AL QUDRA LAKES, United Arab Emirates (AP) — In an unexpected twist, a group of Argentinian rodents known as Patagonian maras has found a surprising new home in the tranquil desert oasis of Al Qudra Lakes, nestled among the towering skyscrapers of Dubai. This diverse landscape, primarily inhabited by gazelles and other desert wildlife, has attracted these large, rabbit-like mammals with long legs and big ears.
The exact origins of the Patagonian maras in the UAE remain uncertain, especially in a country known for its exotic animals often appearing in the private collections of the affluent. Despite this mystery, these maras have seemingly thrived for several years, establishing a network of burrows in the dunes, with some estimates suggesting their population could be as high as 200 in the area and the adjacent Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
An AP journalist reported encountering at least five maras during a recent visit to the lakes, located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Dubai’s city center. On another visit, multiple groups were spotted, including a mother nursing her young, showcasing the rodents’ adaptability to their new surroundings.
Al Qudra Lakes serves as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts in the cooler months, featuring a long bicycle track that draws cyclists and campers alike. The manmade lakes, designed in whimsical shapes like crescent moons and hearts, enhance the area’s appeal, with some even used for promotional purposes like Dubai’s Expo 2020.
The first sightings of Patagonian maras in this region occurred in 2020, coinciding with the peak of the coronavirus pandemic. They were initially noted in the Dubai Natural History Group’s newsletter, where volunteers reported encounters in both Al Qudra and on Saadiyat Island near Abu Dhabi.
Jacky Judas, a mammal expert who has studied wildlife in the UAE, speculated that the maras likely escaped from captivity, possibly from local zoos or private collections, in a chapter from the recent book “A Natural History of the Emirates.” He described the maras as typically seen resting or grazing in open areas, despite their original habitat being unsuitable for arid conditions. He noted that, without their natural predators like pumas, they have been able to survive in modified environments with ample vegetation and water.
Al Qudra’s favorable conditions have likely contributed to the maras’ continued existence, even as summer temperatures regularly soar to 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit). Their presence also indicates they are breeding, which is fascinating since Patagonian maras are monogamous and have limited mating seasons, producing one to three young per litter. In their native Argentina, these animals face threats from hunting for their meat and fur.
While herbivorous and non-threatening to humans, the maras have few natural predators in their new environment, though Arabian red foxes may inhabit the area. The mystery of how they first arrived at Al Qudra continues, with speculation about escape routes through nearby luxury properties or farms.
Patagonian maras, which originate from central and southern Argentina, have previously been kept as exotic pets around the world. Several incidents have made headlines, such as a mara spotted in Lakewood, Colorado, earlier this year, and another found in a vehicle attempting to cross into Turkey from Greece in a suspected trafficking incident.
Although keeping endangered or threatened species as pets is illegal in the Emirates, there are frequent reports of rare animals being paraded in luxury vehicles. In 2021, officials even warned of a “wild cat” sighted roaming a residential neighborhood, which illustrates the ongoing issues of illegal wildlife possession in the region.
