HE al-Kuwari and al-Abduljabbar display the book during the launch as Dr al-Hajri and a guest look on
By Noimot Olayiwola

A book authored by a Qatari about Qatar’s wildlife, covering mammals, birds and reptiles found on the mainland and the seas surrounding the country, has been launched by the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari at the Friends of the Environment Centre.
The 167-page Introduction to Qatar Fauna book written by Mohamed Jasim al-Abduljabbar, and whose scientific editor is Frances Gillespie, was translated into English from an earlier Arabic version.
The English edition was sponsored by the Department of Cultural Research and Studies at the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage.
The book contains photos and illustrations of different types of birds, mammals and reptiles in Qatar, some of which were being threatened by extinction including birds of gardens, parks and farmland; birds of coastal areas and freshwater lagoons; and birds of desert and arid plains.
It also features in detail mammals and reptiles in the marine and terrestrial worlds.
Speaking at the book launch held at the FEC’s Green Tent, HE al-Kuwari said it was one of the many efforts aimed at preserving the Qatari identity while at the same time trying to open and welcome other cultures.
“We cherish our culture, which is why we always support any attempt aimed in that regard and I believe this book will be a reference for environmental library and a useful resource for all English speakers in the country, who wish to know more about Qatar’s animals, birds and reptiles as the book contains very accurate scientific details,” the minister said.
The author, al-Abduljabbar, who is wheel-chair bound because of multiple sclerosis, said it took him three years to compile the book.
“Long before my illness, I used to go to the desert to observe nature and especially to see the types of animals and birds we have here. About some three years ago, I began collating my findings into a book. I really thank God for the success launch of this book,” al-Abduljabbar, who got married recently, told Gulf Times.
He also thanked HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, HE al-Kuwari, the ministry’s secretary general as well as the FEC’s chairman Dr Saif al-Hajri and Cultural Research and Studies department director Dr Bashir Marzooq bin Marzook for their support and encourage while putting the book together.
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