Today's Edition
Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi has made significant efforts to preserve its unique terrestrial biodiversity, with numerous conservation initiatives to protect its diverse ecosystems and endemic species.
As urban development accelerates, the emirate focuses on sustainable practices and habitat restoration to safeguard its rich natural heritage and ensure the resilience of its wildlife.
Revival of Iconic Species
The Arabian oryx, once on the brink of extinction, has made a dramatic comeback. By 2023, Abu Dhabi recorded 5,679 Arabian oryx, representing 71% of the UAE’s total oryx population, according to the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD).
This success story is part of a broader effort to reintroduce the species across its historic range on the Arabian Peninsula.
The extremely rare and critically endangered Arabian tahr, confined to Jebel Hafit National Park, now has an estimated population of 15 individuals. This small but vital population represents the last remaining tahr in Abu Dhabi.
A Haven for Gazelles and Flamingos
Abu Dhabi’s sandy dunes and coastal flats are home to over 55,000 Arabian sand gazelles, a species well-adapted to desert life. Meanwhile, the greater flamingo continues to thrive at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, with numbers peaking over 4,000 during winter.
The emirate’s commitment to avian conservation is further evidenced by stable populations of tern species, including a notable increase in lesser crested tern due to enhanced protection on privately owned islands.
The Socotra cormorant is one of the main winter breeding birds in Abu Dhabi Emirate threatened with extinction. It maintains a stable population with more than 40,000 breeding pairs distributed on several islands in the emirate.
Rediscovering Rare Species
The rediscovery of the Indian crested porcupine and Rüppell’s fox, previously thought extinct in the UAE, underscores the success of ongoing conservation programmes. The Arabian sand cat’s return after 15 years also signifies positive strides in habitat preservation.
Plant Conservation Abu Dhabi’s commitment to plant conservation is evident through efforts to protect rare species like the critically endangered dwarf palm (Ghadhaf) and Caralluma arabica.
“The dwarf palm (Ghadhaf) is listed as critically endangered under Abu Dhabi Red List of Species. Only one individual has been recorded in Jebel Hafit National Park in the Abu Dhabi emirate. The species has been successfully propagated in EAD nursery and these propagated plans have potential to rehabilitate in the wild in their natural yet restricted habitat,” the EAD said in a statement to Aletihad.
The Ghaf tree, integral to the Emirates natural heritage, is monitored with around 10 million planted and 56,000 naturally occurring trees.
According to EAD, there is an ongoing programme to tag 100,000 natural Ghaf and Samar trees by the end of 2024 to safeguard Abu Dhabi’s natural heritage.
The Samar tree is considered among the most important local trees, and it is distinguished by its ability to withstand drought and salinity. It also contributes to combating desertification, and its number in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi reaches 46,000 natural Samar trees.
EAD also highlighted the native plant nursery in Al Dhafra, which is dedicated to the ex-situ conservation of its native flora and the use of propagated plants in different projects. This plant also contains groups and seed samples of 68 local species, including many rare and threatened species. Annually, EAD produces up to 500,000 native plants for restoration programmes.
Abu Dhabi’s commitment to preserving its terrestrial biodiversity not only supports a thriving array of species but also reflects a broader dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
