ABU DHABI // Two African cheetahs will join other exotic species in the Sir Bani Yas Island nature reserve.
The big cats, to be imported within a year, will be fitted with radio tags so they can always be located.
"They're going to be allowed to roam free once they're acclimatised," said William Heinecke, chief executive of Minor, which operates the Desert Islands Resort and Spa on Sir Bani Yas.
"You set up salt licks out where they will come. During the day, when it's hot, they hang around the trees but once it cools off you can see them. Often you set up observation points."
An area on Sir Bani Yas is to be devoted to the predators. If they adapt well, they will be released into the wild.
Cheetahs are the fastest land animals in the world, chasing their prey at speeds of up to 110 kph.
The spotted cats are considered a vulnerable species in the wild. The pair to be brought to Sir Bani Yas is the species closest to its lost Arabian cousin still available.
Mr Heinecke said he did not fear for any humans infringing on cheetah territory.
"I'm sure they're going to be well fed and provided with lots of area," he said. "Most of these animals are very shy."
Cheetahs now live mostly in southern Africa, although many are kept in zoos around the world. They are distinguished by their black spots and black "tear" marks that run from the corners of their eyes to the bottom of their chins. An adult cheetah weighs about 65kg and, because of its speed, has virtually no predator besides man.
The cats are declining in numbers due to a loss of habitat and prey.
@Email:jgerson@thenational.ae
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
The 12 breakaway clubs
England
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur
Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus
Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
