Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 7 hrs ago
Patagonian Maras Have Established a Breeding Population in Dubai’s Desert
Patagonian maras are breeding in Dubai’s desert after being first recorded there in 2020.
The rodents are native to Argentina and have been seen near the Al Qudra lakes and in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, about 40 kilometres from central Dubai.
Young animals and a nursing female were observed during fieldwork in November 2024, showing the maras are reproducing there.
Their population is estimated at about 200, but unconfirmed because no official count has been carried out.
It is not known how they reached Dubai, though experts think some may have escaped from private properties or facilities where exotic animals were kept.
Researchers are monitoring their spread and possible effects on the local environment.
Patagonian maras, rodents native to Argentina, have established a breeding population in Dubai’s desert.
They have been seen near the Al Qudra lakes and in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, about 40 kilometres from central Dubai.
Field observations in November 2024 included a female nursing a young and other juvenile animals.
The population is estimated at about 200, but no official count has confirmed the number.
How the animals reached Dubai is unknown; experts suggest they may have escaped from private properties or facilities.
- Who
- Patagonian maras, rodents native to Argentina.
- What
- They are surviving and breeding in Dubai’s desert. Their population is estimated at about 200, though no official count exists.
- When
- First recorded in 2020; breeding evidence was observed in November 2024.
- Where
- Near the Al Qudra lakes and in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, about 40 kilometres from central Dubai.
- Why
- Not stated. How the animals arrived in Dubai is unknown.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The first records of Patagonian maras in the area were made during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Field observations found groups of maras, including a nursing female and juveniles, indicating they were breeding.
- Native range
- Argentina
- First Dubai records
- 2020
- Breeding observations
- November 2024
- Estimated population
- About 200; no official count
- Location
- Al Qudra lakes and Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve