We’re not quite sure if it’s something in the air but some of the most rare animals have been spotted in the UAE for the first time in a long time in a span of two weeks recently.

Just a week back, a sighting of a group of false killer whales was made for the first time in 24 years just off the coast of Fujairah.

And now an elusive hunting cat, called the Arabian caracal, was spotted in Abu Dhabi for the first time in 35 years.

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The hunting cat was caught on a remote camera earlier this month by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, EAD in Jebel Hafeet National Park in Al Ain.

Arabian caracals are medium-sized, sand-coloured cats with elongated, tufted black ears. It was last seen in Abu Dhabi in the year of 1984.

The male cat was caught on a remote camera in both day and night from a network of over 45 cameras

The male species is known to hunt small mammals, rodents and birds, and is mostly nocturnal.

It’s also known to survive without drinking for long periods.

“The rediscovery of the Arabian caracal in Abu Dhabi highlights not only the importance of the preservation of vital habitats in the emirate, but also sheds light on the advanced research tools and methods we apply to learn more about our environment and all that it encompasses.

The agency will continue its efforts in maintaining and monitoring local wildlife and natural ecosystems that will help to preserve the environment for future generations, and invite the public to join us in this endeavour.”

Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, acting secretary general at EAD