danger to Humans:
- Effects: Pain, numbness, breathing issues
- Lethality: Possible if untreated, especially in children
- Treatment: Immediate hospital care, cold compress, antivenom available
Deathstalker Scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus)
- Diet: Insects, spiders, small lizards
- Habitat: Rocky crevices, burrows, under logs
- Lifespan: 4–5 years
- Activity: Nocturnal, inactive in cold months
- Interesting Fact: One of the most venomous scorpions
- Danger to Humans:
-
-
- Effects: Intense pain, sweating, seizures (rare)
- Lethality: Rare in adults; dangerous to children
- Treatment: Cold compress, hospital care. Antivenom sometimes used.
-
Arabian Fat-Tailed Scorpion (Androctonus crassicauda)
- Diet: Insects, arthropods
- Habitat: Sandy or gravel burrows
- Lifespan: 5–8 years
- Activity: Nocturnal; hibernates during extremes
- Interesting Fact: Highly aggressive and venomous
- Danger to Humans:
- Effects: Pain, numbness, breathing issues
- Lethality: Possible if untreated, especially in children
- Treatment: Immediate hospital care, cold compress, antivenom available
Deathstalker Scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus)
- Diet: Insects, spiders, small lizards
- Habitat: Rocky crevices, burrows, under logs
- Lifespan: 4–5 years
- Activity: Nocturnal, inactive in cold months
- Interesting Fact: One of the most venomous scorpions
- Danger to Humans:
-
-
- Effects: Intense pain, sweating, seizures (rare)
- Lethality: Rare in adults; dangerous to children
- Treatment: Cold compress, hospital care. Antivenom sometimes used.
-
Arabian Fat-Tailed Scorpion (Androctonus crassicauda)
- Diet: Insects, arthropods
- Habitat: Sandy or gravel burrows
- Lifespan: 5–8 years
- Activity: Nocturnal; hibernates during extremes
- Interesting Fact: Highly aggressive and venomous
- Danger to Humans:
- Effects: Pain, numbness, breathing issues
- Lethality: Possible if untreated, especially in children
- Treatment: Immediate hospital care, cold compress, antivenom available
Deathstalker Scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus)
- Diet: Insects, spiders, small lizards
- Habitat: Rocky crevices, burrows, under logs
- Lifespan: 4–5 years
- Activity: Nocturnal, inactive in cold months
- Interesting Fact: One of the most venomous scorpions
- Danger to Humans:
-
-
- Effects: Intense pain, sweating, seizures (rare)
- Lethality: Rare in adults; dangerous to children
- Treatment: Cold compress, hospital care. Antivenom sometimes used.
-
Arabian Fat-Tailed Scorpion (Androctonus crassicauda)
- Diet: Insects, arthropods
- Habitat: Sandy or gravel burrows
- Lifespan: 5–8 years
- Activity: Nocturnal; hibernates during extremes
- Interesting Fact: Highly aggressive and venomous
- Danger to Humans:
- Effects: Pain, numbness, breathing issues
- Lethality: Possible if untreated, especially in children
- Treatment: Immediate hospital care, cold compress, antivenom available
Deathstalker Scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus)
- Diet: Insects, spiders, small lizards
- Habitat: Rocky crevices, burrows, under logs
- Lifespan: 4–5 years
- Activity: Nocturnal, inactive in cold months
- Interesting Fact: One of the most venomous scorpions
- Danger to Humans:
-
-
- Effects: Intense pain, sweating, seizures (rare)
- Lethality: Rare in adults; dangerous to children
- Treatment: Cold compress, hospital care. Antivenom sometimes used.
-
Arabian Fat-Tailed Scorpion (Androctonus crassicauda)
- Diet: Insects, arthropods
- Habitat: Sandy or gravel burrows
- Lifespan: 5–8 years
- Activity: Nocturnal; hibernates during extremes
- Interesting Fact: Highly aggressive and venomous
- Danger to Humans:
- Effects: Pain, numbness, breathing issues
- Lethality: Possible if untreated, especially in children
- Treatment: Immediate hospital care, cold compress, antivenom available
Deathstalker Scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus)
- Diet: Insects, spiders, small lizards
- Habitat: Rocky crevices, burrows, under logs
- Lifespan: 4–5 years
- Activity: Nocturnal, inactive in cold months
- Interesting Fact: One of the most venomous scorpions
- Danger to Humans:
-
-
- Effects: Intense pain, sweating, seizures (rare)
- Lethality: Rare in adults; dangerous to children
- Treatment: Cold compress, hospital care. Antivenom sometimes used.
-