Sharjah 24: Sharjah Safari, the largest safari outside Africa, is pleased to announce a successful breeding effort concerning the rare "Madagascar Paratilapia (Paratilapia Polleni)" fish, listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This achievement reflects the commitment of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah (EPAA) to protect this exceptional species within the safari.
EPAA pay attention to small fish that play a significant environmental role in nature
Her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah (EPAA) highlighted the combined scientific, research, and practical efforts behind "Sharjah Safari". She said, "The Safari team's success in breeding the rare Madagascar Paratilapia fish exemplifies our commitment to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, vision and directives. Sharjah Safari is a scientific and research project aimed at multiplying endangered species and enriching visitors' knowledge through twelve different African environments showcasing diverse terrains, animals, birds, and fish."
Her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi added, "At Sharjah Safari, not only we do care for large mammals, but we also pay attention to small fish that play a significant environmental role in nature, such as this rare fish." Elaborating further, she explained, "The Madagascar Paratilapia fish lays its eggs in water-bushes or mud where they remain for 3-4 days, after which the larva remains hidden for a few weeks. We are now observing young fish in the Spiny Forest area in Sharjah Safari by successfully implementing this process.
Approximately 5cm in size, these fish feed on fish flakes and blood worms. The fish measures approximately 5 cm, likes to hide among aquatic plants, and its primary habitat is northern Madagascar. The species faces genuine threats, including deforestation, habitat degradation, and changes in mature fish colour during mating seasons. Adult male fish are much larger than females and possess longer fins."
Al Suwaidi expressed her appreciation to all the workers at Sharjah Safari for their scientific research and practical efforts in achieving the safari's goals and to affirm its status, value, importance, and role in bringing the world of Africa to Sharjah. She hopes the safari will be a scientific, informational, and touristic destination for all.
Visitors can explore 12 different environments inspired by various parts of Africa
Sharjah Safari, which opened on February 17, 2022, has received an enthusiastic response from environmental tourists, nature lovers, families, and students. Visitors can explore 12 different environments inspired by various parts of Africa and covering an area of 8 square kilometers, distributed across Into Africa, Sahel, Savannah, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Moremi, Kalahari, and Niger Valley to represent the life and terrain of Africa. These areas represent life and terrains, imitating the regions of Africa and are home to more than 50,000 animals, with over 120 species of animals residing within Al Bridi Reserve in Al Dhaid.
Since its opening, Sharjah Safari has succeeded planted more than 100,000 trees, including 100,000 African trees. The types of plants vary across a wide spectrum of local and African species, making it a unique tourist attraction in the UAE and the region.
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