New bird species at Dubai Safari found
dubai — The recently-opened Dubai Safari has led to a major increase in the number of bird species in the area, according to a study by Dr Mohammed Ali Reza Khan, principal wildlife specialist at the site.
“At a time when much of the natural habitat of Dubai is under pressure, this study provides the ability of bird species to make use of areas which were formerly of little ecological value. It is because they have been developed into new habitats,” said Dr Khan.
The site, in Al Warqaa district, was first selected by the Dubai Municipality as an area for the disposal of solid waste in the late 1970s. When waste disposal ceased in the ’90s, the dump covered an area of around 4square metres, rising to a height of 30 metres above the surrounding land surface. It remained undisturbed until His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and
Of the species recorded at the Dubai Safari site, 33 are primarily terrestrial species, the remainder being wetland or water-loving species, some being passage migrants and others overwintering.”
Dr Mohammed Ali Reza Khan, principal wildlife specialist, Dubai Safari
Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, gave instructions in May 2012 that the dump and adjacent areas should be given over to the Dubai Safari project.
Recognising that the Dubai Safari’s creation would lead to environmental changes, Dr Khan began regular wildlife as he mentions in the latest issue of the journal Tribulus, issued by the Emirates Natural History Group.
The survey timeline
For the first year, with little sign of wildlife, Dr Khan made monthly visits, following up between May 2013 to June 2016, as construction of the first phase of the Dubai Safari got under way.
Until 2013, just 12 species of birds had been recorded at the Safari site, excluding its largely natural eastern side. Of these, Green Bee-eater, Collared Dove, Laughing Dove, Bank Myna and House Sparrow bred at the site. Between 2015 and mid-2017, the number of species recorded rose to 58. These included species are resident in the UAE and those that visit during the winter.
A number of new breeding species are also using the site, benefiting from the vegetation and water. “Of the species recorded at the Dubai Safari site, 33 are primarily terrestrial species, the remainder wetland or water-loving species.” — Wam