Abu Dhabi launches list of wildlife species
Move aims to provide accurate knowledge on threat status of animals in emirate
Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi (EAD) has launched the first-ever Abu Dhabi Red List of Wildlife Species (AD-RLS), which is an assessment of the threat status of the emirate’s terrestrial and marine species.
A total of 244 species were assessed, including 101 plants, 49 birds, nine marine species, 32 terrestrial mammals, 25 invertebrates, 26 reptiles and two amphibians. Out of the 244 species assessed, 74 are under different threat categories, such as critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable.
Recognised criteria
Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, the EAD secretary-general, said: “The Abu Dhabi Red List is a welcome addition to our knowledge on the threat status of species found in Abu Dhabi. The list is based on the internationally recognised Red List Criteria, developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the assessments of threat status have gone through extensive external review from a team of experts from the IUCN, the Red List Authority, and independent experts.
“Abu Dhabi has a rich diversity of species and has some of the most important species.
Their populations are effectively protected by EAD through managing the largest network in the region of protected areas to conserve endangered species and their natural habitats. However, understanding the risk and evaluating the threats faced by them as well as other species, will help us better protect them,” Al Dhaheri said.
Ahmad Al Hashmi, acting executive director, Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector, said: “The Abu Dhabi Red List of Wildlife Species has been long overdue and it is an important addition to our understanding of the threats to the species in line with the global standards of IUCN.”
‘An important first step’
Dr Salim Javed, acting director, Terrestrial Biodiversity and Manager of the Red List Project at EAD, observed: “The Abu Dhabi Red List is the outcome of the evaluation of extinction risk of more than 244 species, based on quantitative criteria. It is an important first step towards understanding the conservation status of Abu Dhabi’s biodiversity.”