AL QUDRA LAKES, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A desert oasis hidden away in the dunes of Dubai has become the unexpected home for Argentinian rodents, drawing curiosity and admiration from locals and visitors alike. The pack of Patagonian maras, which resemble rabbits but have unique long legs and big ears, has started to carve out their niche among the usual residents of this region, which typically includes gazelles and various native desert wildlife.
How these rodents got to this part of the UAE remains somewhat elusive. The Patagonian maras are usually found roaming the grasslands of central and southern Argentina, so their transition to the UAE’s arid climate is intriguing. Nonetheless, they seem to be holding their own, reportedly thriving within the protection of underground warrens throughout the dunes of Al Qudra Lakes.
Initial sightings of these creatures were noted around 2020, amid the global disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports emerged from local naturalists and wildlife enthusiasts describing these unexpected travelers, with updates appearing sporadically through community newsletters. Soon, multiple sightings circulated about these intriguing mammals appearing not only at Al Qudra but also on Saadiyat Island, closer to Abu Dhabi, igniting debates about their origins.
The UAE's Climate Change and Environment Ministry, along with other local authorities, have remained curiously silent on the issue, leaving many to speculate how perhaps as many as 200 m' mara came to settle there. The count is primarily speculative, based on few bodies found and the frequency of their sightings, indicating they are breeding successfully.
During visits to Al Qudra Lakes, one journalist managed to spot at least five of these unique creatures roving freely, including memorable moments witnessing a mother nursing her young. Al Qudra Lakes is well-known for its cycling tracks and attracts campers and outdoor enthusiasts, especially during cooler months, making it both a popular tourist attraction and potentially, for the maras, quite the safari.
This unusual occurrence has caught the eye of experts, like Jacky Judas, who commented on the maras' situation. They are often housed in zoological collections but would not typically be seen adapting to extreme climates like the UAE's. Judas noted, “They can regularly be seen sleeping or eating grass in the middle of roundabouts at Al Qudra,” pointing out how well they adapt to modified habitats with ample greenery from trees, lawns, and ponds.
Another factor adding to their survival is the absence of their natural predators, chiefly pumas, a situation allowing them to settle almost comfortably, albeit outside their usual habitat. The fact they are reportedly breeding, with females limited to brief reproductive windows, shows resilience and adaptability.
The maras have piqued interest beyond local wildlife enthusiasts. Their display at the children’s section of the Dubai Safari Park brings them some awareness, though the park is situated at quite the distance from Al Qudra. Their presence raises questions about animal trafficking as former exotic pets; reports of maras being discovered during smuggling incidents also surfaced, including one individual found attempting to cross from Greece to Turkey.
Despite local laws against keeping endangered wildlife as pets, the fascination with exotic animals prevails, often leading to peculiar sightings within the Emirati community and raising ethical debates on pet ownership and wildlife conservation. Authorities continue to enforce regulations against keeping wild animals, but social media remains rife with videos of wild cats and even exotic pets adorning luxury cars.
These Patagonian maras, with their charming appearance and intriguing backstory, have unwittingly found themselves on a new leg of their adventure. Amidst Dubai’s rich urban fabric and the serene environment of Al Qudra Lakes, they stand out as enduring symbols—their resilience reflecting not just another exotic species but the complexity of animal welfare and adaptation within rapidly changing geographies. Time will tell how this new chapter plays out for these long-legged wanderers, but for now, they seem to thrive, encapsulating the charm of living wild against the odds.
