Capital

Doha

Official Language

Arabic

Fun Fact

One of the only places in the world where the sea directly meets the desert

National Animal

Arabian Oryx

National Bird

Peregrine Falcon

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Animal Laws of Qatar

The Animal Laws of Qatar PDF contains the general animal protection laws and related statutes for Qatar. Uncaged World updates these bi-annually. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date legal status.

Animals of Qatar

Peregrine Falcon

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Peregrine Falcon is one of the world's fastest birds, found on every continent except Antarctica. Recognized by its blue-gray back, barred underparts, and dark facial markings, it hunts birds in flight using breathtaking high-speed dives called stoops, which can exceed 200 miles (320 kilometers) per hour. Highly adaptable, Peregrine Falcons nest on cliffs, coastlines, and even skyscrapers in cities. Conservation efforts have helped the species recover in many parts of its range after past declines.

Arabian Oryx

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

The Arabian Oryx is a striking desert antelope native to the Arabian Peninsula. Recognized by its bright white coat, black facial markings, and long, straight horns, it is superbly adapted to life in harsh desert environments. Arabian Oryxes feed on grasses, herbs, and shrubs, obtaining much of the moisture they need from the plants they eat. Once extinct in the wild, successful conservation and reintroduction programs have restored wild populations, making the Arabian Oryx one of the world's greatest conservation success stories.

Honey Badger

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Honey Badger is a fearless mammal found in savannas, forests, deserts, and grasslands across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Recognized by its distinctive black body and broad gray-white stripe running from its head to its tail, it feeds on insects, reptiles, birds, small mammals, fruits, and honey. Known for its strength, intelligence, and tenacity, the Honey Badger is capable of taking on prey much larger than itself and is considered one of the world's toughest mammals.

Hawksbill Turtle

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

The Hawksbill Turtle is a critically endangered sea turtle found in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. It is recognized by its beautifully patterned shell and narrow, pointed beak, which it uses to feed mainly on sea sponges growing on coral reefs. Hawksbill Turtles play a vital role in maintaining healthy reef ecosystems. Habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, pollution, and fishing gear entanglement remain major threats to their survival.

Sand Cat

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Sand Cat is a small wild cat found in the deserts of North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Recognized by its sandy-colored fur, large ears, and furry footpads, it is perfectly adapted to life in harsh desert environments. Mostly active at night, the Sand Cat hunts rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects, relying on its keen hearing to detect prey beneath the sand. Its remarkable ability to survive with very little water makes it one of the desert's most specialized predators.

Broad Scarlet

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Broad Scarlet is a brightly colored dragonfly found near ponds, marshes, lakes, and slow-moving rivers across parts of Asia and the Middle East. Males are recognized by their vivid scarlet-red bodies and broad wings, while females are typically yellowish-brown. These agile insects feed on mosquitoes and other small flying insects, making them important natural pest controllers. As both predators and indicators of healthy wetlands, Broad Scarlet Dragonflies play a valuable role in freshwater ecosystems.