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Conservation triumph: Abu Dhabi offers vital haven for greater flamingos

Conservation triumph: Abu Dhabi offers vital haven for greater flamingos
16 July 2024 23:03

MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)

Nestled within the West Asian-East African migratory flyway, Abu Dhabi plays a crucial role in the annual migration of many birds.

As winter blankets harsher climates, the emirate's coastal and inland wetland areas transform into vital stopover sites for migratory waterbirds seeking respite or a chance to refuel before heading further south.

Among the most iconic winter visitors to Abu Dhabi is one long-legged bird famed for its pink plumage, the greater flamingo.

This striking bird makes the long journey from its breeding grounds in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran to coastal and inland wetland sites within the emirate.

Upon arrival, greater flamingos congregate in large numbers at undisturbed coastal areas, inland wetlands, tidal mudflats, and lagoons.

Greater flamingos are known for their highly gregarious nature, often seen in vast flocks engaging in synchronised flight formations or wading along the shore.

With striking looks marked by slender legs, distinctive downward-bending bills, and a pink hue that stands out prominently against the blue waters of their habitat, greater flamingos fail to go unnoticed. Interestingly, baby flamingos are born white or grey, only developing their iconic colouration as they mature.

This change is due to the carotenoids-organic pigments found in the algae and tiny crustaceans they consume.

These pigments are absorbed into the bloodstream and subsequently deposited in the feathers, rather than being digested.

The protected areas of Abu Dhabi, notably Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, Bul Syayeef Marine Protected Areas, and the Mangrove National Park offer ideal conditions for flamingos with their shallow saline lagoons and abundant mudflats.

These habitats are teeming with brine shrimp and other invertebrates, which constitute the primary diet of flamingos.

As winter wanes, the majority of the flamingos return on spring migration to their northern breeding grounds, while a small resident population remains in the UAE at a few select sites throughout the year.

Pioneering Conservation Efforts
Abu Dhabi has made significant strides in wildlife conservation, especially when it comes to the greater flamingo.

Speaking with Aletihad, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) highlighted the comprehensive conservation efforts undertaken to protect and sustain the habitats of these avian travellers, ensuring their long-term survival.

This includes the establishment of protected areas, habitat restoration programmes, research and monitoring initiatives, legislative measures, as well as community engagement campaigns, and international collaborations.

Recognising the importance of these birds to regional biodiversity, Abu Dhabi established Al Wathba Wetland Reserve in 1998 as the first protected area dedicated to safeguarding flamingo habitats.

This reserve, managed by EAD, has become a crucial sanctuary that supports a rich array of flora and fauna, making it a key breeding and feeding ground for flamingos.

At Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, greater flamingos breed in several batches throughout the winter and early summer.

During the 2023-2024 winter breeding season, a total of 1,270 breeding pairs were recorded.

Bul Syayeef was declared a Marine Protected Area based on satellite telemetry studies that underlined its importance for flamingos with vast tidal mudflats providing a prime feeding site.

Conservation strategies in this area include preventing pollution and regulating human activities to preserve its natural state.

Legal Protection
Abu Dhabi has implemented robust environmental protection laws including regulations on land use, water quality, and waste management that contribute to safeguarding this bird species and its habitat.

The emirate's commitment to international agreements like the Ramsar Convention reflects its dedication to wetland conservation and ensures adherence to global protection standards.

Public awareness campaigns and educational programmes have also been implemented to highlight the importance of flamingo conservation, with the aim of fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship among the local community.

Innovative Measures
EAD leverages cutting-edge technologies for evaluating long-term population trends and habitat usage.

Since 2005, the Agency has gained global recognition for its pioneering efforts in tagging and tracking migratory birds such as the greater flamingo via its advanced satellite telemetry programme.

Over 25 flamingos have been successfully tracked to date, facilitating a better understanding of their movement and migration patterns.

Complementing these efforts, EAD has employed drones to count flamingo numbers in Al Wathba and Bul Syayeef, further enhancing their data collection capabilities.

In 2019, EAD also launched the Abu Dhabi Birdathon in partnership with Etihad Airways in honour of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's legacy of environmental sustainability.

The initiative tagged and released 10 greater flamingos from Al Wathba, each named after an Abu Dhabi government entity.

This provided important movement and migration data as well as information on the species' habitat use.

The Birdathon also aimed to raise awareness about wetland conservation and the importance of protected areas while engaging key Abu Dhabi stakeholders, according to EAD.

Ecological Impact and Biodiversity Benefits
As a flagship species in Abu Dhabi, the greater flamingo plays a crucial role in ecosystem and biodiversity conservation. EAD explained that protecting these wading birds creates a "ripple effect", benefiting numerous other species that share the same crucial habitats – wetlands, mudflats, and mangroves – ultimately ensuring the broader protection of Abu Dhabi's rich and diverse natural environment.

Wetlands and coastal areas in Abu Dhabi serve as important stopover sites for migratory waterbirds, so ensuring these habitats remain healthy and intact for flamingos supports the migratory routes of other numerous bird species.

This stunning bird species offers more than a delight to the eyes; since flamingos are sensitive to changes in water quality, salinity, and habitat conditions, monitoring their populations can reveal early warning signs of environmental degradation that could impact a range of species.

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