Biodiversity areas have their own ecosystems and they are quite important for the harmonious functioning of the regions where they are situated. In fact, there are such important areas that are home to several endangered plants and animals in the UAE as well. Now, the UAE has identified nine globally significant key biodiversity areas and we are here to tell you about them.
MoCCE Unveils 9 Key Biodiversity Areas
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) has announced nine biodiversity areas that are significant, globally as well. This announcement was made on Thursday, June 6 and they included the following names –
Arabian Oryx Protected Area in Abu Dhabi
There are about 835 Arabian Oryx that roam here, and it’s considered to be one of the largest in the world.
Marawah Marine Area in Abu Dhabi
There are about 20,000 mature individuals or 10,000 pairs of Socotra Cormorant Phalacrocorax Nigrogularis.
Al Yasat Marine Area in Abu Dhabi
This area has about 223 to 347 pairs of Dugongs.
Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in Dubai
The desert is home to Arabian Mountain Gazelle (Gazella Arabica), Arabian Sand Gazelle (Gazella marica), and Arabian Oryx (Orys leucoryx)
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
This area houses two species of Arabian Sand Gazelle and the Arabian Mountain Gazelle.
Wadi Al-Helo in Sharjah
It’s home to a newly discovered species of Margarita’s Leaf-toed Gecko (Asaccus margaritae).
Khor Fakan and Shark Island in Sharjah
An endemic specie in the UAE, Emirati Leaf-toed Gecko (Asaccus caudivolvulus) is found here.
Wadi Al-Bih in Ras Al Khaimah
With a population estimated to be 360, it’s home to the Ruus al Jibal Fan-footed gecko (Ptyodactylus Ruusaljibalicus).
Siniyah Island and Khor Al Beidah in Umm Al Quwain
The birds recorded at this site are somewhere between 26,000 and 41,000 birds
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Why Are These Areas Important?
These are the newly appointed key biodiversity areas that play a crucial role in the protection of biodiversity extinction and the maintenance of stability. In a report by Khaleej Times, it was quoted that the sites are a safe environment for several species of plants and animals that are endangered. Not to mention, they also offer natural environment conservation. From the aforementioned information, it’s clear that two of the key biodiversity areas have been identified for the Arabian Ghazal, Arabian and Ghazal, and Arabian Oryx. In fact, the largest gathering of sea cows in the world is also found in the Al Yasat Marine and Marawah Marine areas.
With each of these areas being home to some really important species, these biodiversity areas are indeed an important part of conserving and protecting the ecosystem.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons (These images are for representative purposes only)
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