James borrell is a conservation scientist and science communicator, with a particular interest in how species adapt to changing climate.
Expedition Update: And the rain comes!
All is eerily quiet here in base camp as the expedition has split into three teams for a four day exploration of the two Wadis, two teams from up on the ridge and one in the Wadi bed. Our initial recce into both Wadis left us feeling disappointed when each time we were stopped by massive rocks blocking the way, which even with the expertise of our Omani Ranger we could not find a way around. After an hour struggling through the rocks we managed to lay a camera trap. Our breakthrough came a day later when one group found a path to the Wadi rim and a village.
It appears there are a number of hamlets along the rim and we hope each will have a it’s own unique way into the Wadi. The objective of the four day trip is to find and map each route down to allow reasonably quick access to the Wadi, which will allow us to continue our intensive scientific survey of this amazing area.
Excitement was tinged with anxiety last night as heavy rain clouds blew in and a few drops of rain were felt. Everyone reacted with admiral speed and organisation to move the base camp out of the Wadi, and on to higher ground, in about forty five minutes. Hereafter the threat of rain did not materialise but everyone slept better on higher ground.
It is interesting and satisfying to hear people naming and describing the birds and wildlife they now see around our camps while our array of objects found, which are now displayed on our science table, is getting impressive..
Terry
Chief Leader
This article was originally published over on the BSES blog. If you would like to support conservation in Oman then there are lots of ways you can help. If you found this story interesting, then why not tell a friend and help make more people aware. Better yet, we’re returning to Oman next January and you or someone you know could get involved – find out more here.
