Types of Animals You Can See in Sir Bani Yas Island – From Land Carnivores to Dolphins!

The island of Sir Bani Yas is home to four major species of carnivores. The most prominent of these carnivores is the cheetah. The cheetah is the apex predator of the island and is known for being the fastest mammals in the planet. If you happen to see a cheetah, hope you will also get to see it chase its prey down at a speed of over 100kmph! Striped hyenas are also commonly found on the island, and despite their shy nature are rather fascinating to observe. Caracals, the lynxes of the desert, are also found on Sir Bani Yas Island. With their beautiful facial markings and innate hunting skills, the caracal is a formidable carnivore. The Golden jackal, commonly found in packs, is a scavenger and preys on the remains of dead antelopes, gazelles and even snakes! They can be easily tracked by following their distinct yelling-like howl.

Sir Bani Yas Island is home to many species of avifauna. There are at least 7 recognized species of birds that you can witness while exploring the island. The Blue Necked Ostrich is the largest bird that inhabits the island, growing up to nearly 3m in height and weighing over 100kg. Rheas, which resemble an ostrich only with more brown feathers, are also found on the island. Another large bird capable of growing up to 2m in height, the Emu, also inhabits the island. Closer to the shallow waters of the island you will see flocks of Greater Flamingos as well. The other species of avifauna that inhabit the island are the Grey-Crowned Crane, the Houbara Bastard, and the regal Osprey – the Sea Hawk.

In total, there are 11 species of gazelles, antelopes and deer on Sir Bani Yas Island. Gazelles, antelopes and deer are among the most commonly sighted animals on the island and can be found roaming the open plains and grasslands of island. The species of gazelles that are found on the island are the Arabian Sand Gazelle and the Arabian Mountain Gazelle. The three species of deer on the island are the Red Deer, the Fallow Deer, and the Axis Deer. You will also come across the six species of antelopes; the Indian Antelope, the Scimitar-Horned Oryx, the Arabian Oryx, Patterson's Eland, the Gemsbok, and the Beisa Oryx.

The wildlife of Sir Bani Yas Island is not just limited to the sky and the land, as the waters are thriving with marine life. Staying at an Abu Dhabi beach hotel such as any of the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Resorts will give you a great opportunity of exploring the marine life of Sir Bani Yas Island. There many species of fish that inhabit the waters of Sir Bani Yas Island; but three species constitute the highlights of the marine life. Dolphins are the major highlight of the waters, with the Bottle-Nosed Dolphin and the Humpback Dolphin commonly sighted breaching the waters of Sir Bani Yas Island. Four species of sea turtles; the Green Turtle, the Leatherback Turtle, the Hawksbill Turtle, and the Loggerhead Turtle, also inhabit the waters. Even 400kg Dugongs are found swimming in the waters.

The mightily horned Urial Sheep and the Barbary Sheep reside on the island of Sri Bani Yas, along with Reticulated Giraffes. You will also find smaller mammals such as the Rock Hyrax, the Arabian Hare and the Ethiopian Hedgehog scampering about on the island.