A priority system for wildlife reintroduction efforts in Kuwait

Abstract

Historically, Kuwait is the home for 28 mammalian, over 300 bird, and 40 reptilian species. Expanding human population and technology are increasingly altering Kuwait's natural habitat. Such alterations have lead to the disappearance of many native wildlife species. Currently, eight mammalian species have been eradicated locally but are available elsewhere in the Arabian Peninsula. I have developed a priority system for reintroduction efforts for these species or other wildlife species in the area. This system will help decision makers in efforts to conserve Kuwait's wildlife biodiversity. The application of this system requires the accumulation of basic information about species. The most important of such information is related to the historic range and major extinction factors for each of the local species.