The Jewel of Arabia Expedition

The Bar Al Hikmann wetland reserve is an internationally recognised site for migratory birds. Its mudflats have some of the highest densities of shorebirds in the world and it’s geographical position makes a key point on the West Asian – East Africa flyway route for migratory waterbirds.With its rich biodiversity and local efforts to protect, conserve and record the wetland, this was going to be a key place for the Jewel of Arabia Team to visit.Mark sits down to talk to Aziza Al Adhoobi who is leading the some of the work to get protected status for the wetlands and while also being heavily involved in the fieldwork around the reserve.Expedition website: The Jewel of Arabia ExpeditionFollow the expedition on social media: Instagram and FacebookThe Jewel of Arabia Expedition podcast is produced by Adventurous Audio

Day 9 started with an emotional goodbye for the team as Amour and the camels left the expedition as planned. Mark and Amour have done several expeditions together and their goodbyes are always difficult.Later in the day, the team have travelled over a short sea crossing to Masirah Island, about a third of the way down the Omani coast. Unlike Thomas who was welcomed by the local Sheikh on the mainland, the Jewel of Arabia team were welcomed to Masirah by the local Wali.Masirah Island is a wildlife hotspot and Mark talks to us from their campsite at the southern tip of the island. The white sandy shoreline, speckled with corals, gives way to rocky upper shore zones which were full of hermit crabs. As the camp torches were switched on at dusk, swarms of silver tipped moths were attracted to the light.Light pollution is a big issue for the resident loggerhead turtle population and Mark speaks to Juma Al Urami from the Environmental Society Oman about some of the conversation measures they are putting in place to try and stop the population decline of this critically endangered species.Expedition website: The Jewel of Arabia ExpeditionFollow the expedition on social media: Instagram and FacebookThe Jewel of Arabia Expedition podcast is produced by Adventurous Audio

Oman is home to 5 of the world’s 7 different species of turtle. The coastline provides the ideal beach nesting conditions for turtles, which during the laying season come ashore in vast numbers to lay their eggs in their sand nests.But like almost all wildlife they are under various threats. Climate change, light pollution and uncontrolled tourism all pose a risk to the resident species.Mark and the team have reached the Indian Ocean again and soon will travel to Masirah Island, home to several species of turtle. To learn more about the different species, their life cycles and the conservations effort around their protection Mark speaks to Rabab Al Lawati, a conservation and outreach co-ordinator for the Environmental Society of Oman.Expedition website: The Jewel of Arabia ExpeditionFollow the expedition on social media: Instagram and FacebookThe Jewel of Arabia Expedition podcast is produced by Adventurous Audio

Last night’s camp was about 8 kms from the coastline, it was much colder than previous night which led to a heavy dew and the whole team waking through the night very wet in their sleeping bags.But sunrise bought warmth and the desert dawn chorus which (loudly) serenaded them during breakfast. As they walked today they came across a mosque in the desert. The local caretaker was happy to open it up and show them around. For Amour and Ibrahim this meant they were able to pray in the mosque. But with no call to prayer being sung Amour sings one for them both.Marks describes the 5 core pillars of Islam for listeners who may not know them and explains the importance of the moon and lunar cycle on the Arabian calendar, which he finds gives him a far greater connection to the moon than he otherwise finds at home in the UK.Expedition website: The Jewel of Arabia ExpeditionFollow the expedition on social media: Instagram and FacebookThe Jewel of Arabia Expedition podcast is produced by Adventurous Audio