The UAE is home to a rich variety of incredible creatures, but some of our emirate’s most important indigenous animals are in precarious positions when it comes to their future survival. Andy Mills finds out what’s being done to help.
The longer you spend in Abu Dhabi the more you realise there’s a rich vein of wildlife running through the city and across the region. You might not decide to take a safari in order to see it, but the barren-looking deserts and seemingly sparse coastal waters can be home to some important migratory and indigenous species that continue to struggle for survival. Fortunately there’s plenty being done to try and ensure that vulnerable animals, birds and marine life aren’t left stranded and on the brink of extinction. Organisations like the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), Emirates Wildlife Society (EMS-WWF) and Al Ain Zoo are all working tirelessly to secure the long-term sustainability of some of Abu Dhabi’s most precious inhabitants, with some great results so far.
Socotra cormorant
Status: Vulnerable.
About: While large in numbers, the colonies of socotra cormorant birds are restricted to only breeding on islands in the Arabian Gulf and the coast of the Arabian Sea. The fast pace of coastal development as well as tourism, which can disturb nesting birds and see them abandoning their eggs, means it doesn’t take much to impact the entire population significantly.
Action: The socotra cormorant is legally protected across much of its range. In Abu Dhabi, specific protection has been given to the breeding colonies on the islands of Marawah and Al Yasat, allowing for populations to hopefully flourish.
Dugong
Status: Vulnerable.
About: The dugong, or ‘sea cow’, is not a native species to these waters but the islands of Marawah and Bu Tina to the west of Abu Dhabi are favourite feeding grounds on their migration routes. The species,
which is thought to have given rise to the myth of the ‘mermaid’, is slow to reproduce and when faced with boat accidents, entanglement in nets, hunting, destruction of areas of sea grass (a staple diet) and water pollution, the continuing struggle for survival is only heightened.
Action: In 2012 four dugongs in the region were successfully tagged with satellite transmitters by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD). The data received will allow a greater understanding of their range, habitats and habits which can help to ensure conservation where needed.
Arabian oryx
Status: Vulnerable.
About: Around 40 years ago the native Arabian oryx was hunted to extinction in the wild across the region. Sheikh Zayed took a personal interest in 1968 and ordered the capture of the last four animals in the wild and set about a breeding programme on Sir Bani Yas Island. Between 2007-2012 a reintroduction programme was launched which saw their numbers swell and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) downgrade their status from ‘critically endangered’ to ‘vulnerable’ in 2011.
Action: The delicate nature of the desert environment and danger of hunting means ongoing support and monitoring is still required as most still live in semi-wild populations or captivity. The UAE currently holds the largest numbers of Arabian oryx in the Middle East and the situation is looking positive.
Hawksbill turtle
Status: Critically endangered.
About: The hawksbill turtle is estimated to have declined in population globally by around 80 percent in the past century. One of the major causes for this has been through hunting for its shell, which is the ‘tortoiseshell’ that has been widely used in jewellery and ornaments. Rising water levels also risk washing away nesting habitats, putting further strain on their survival. While not unique to Abu Dhabi or the UAE (they’re migratory creatures found in over 60 countries) the beaches here, especially on Saadiyat Island, are regular nesting grounds.
Action: The Hawksbill Sea Turtle Conservation Programme monitors and helps ensure construction in the Saadiyat Beach area is not harmful to the site. The project hopes to tag up to 75 turtles to gather information on their movements in the sea in order to better understand how to look after them.
Sand cat
Status: Near threatened.
About: The smallest cat in the Arabian deserts, this animal’s numbers have declined rapidly in recent years due to destruction of its natural habitat and hunting by farmers. One of the largest colonies of the cats living in captivity is at Al Ain Zoo, with 32 animals. Despite only being ‘near threatened’, just four reliable sightings of sand cats have been made in the emirate since 1995.
Action: In July this year Al Ain Zoo teamed up with WildGenes Laboratory, a genetic laboratory at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS). Through DNA the hope is to establish parentage of sand cats and then match with suitable mating partners in captivity elsewhere. They will also analyse faecal samples in the wild to help try to establish the range and size of sand cat populations.
Arabian leopard
Status: Critically endangered.
About: While you’re not likely to see an Arabian leopard in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, you might see one in nearby Oman or Yemen… although even that’s unlikely. Forget that they’re the smallest breed of leopard, official estimates have put mature adult leopard numbers at no more than 250 (which may have reduced further since those figures were released) thanks to loss of habitat and excessive hunting, so seeing one is almost impossible. Even now they’re not safe from hunters or farmers who might believe an Arabian leopard has attacked their herds.
Action: Breeding programmes have been successful, including at the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife in Sharjah. The key for survival in the wild is protection of habitat, which also means turning environmental protection into something lucrative for the local populations. Earlier this year, British journalist Kevin Rushby debuted a film called Saving The Leopard, documenting an American called David Santon who is dedicated to showing the worth of Arabian leopards to local people.
Houbara bustard
Status: Vulnerable.
About: The funky looking houbara bustard is an unfortunate creature. Its lanky shape and plump body has made it traditional prey of falconers and their falcons, hunting it to dangerously low levels. Loss of habitat has compounded the issue too, making any thoughts of hunting them still very unsustainable.
Action: As the houbara bustard is part of the tradition of falconry, it makes the bird particularly special in the region. Efforts have been made to bolster the population through breeding programmes, overseen by the International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC), Abu Dhabi. The IFHC is considered to be the leading authority on the understanding and protection of this bird.
Saving the big cats
While not native to the UAE, most people can find some love for Africa’s big cats. In fact, some people in the UAE decide to have one as an exotic pet. The Abu Dhabi Wildlife Center is, it’s fair to say, against that kind of thing. They have taken in unwanted or mistreated lions, tigers, cheetahs, leopards and just about anything else that might be a bit of a handful once it grows out of the cute cub years. The rescue and rehabilitation centre for endangered species is also home to a number of other rescued creatures including alpacas, gazelle and tortoises.
To arrange a tour of its facilities to see their good work for yourself visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/pages/Abu-Dhabi-Wildlife-centre (050 721 8169). Tours re-open September 1, 2013.
