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A Report on the Findings of an Ecological and Environmental Survey of The

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A Report on the Findings of an
Ecological and Environmental Survey of
The South West Dhafra Region
_________________________________
________________________________________________
FEBRUARY 2005
Terrestrial Environment Research Center
Environmental Research & Wildlife Development Agency
PO Box 45553, Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates

A Report on the Findings of an Ecological and
Environmental Survey of The South West Dhafra
Region
Project Ref: 03-31-0002
Project Title: Abu Dhabi Baseline Survey
Status: Final
Document Ref. No: 03-31-0002/WSM/TP012

Environmental Research & Wildlife Development Agency
PO Box 45553, Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
Tel: 971 2 6817171
Fax: 971 2 6810008
A Report on the Findings of an Ecological and
Environmental Survey of The South West Dhafra
Region
ISSUE SHEET
Name Signature Date
Christopher Drew
Prepared &
Ingrid Barcelo
submitted by
Christophe Tourenq
Checked and John Newby

approved by
Issue Status Final
Purpose of Issue Internal report may be distributed externally
Team Members Drew, C.// Barcelo, I.// Al Hemeri, A.// Al

Mansouri, R.// Kumari, A.// Tourenq, C.
Authorised By Assistant Secretary

General for Science
and Research
Ref. 03-31-0002/WSM/TP012
REVISION SHEET
Revision No. Date Affected Pages Date Change By (initials)

Made
CONTENTS
1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................5

1.2 Location ......................................................................................................6
1.3 Methods.......................................................................................................8
1.4 Geomorphology and geology .................................................................10
1.5 Climate ......................................................................................................12
1.6 Fauna and Flora........................................................................................12
1.6.1 mammals ................................................................................................13
1.6.2 Reptiles...................................................................................................14
1.6.3 Birds .......................................................................................................16
1.6.4 Insects and other invertebrates ..............................................................17
1.6.5 Flora .......................................................................................................19
1.7 Ecological significance............................................................................21
1.7.1 Significance for the conservation of the Houbara Bustard .....................22
1.8 Current land-use.......................................................................................24
1.8.1 Grazing and livestock .............................................................................24
1.8.2 Ground water quality ..............................................................................25
1.8.3 Ground water extraction .........................................................................25
1.8.4 Agriculture ..............................................................................................27
1.8.5 Industrial development ...........................................................................27
1.8.6 Recreation ..............................................................................................27
1.8.7 Roads and tracks....................................................................................28
1.9 Threats ......................................................................................................29
1.9.1 Water extraction .....................................................................................29
1.9.2 Overgrazing ............................................................................................29
1.9.3 Habitat fragmentation .............................................................................30
1.9.4 Military exercise area..............................................................................30
Acknowledgments................................................................................................31
References ............................................................................................................32
Appendices ...........................................................................................................34
Appendix 1. Data dictionary used for the survey of Al Dhafra ........................35
Appendix 2. Site descriptions and survey data...............................................51
Appendix 3. Mammal species recorded in the study area ..............................69
Appendix 4. Reptile species recorded in the study area.................................70
Appendix 5. Bird species recorded in the study area .....................................71
Appendix 6. Insect species recorded in the study area ..................................72
Appendix 7. Plant species recorded in the study area....................................75
1.1 Introduction
The Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency (ERWDA), in its

Environmental Strategy and Action Plans document for 2003 – 2007, describes 6 major
strategic goals (ERWDA, 2003). One of these goals is entitled “A Regime for the
Management and Restoration of Wildlife”. To achieve this goal, a number of actions
were identified. Three of the actions are to: “Conduct a quantitative baseline survey of
the location and distribution of natural wildlife resources in the Emirate” , “Identify
hotspots for high priority conservation efforts” and “Manage and develop protected
areas”.
Following a rapid assessment of a number of areas within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in
1999 (Böer et al. 1999), an area in the south western part of Abu Dhabi Emirate,
commonly referred to as Al Dhafra was highlighted for further evaluation as a potential
protected area.
This report summarises the findings of an ecological survey of the region and presents
the current state of information on its fauna, flora, archaeology and current land uses.
5
1.2 Location
The Al Dhafra Proposed Protected Area is located in the south west of Abu Dhabi
Emirate. The centre of the studied area is located approximately 185 km from Abu
Dhabi island and 60 km from Ruwais (Figure 1). The area is defined by the 23o 32’ line
of latitude in the north, the UAE-Saudi Arabia border in the west and the south, and the
52o 52’ line of longitude in the east. The entire area has a perimeter of 260 km and an
area of 3,623 km2. Historically, names were given to some of the wells dug by the
Bedouin and these are shown in Figure 2. However, there are no longer any towns or
settlements in the region, except for a prison and police station at Mikheriz on the south
eastern border.
The altitude of the region is approximately 80 m A.S.L in the southwest, 20 m A.S.L in

the northwest, 100 m A.S.L in the southeast and 120 m A.S.L in the northeast.
Figure 1 Location of the Al Dhafra Proposed Protected Area
6
Figure 2 The extent of the Al Dhafra Proposed Protected Area
7
1.3 Methods
In order to facilitate the evaluation of the area and its potential as Protected Area, a
literature search for existing data was carried out. The two major sources of information
were the 1999 Protected Areas Report (Böer et al 1999) and data collected by Benno
Böer during his vegetation surveys of the late 1990’s. The survey points used by Böer
are shown in Figure 3.
52°10'0"E 52°20'0"E 52°30'0"E 52°40'0"E 52°50'0"E
±
23°30'0"N 23°30'0"N
23°20'0"N 23°20'0"N
U
U nn ii tt ee dd A
A rr aa bb E
Emm ii rr aa tt ee ss
23°10'0"N 23°10'0"N
K
K ii nn gg dd oo m
m oo ff S
S aa uu dd ii A
A rr aa bb ii aa
23°0'0"N 23°0'0"N
Mikheriz
22°50'0"N 22°50'0"N
52°10'0"E 52°20'0"E 52°30'0"E 52°40'0"E 52°50'0"E
0 5 10 20
Kilometers
PPA outline
B Boer vegetation survey points
Figure 3 The points surveyed as part of the NARC vegetation survey carried out during the late 1990’s.
8
Following the completion of a literature review, a survey of the flora, fauna, landforms
and environmental impacts was carried out during 2003 - 2004. A combination of
Landsat-TM satellite image analysis (acquired during May 2002) and ground truthing
were employed as the survey methods. The ground truthing component involved site
based surveys across the entire region using a 5 km grid. A total of 127 survey points
were visited. At each survey site detailed information was collected using a Trimble
GeoXM Datalogger (Trimble Navigation Limited, Sunnyvale, California). Information
was collected according to a purpose designed Data Dictionary, the full details of which
are shown in Appendix 1. Additional information was collected and recorded along the
routes that were travelled between the survey points. A map illustrating the survey sites
and some of the routes travelled is shown in Figure 4.
0 5 10 20 Kilometers
Figure 4 The points surveyed (in red), points unsurveyed (in green) and some of the transects driven between survey
points.
9
1.4 Geomorphology and geology
The survey of landforms in the region facilitated the identification of four major landform
types, shown below in Figure 5.
52°10'0"E 52°20'0"E 52°30'0"E 52°40'0"E 52°50'0"E
23°30'0"N
Tawi Jallal
Khor Bin Hifez Bad Khamis
± 23°30'0"N
Khor Al KhiwerTawi Muhsin
Al Yafyafah
Al Tamtam
Tawi Shiqqat Aylan

Tawi Iqlat Rashid Silebikh
23°20'0"N
Khor Shilayyil 23°20'0"N
Khor aziz
Tawi Ghubay Ad Daw

Khor Bin Jar Allah
Al Hilew
23°10'0"N 23°10'0"N
Khor Talib
Tawi Al Ayif
Tawi An Niqyan
23°0'0"N 23°0'0"N
Mikheriz
22°50'0"N 22°50'0"N
52°10'0"E 52°20'0"E 52°30'0"E 52°40'0"E 52°50'0"E
0 10 20 40
Kilometers
Landforms
Longitudinal dune ridges separated by sand sheet
Aeolian dunes with interdune pockets of gravel and aeolianite outcrops
Sand sheet and small gravel plains overlain with aeolian dunes and inter dunal aeolianite outcrops
Sabkha Matti
Figure 5 Major landforms that were identified from field survey and satellite image interpretation within the Al Dhafra
Proposed Protected Area
10
In the north west, is Sabkha Matti. This expansive area of sabkha, with a total area of
approximately 6,000 km2 (Barth 2002) extends 130 km southwards from the coastline
approximately 40 km west of Ruwais and into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the
northern and eastern portion falling inside the boundaries of the United Arab Emirates
(Goodall et al. 2000). Sabkha Matti is of international importance, in terms of its
uniqueness and its geological formations.
Eastwards from Sabkha Matti, the dominant landform is sand sheet with deflated gravel
plains overlain by aeolian dunes having inter-dunal aeolianite outcrops. The transition
from the flats of Sabkha Matti is gradual with small barchan dunes forming in the west
and transitioning into barchanoid and transverse dunes in a south easterly direction.
The deflated gravel plains which separate the barchan and barchanoid dune formations
are often comparatively well vegetated. Exposed aeolianite surfaces, aeolianite
outcrops and rocky outcrops occur throughout the landform area.
Continuing further east and south east, as the height above sea level increases, the
gravel plains become smaller, being restricted to small interdunal palaeo surfaces. The
major dune formations are separated by undulating sand sheet and the dunes
transition into linear formations. Outcrops of aeolianite can still be found, but with less
frequency.
In the south east the dominant landform is longitudinal ridges of red sand separated by
sand sheet. With the exception of one or two rocky outcrops in the south west of the
landform area, no aeolianite outcrops or palaeo surfaces were recorded within this
landform.
A selection of site photographs taken during the survey, illustrating the major landforms
are presented in Appendix 2.
11
1.5 Climate
Meteorological data was obtained on-line from the Department of Water Resources
Studies Office of HH the President (http://www.almiyah.gov.ae).
The climate of Al Dhafra is characteristic of a hot, hyper-arid sand desert environment.

In summer, typical daytime temperatures can reach almost 50oC - the maximum
temperature recorded recently was 58.1oC in July 2002 at Al Jazeera weather station.
In winter the temperature can fall to just above freezing - the minimum temperature
recorded recently was 1.3oC in January 2003, also at Al Jazeera weather station. The
average annual temperature is approximately 30oC. Temperatures are highest during
the period of April to October, and are coolest from November to March.
The atmospheric relative humidity (RH) varies between 0.7 and 100% (November
2001-May 2004 average: 42.9). Minimum RH values (< 10%) are recorded mainly
during the summer between April and August. Maximum RH values (> 90%) are
observed during autumn-winter (September-January) and correspond to dense night
dew formation.
Annual precipitation is highly variable, as with the rest of the Emirate. During the period
of November 2001 to May 2004, rainfall at Mikheriz, south Dhafra, occurred mainly
between September and May (total 2001-02: 33.6 mm; 2002-03: 28.5 mm; 2003-04:
17.8 mm). Sudden and localised rains can occur, such as those experienced during
March 2002 and April 2003 and result in significant amounts of precipitation (16.9 mm
and 15.2 mm respectively). Adding to the humidity from winter mist, these
unpredictable rainfall events contribute significantly to the development and survival of
the fauna and flora in the region.
1.6 Fauna and Flora
Al Dhafra has a relatively low diversity of fauna and flora. However, those species that
are present, represent some of the rarest species found within the Emirate of Abu
Dhabi. Animal species of concern that have been recorded in the region include
Rüppell’s fox (Vulpes rueppelli), sand cat (Felis margarita), golden eagle (Aquila
chrysaetos), desert eagle owl (Bubo bubo ascalaphus), Asian houbara bustard
12
(Chlamydotis macqueenii), desert monitor (Varanus griseus) and spiny tailed lizard
(Uromastyx aegyptia microlepis).
1.6.1 mammals
A total of eight species of mammal were recorded within the Al Dhafra Proposed
Protected Area (listed in Appendix 3). Four of the species belong to the Order
Carnivora:
Sand cat Felis margarita

Feral cat Felis cattus
Red fox Vulpes vulpes
Rüppell’s fox Vulpes rueppelli
Feral cat and red fox are only able to survive in the desert when there is human
development nearby. Neither species are as well adapted to the harsh desert
conditions as the two ‘native’ mammals - the sand cat and the Rüppell’s fox. These
latter two species are typically out-competed by their larger, invasive relatives.
However, in Al Dhafra there is relatively little development and consequently large
areas remain where Rüppell’s fox and sand cat can both survive without interference
from invasive species. Rüppells fox is classified according to the IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species as Data Deficient (IUCN 2004) and as Endangered according to a
provisional Red List for UAE (Hornby 1996). The sand cat is classified by IUCN as
Near Threatened (IUCN 2004), and within the UAE as Vulnerable (Hornby 1996).
Rüppells foxes use interdune palaeolithic surfaces and aeolianite outcrops as habitat
within which they can excavate their dens, and in the Al Dhafra region there are large
areas across which such habitat exists. Consequently the area is extremely important
for Rüppell’s foxes and probably represents the largest area of contiguous habitat
within the UAE.
The lack of development throughout the area also favours the sand cat, and although
no actual sightings were recorded, evidence from spoor indicated that sand cats are
present in the area. Sand cats do not require consolidated burrowing habitat, although
they will make use of it if available. Typically they excavate burrows in the micro-
13
nebkhas that have formed around desert shrubs. Other mammals recorded during the
survey were:
Desert hare Lepus capensis

Cheesman’s gerbil Gerbillus cheesmani
Lesser jerboa Jaculus jaculus
Sand gazelle Gazella subgutturosa
The Cheesman’s gerbil was the most abundant of all mammal species, found during
the survey. Desert hares are also common, being recorded at almost every survey
point. The lesser jerboa was recorded during the survey, but was considered to be
uncommon. It is likely that lesser jerboas were under-represented during the survey as
the tracks that they leave (on gravel) are difficult to identify. The landforms and
vegetation within the region provide sufficient habitat for jerboas, although the
prolonged period of drought may have depleted some of their food resources. Sand
gazelles have been introduced to the forestry plantations along the southern border of
the region. There was some evidence to indicate that they were no longer confined to
the forests, however the signs that were found suggested that they remained close to
the plantations and could not be considered as being truly wild.
1.6.2 Reptiles
A total of thirteen species of reptiles have been recorded in the Al Dhafra Proposed
Protected Area, belonging to three sub-orders:
Sauria (lizards) 10 species belonging to five families:

Agamidae (agamid lizards)
Gekkonidade (geckos)
Lacertidae (lacertid lizards)
Scincidae (skinks)
Varanidae (varanid lizards)
Amphisbaenia (worm lizards) 1 species from one family:

Trogonophidae (short-head worm lizards)
14
Serpentes (snakes) 2 species belonging to two families:
Boidae (boas and pythons)
Viperidae (vipers)
Of these thirteen species, 12 were recorded during the 2002 - 2004 baseline survey
(Appendix 4).
The most common species found during the day within the Al Dhafra region were the
Arabian toad-headed agama (Phrynocephalus arabicus), the eastern sand skink
(Scincus mitranus) and the white spotted lizard (Acanthodactylus schmidti). During the
night, the Arabian sand gecko (Stenodactylus arabicus) and the dune sand gecko
(Stenodactylus doriae) were common, with the Gulf sand gecko (Stenodactylus
khobarensis) being locally common on areas of sabkha in the north west of the region.
The palaeolithic surfaces and exposed interdunal aeolianite provide ideal burrowing
habitat for spiny-tailed lizards (Uromastyx aegyptia microlepis). Within the region, such
landforms are common and therefore there is abundant habitat for these large agamid
lizards. Nevertheless, Uromastyx burrows were seen less commonly than would have
been expected and perhaps the prolonged drought coupled with other unidentified
factors (such as illegal hunting, over-grazing and disturbance) have had a negative
impact on the population.
Monitor lizards (Varanus griseus) were relatively common within the region; unlike
Uromastyx, these species do not require hard substrate within which to excavate
burrows, they will readily use the firmer sand at the base of large shrubs, as well as
using burrows of Uromastyx.
With regard to CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of

Wild Fauna and Flora), signed by UAE in 2004, three species observed in the Al
Dhafra area are of International or National concern: the desert monitor lizard is
included in Appendix I (“prohibition of commercial international trade in specimens of
these species or under exceptional circumstances”) and the spiny-tailed lizard
(Uromastyx sp.) and the sand boa (Eryx jayakari) are included in Appendix II (“trade in
specimens of such species subject to strict regulation in order to avoid utilization
incompatible with their survival”) (CITES 2004).
15
1.6.3 Birds
Twenty-nine species of birds have been recorded within the Al Dhafra region (Appendix
5), this number includes typical desert birds for example the hoopoe lark (Alaemon
alaudipes) as well as northern Palaearctic migrant species such as pallid harriers
(Circus macrourus), imperial eagles (Aquila heliaca), or golden orioles (Oriolus oriolus).
Thirty-eight percent of the species recorded are known to or are thought to breed in the
area, including species of national conservation interest such as the desert eagle owl
(Bubo bubo ascalaphus) which is native and declining. The long-legged buzzard (Buteo
rufinus) and a pair of golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) were observed during the
reproduction season in the Proposed Protected Area. Tracks of the Asian houbara
bustard (Chlamydotis macqueenii) were also found in Al Dhafra.
The hoopoe lark is one of the key desert species commonly seen in the area
throughout the year. Pairs of brown-necked ravens (Corvus ruficollis) were recorded
during the breeding season. Al Dhafra is a regular wintering ground for crested larks
(Galerida cristata), and black-crowned finch larks (Eremopterix nigriceps) that breed on
northern coastal areas and near cultivated areas. Desert wheatears (Oenanthe
deserti), isabelline wheatears (Oenanthe isabellina) and desert warblers (Sylvia nana)
are more commonly seen using vegetated areas on dunes during migration and
wintering times. House sparrows (Passer domesticus), kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) and
southern grey shrikes (Lanius meridionalis) breed in and around plantations and camel
camps which also serve to attract many species such as warblers during their spring
and autumn migrations. The rare Finsch's wheatear (Oenanthe finschii) and Dunn’s
lark (Erenalauda dunni) were spotted in Al Dhafra during winter 2004.
16
1.6.4 Insects and other invertebrates
The methods used for insect collection were light trapping during the night (using a
mercury vapour lamp) and aerial netting during the day (using a fine meshed aerial
net).
A total number of 63 insect species have been identified, belonging to 11 different

orders (Appendix 6):
Thysanura (bristletails and silverfish)

Odonata (dragonflies)
Orthoptera (grasshoppers and crickets)
Mantodea (mantids)
Heteroptera (true bugs)
Homoptera (cicadas, planthoppers and aphids)
Neuroptera (antlions and lacewings)
Coleoptera (beetles)
Diptera (true flies)
Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths)
Hymenoptera (bees, wasps and ants)
Many more species have been collected and remain to be identified.
The Order Coleoptera is the most numerous order of animals worldwide, containing
more than 350,000 identified species. It also represents the most diverse order within
the Al Dhafra region, with 18 species belonging to 7 different families having been
identified so far. Most of the species belong to the families Tenebrionidae (darkling
beetles) and Scarabaeidae (scarab beetles). Tenebrionids are nocturnal ground
beetles that usually feed on plants and vegetable matter, but they may also be found
scavenging on the remains of dead plants and animals. The most common darkling
beetles are Mesostena puncticollis, Erodius octocostatus and Erodius reichei the latter
two being commonly known as sand swimmers. Scarabaeidae is one of the largest
insect families in the world, many of these are dung beetles which feed on and lay their
eggs in dung. The most common dung beetle in UAE is Scarabaeus cristatus, which
was also found in Al Dhafra.
17
Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) is a large order of insects with more than 150,000
species worldwide. It is also an important order in the Al Dhafra area, with 11 species
belonging to 4 families having been so far identified – Pyralidae (snout moths),
Arctiidae (tiger moths), Noctuidae (owlet moths) and Geometridae (looper moths). The
largest family within the order is Noctuidae which was found to be the most abundant in
Al Dhafra, especially the genus Anumeta. Noctuid larvae feed on grasses and some of
them are agricultural pests. The members of the Pyralidae family are delicate moths;
many of them are considered pests of stored food, although the only species recorded
in Al Dhafra, Lamoria anella, is harmless. The Arctiidae family are brightly coloured, to
serve as a warning to predators, since many are poisonous when ingested (Tigar
1996). The name of the family Geometridae means ‘ground-measurer’ due to the way
the caterpillars stretch when they walk as though they were measuring the distance for
the next step. The only species found in Al Dhafra was Atomorpha hedemanni.
With less species but still an important order, Heteroptera, has around 70,000 species
worldwide. In the Al Dhafra area 11 species belonging to 9 different families were
recorded. The most common families being Cydnidae (burrower bugs) and Lygaeidae
(seed bugs). Most of the true bugs feed on plants; members of the Cydnidae feed on
low-growing plants and lay their eggs in the soil, the adults also hibernate in sandy
areas where the soil is light and well drained (Chinery 1993). Members of the
Lygaeidae are mostly herbivorous but some can be predatory.
18
1.6.5 Flora
Seventeen species of plants belonging to 10 different families have been recorded in

the Al Dhafra area, of which fourteen species were recorded during the present study.
All plants recorded are listed in Appendix 7.
During the baseline survey, the density of the dominant and co-dominant species was
assessed. Results revealed that 8 species were dominant across 106 different
locations inside the Al Dhafra Proposed Protected Area. These species were:
• Cyperus conglomeratus – Found on flat sand sheets, undulating sand sheets and
dunes.
• Dipterygium glaucum – Found on flat sand sheets, undulating sand sheets and dunes,
locally common on aeolianite and palaeolithic surfaces.
• Haloxylon salicornicum – Found on flat sand sheets, undulating sand sheets and flat
gravel plains.
• Seidlitzia rosmarinus – Found on saline flats.
• Cornulaca monacantha – Found on flat sand sheets and undulating sand sheets.
• Calligonum crinitum – Found on undulating sand sheets and dunes.
• Tribulus arabicus – Found on undulating sand sheets and dunes particularly in the
south east.
• Zygophyllum quatarense – Found on interdunal plains, sand sheet and on saline flats.
This species is tolerant of relatively high levels of salinity.
The most widespread species overall are Cyperus conglomeratus which was recorded
as dominant or co-dominant at 54% of the sites and Zygophyllum qatarense, which
was recorded as dominant or co-dominant at 41% of the locations.
Vegetation is often classified in terms of communities, which describe the characteristic

co-existence of species. According to the classification of Roshier et al. (1996), four
major plant communities (which the authors refer to as “associations”) were
distinguished in the Al Dhafra area:
The Tribulus arabicus – Cyperus conglomeratus community occurs typically on deep

undulating sands and near the base of dune slopes (Roshier et al. 1996). Tribulus
arabicus is the dominant plant in this community and is an endemic of the Arabian
19
Peninsula (Mandaville 1990). Cyperus conglomeratus is a very common species in the
Emirate, it is drought resistant and capable of colonizing disturbed ground.
Another community found in the Al Dhafra area is Zygophyllum qatarense – Haloxylon

salicornicum. It typically occurs on sand and gravel plains. This community is very
similar to the following one, but differs in having more species associated such as
Cornulaca monacantha, Cyperus conglomeratus and Stipagrostis plumosa.
The Zygophyllum qatarense community, occurs as a structural element in most of the

other plant communities on interdune depressions and on gravel plains. This
community is characterised by the absence of Haloxylon salicornicum.
The fourth plant community is Seidlitzia rosmarinus, found on the hyper-saline margins
of inland sabkhas. This species is associated with large hummocks and lives on sand
over calcareous deposits. S. rosmarinus is widespread inland in the Liwa and Al Dhafra
region.
In general, Al Dhafra area is quite poor in vegetation biodiversity. The grass family,
Poaceae, was represented by three species (Centropodia forskaolii, eremobium
aegyptiacum and Stipagrostis plumosa). The goosefoot family, Chenopodiaceae, was
alsorepresented by three species, one of them (Seidlitzia rosmarinus) tolerant to high
levels of salinity.
Human disturbance in this part of the Emirate is very low; consequently, species
associated with degraded environments, such as Citrullus colocynthis, which is
abundant in other areas of the country, are absent.
The vegetation appears to be suffering the effects of a prolonged period of drought,

and in many sites the vegetation seems to be dead or only Cyperus conglomeratus is
merely surviving. Twenty-seven per cent of the sites had dead standing vegetation.
One parasitic species has been recorded in Al Dhafra, Cistanche tubulosa (desert
hyacinth), typically found on saline sand. Its host plants are members of the
Chenopodiaceae and Zygophyllaceae families.
Dipterygium glaucum is also a dominant species in Al Dhafra area and it is known to be

one of the favourite feeding plants for the Asian Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis
macqueenii).
20
1.7 Ecological significance
The Al Dhafra Proposed Protected Area is of considerable ecological significance.

Within the region are several different landforms: dunes, inland sabkha, rocky outcrops,
inter-dune Palaeolithic surfaces, inter-dune aeolianite outcrops and gravel plains. Each
landform provides a unique habitat for the flora and fauna of the region.
Some of the landforms provide habitat for resting or burrowing, the animals using the
habitat for such a purpose typically forage or hunt for prey within other landforms. For
example Rüppell’s fox typically digs burrows in aeolianite outcrops and palaeolithic
surfaces. During the night it forages on small mammals, reptiles and insects that are
found mainly in the sand dunes. Consequently there is a need for the preservation of
the entire landscape rather than the preservation of individual landform types.
Twenty four percent of bird species and 50% of mammal species recorded in Al Dhafra
Proposed Protected Area are of International or National concern. The IUCN Red List
status of sand cat, previously classified as Near Threatened, is currently under review
and is likely to be re-classified as Endangered on the basis of an apparent decline of
their populations due to systematic persecution by humans and habitat loss through
land reclamation. Only three sightings of sand cat have been recorded in UAE during
the last seven years. Data on the Rüppell’s fox are deficient and its International status
is also currently under review, since persecution by humans and competition from red
fox may affect their populations. The Al Dhafra region is perhaps one of the last
remaining strongholds where Rüppell’s foxes can live relatively free from disturbance
and competition.
Six bird species of national concern (Javed 2004) were regularly observed in the Al
Dhafra region: the pallid harrier, imperial eagle, desert eagle owl, Finsch’s wheatear,
Ménétries’s warbler and Asian houbara bustard - which is also classified by IUCN as
Near Threatened (IUCN 2004). Two rare potential breeders of UAE were recorded in
the Proposed Protected Area: the long-legged buzzard and the golden eagle.
21
1.7.1 Significance for the conservation of the Houbara Bustard
The Al Dhafra Proposed Protected Area is of particular interest for the conservation of
the houbara bustard in Abu Dhabi Emirate. Scattered patches of vegetation between
the sand dunes represent suitable habitats for the species, as attested by winter
records of Houbara by rangers or during TERC field surveys. These birds are
potentially some wintering Asiatic long-distance migrant, like the houbara bustards that
were captured approximately 80 km north of Al Dhafra and satellite-tracked up to China
(Launay et al. 1999). These birds could also potentially have an Omani / Yemini origin.
Preliminary results of one male houbara bustard that was caught in Yemen in 2003 and
satellite-tracked up to north Oman (NARC Unpublished. Data) revealed the existence
of cross-country movements in the poorly-known south Arabian populations. This fact
also underlined the necessity to consider the conservation of these high conservation
profile populations at an international scale and the implementation of network of
protected areas throughout the different parts of the houbara’s annual range.
The National Avian Research Center has initiated an experimental release of houbara
in a 100 km2 private fenced area in the Western region of Abu Dhabi (about 80 km
north-east of Al Dhafra). According to previous release experiments conducted in
central Saudi Arabia, such an area, even if having suitable habitats and conditions for
Houbara, will not be of sufficient size for the establishment of a self-sustainable re-
introduced houbara population. For such release experiments to be successful, several
thousand km2 of protected area will be required in the near future to ensure that the
species is not disturbed and to provide favourable habitats of sufficient size.
The Al Dhafra Proposed Protected Area, which measures 3,600 km2 has the ecological
features to fulfil these requirements.
22
52°0'0"E 53°0'0"E 54°0'0"E 55°0'0"E 56°0'0"E
±
25°0'0"N 25°0'0"N
Abu Dhabi Sweihan
Al Ain
Ghuwayfat
24°0'0"N 24°0'0"N
Umm Al Ashtan Al wagan
Al Qua'a
23°0'0"N Mikheriz Hameem 23°0'0"N
Umm Al Zummoul
Umm Al Zummoul
Baynoonah
Al Dhafra
22°0'0"N 22°0'0"N
52°0'0"E 53°0'0"E 54°0'0"E 55°0'0"E 56°0'0"E
Figure 6 The Al Dhafra Proposed Protected Area in relation to the Baynoonah enclosure. The Umm al Zummoul
Proposed Protected area is also shown for illustrative purposes.
23
1.8 Current land-use
1.8.1 Grazing and livestock
Within the Proposed Protected Area, there are very few camel camps. Nevertheless,
camel presence (tracks, faeces or sightings) was recorded at 90% of the survey points.
However, unlike other parts of the country, the livestock camps within the Al Dhafra
area, are all of a non-permanent nature. There was evidence of several abandoned
camel camps. The presence of goats was recorded only at 3% of the survey points,
indicating the low use of this area for goat husbandry.
The historic presence of camel camps in the Al Dhafra Proposed Protected Area would
have been limited by the poor quality of the ground water which is brackish (see later).
Currently however, camel herding depends on the supply of water from external
sources such as tankers coming from Ghaiyathi, Liwa or the Al Mirfa desalinisation
plant (Figure 7).
Figure 7 Tanker providing water for camels in Al Dhafra.
24
1.8.2 Ground water quality
The ground water aquifer system in the Al Dhafra Proposed Protected Area occurs
generally between 50 m and 150 m below ground level. Ground water is variable, but
always poor, varying from low brackish (1,500 – 8,000 mg/l TDS) in the northeastern
sector to hypersaline (> 35,000 mg/l TDS) in the Sabkha Matti area. Moreover, it
contains a high nitrate concentration (average of 47 to 110 mg/l depending on the
salinity) which exceeds the World Health Organisation standard values for human
consumption (44 mg/l; World Health Organisation 1998). Although nitrate occurs
naturally in ground water, such elevated levels usually result from human activities
(overuse of chemical fertilizers and improper release of human and animal wastes).
However, since no human nitrate-producing activities are present in the area, the
source of elevated concentrations in nitrates in the aquifer needs to be investigated.
Nitrate is a natural constituent of rainwater and in many desert environments where
there is little vegetation to fix the nitrate, larger than normal concentrations of nitrate
may be found in ground water. Chromium levels are also elevated (as they are
throughout the UAE), however this is thought to be as a result of natural processes.
The well GOW-54 in the Mikheriz forest, southern UAE-Saudi border, shows very high
salinity (> 12,000 ppm) and high concentration in nitrates (> 100 mg/l), resulting from
irrigation and use of plants fertilizers in this area. A map showing ground water quality
throughout the United Arab Emirates is shown in Figure 8.
1.8.3 Ground water extraction
Compared to other parts of the country, there is little ground water extraction within Al
Dhafra. Twenty six wells were recorded in the area, and could be divided into three
classes - production wells, monitoring wells and test wells. Production wells are mainly
dug or drilled for and used by Bedouin (for animal husbandry), the Forestry Department
and the agricultural sector. Monitoring wells have been drilled by the Abu Dhabi
Groundwater Assessment Project (GWAP Abu Dhabi) and by ADNOC-NDC-USGS and
are used to monitor ground water levels and selected physico-chemical parameters.
Test wells are drilled to assess aquifer parameters and the quality of the aquifer in the
quest for fresh water.
25
Figure 8 Groundwater salinity of the shallow aquifers of Abu Dhabi Emirate.
26
Currently, there are 17 wells drilled or dug for Bedouin domestic consumption (mainly
water supply for domestic herds), 6 monitoring wells are monitored by GWAP or by
ADNOC-NDC-USGS, and 3 wells are test-wells. One of the test wells being drilled by
Halliburton PLC. in the northern part of the Proposed Protected Area, reaches a depth
of 820 m to investigate the Umm er Radhuma confined limestone aquifer.
1.8.4 Agriculture
Intensive farming is currently expanding around the Gayathi and Liwa oases and along
the tarmac road linking the two areas. However, there are currently no agricultural
activities within the Proposed Protected Area. The forest of Yaw Al Dibsa, about 4 km
north of the northern border of the Proposed Protected Area, covers approximately 700
ha. The two relatively small forestry plantations, Al Ayif and Mikheriz, at the southern
UAE - Saudi border total only 275 ha.
1.8.5 Industrial development
There is no current long-term industrial development within the Proposed Protected

Area.
1.8.6 Recreation
Currently there is very little recreational activity within the area with the exception of
some four wheel driving and camping.
Al Dhafra is a wintering stop-over for the Asian houbara bustard. Some parts of the
Proposed Protected Area fall within the patrol area of local desert rangers employed by
the Ruler’s Representative Office for the western region of Abu Dhabi Emirate. The
rangers are responsible for the enforcement of the Federal Decree of 1983 banning
hunting of oryx, gazelles, hares and spiny-tailed lizards, and hunting or destruction of
wild bird’s eggs in UAE. Therefore, the rangers’ presence prevents the illegal hunting of
Asian houbara bustard, gazelles or hares in Al Dhafra.
27
1.8.7 Roads and tracks
There are very few roads and tracks within the Proposed Protected Area. The area is
bordered to the south and west by a fenced gatch road and there is one single gatch
road in the interior of the area heading north – south. This road provides service
access to the Etisalat telecommunication towers. Roads and major tracks are shown in
Figure 9.
52°0'0"E 52°10'0"E 52°20'0"E 52°30'0"E 52°40'0"E 52°50'0"E 53°0'0"E
23°40'0"N 23°40'0"N
Umm Al Ashtan
# ±
23°30'0"N 23°30'0"N
#
#
23°20'0"N 23°20'0"N
U
U nn ii tt ee dd A
A rr aa bb E
Emm ii rr aa tt ee ss
23°10'0"N
# 23°10'0"N
#
K
K ii nn gg dd oo m
m oo ff S
S aa uu dd ii A
A rr aa bb ii aa
23°0'0"N 23°0'0"N
Mikheriz
22°50'0"N 22°50'0"N
52°0'0"E 52°10'0"E 52°20'0"E 52°30'0"E 52°40'0"E 52°50'0"E 53°0'0"E
#
0 10 20 40
Telecommunication Towers
Kilometers
PPA outline
Gatch road
Sand track
Figure 9 The roads and major tracks of Al Dhafra.
28
1.9 Threats
1.9.1 Water extraction
Two of the main threats to arid lands within UAE are from long-term ground water
extraction and from soil salinisation. Throughout Abu Dhabi, continued development of
afforested areas and expansion of areas under agriculture has led to increased
demand for water. This demand has typically been met by an increase in utilisation of
groundwater. The groundwater extraction within the vicinity of plantations lowers the
water table and may cause die off of natural vegetation in lower lying areas. Usage of
brackish water to irrigate both agricultural areas and forestry areas will ultimately lead
to local soil salinisation which will have longer term consequences in terms of loss of
biodiversity and desertisation.
With the exception Al Aiyef and Mikheriz forests along the southern UAE - Saudi border
(totalling 275 ha), there is currently no forestry or agriculture within the Al Dhafra
Proposed Protected Area. The salt (150 to 12,000 ppm) and nitrate concentrations (47
to 110 mg/l) of the water render it unsuitable for direct human consumption and it is of
only limited use in horticulture. Farms are currently extending along the Ghaiyathi-Liwa
road (to the east of the Proposed Protected Area) and prospecting for fresh water
resources is still on-going throughout the region. Consequently, should these efforts be
successful in finding fresh or low salinity groundwater, farms, forestry and permanent
human settlements are likely to expand into the Al Dhafra Proposed Protected Area.
1.9.2 Overgrazing
As previously mentioned, camel presence was recorded at 90% of the sites that were
surveyed. Combined with ground water extraction and drought, grazing by domestic
livestock threatens the native vegetation. Much of the Calligonum sp., Cyperus
conglomeratus and Tribulus arabicus plants were either dead or showed signs of stress
(Fig. 10) through a combination of the above factors, particularly as a result of
overgrazing. Should this combination of stresses on the environment continue, the
vegetation may not recover, ultimately leading to the total extirpation of the native flora
and therefore the disappearance of the fauna linked to it.
29
Figure 10 Calligonum sp. showing signs of heavy grazing impact in Al Dhafra.
1.9.3 Habitat fragmentation
It was suggested earlier that the extension of agricultural lands and permanent human
settlements into the Al Dhafra Proposed Protected Area may occur should fresh or low
salinity water be discovered. The development of land for use by agriculture and the
construction of infrastructure associated with it (such as buildings and roads) will have
a severe impact on the landscape and wildlife habitats that are characteristic of the
area. This impact would be most severe within the landforms where interdune gravel
plains and aeolianite outcrops are found. Furthermore, the construction of roads would
inevitably be accompanied by the erection of fences and the building of walls which will
cause habitat fragmentation by effectively restricting the movement of wildlife.
1.9.4 Military exercise area
A military training area for tanks and artillery is located at Al Ashtan approximately 12
km beyond the northern border of the Proposed Protected Area. Although manoeuvres
occur irregularly, the movement of heavy tracked and wheeled armoured vehicles
along graded roads and off road causes considerable damage to the environment.
Temporary encampments also heavily impact on soil structure and vegetation (through
vehicular and foot traffic on a regular basis as well as through other activities such as
30
digging, tenting, etc.). Moreover, the direct physical disturbance from live-firing
exercises, i.e. smoke, flares, explosions and the noise associated with them, can
disturb wildlife.
Nevertheless, the area is currently fenced off and little activity occurs outside of the
area. ERWDA has not been made aware of any plans to extend the area and therefore
it poses no immediate threat to the Proposed Protected Area. Indeed, because of the
proximity to the military area, it is quite possible that as a result of military security
requirements, no large-scale infrastructure development would be allowed to take
place within a buffer zone around the area.
Acknowledgments
We wish to thank His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, Managing Director of

ERWDA; Mr Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary General, Dr Frederic Launay, Assistant
Secretary General for Science and Research; and Mr John Newby, Director of the
Terrestrial Environment Research Center of ERWDA, for their invaluable support. The
authors are grateful to Michael Brook, Manager of the Water Resources Department of
TERC, Gary Brown and Sabitha Sakkir, plant ecologists in TERC, Dr. Olivier Combreau
Director of the National Avian Research Center, and Dr. Jacky Judas, avian ecologist
in NARC, for their constructive comments on the earlier drafts of the present report.
31
References
Aspinall, S. (1996) Status and conservation of the breeding birds of the United Arab
Emirates. Hobby Publications. Liverpool, UK.
Barth, H-J. (2002) The sabkhat of Saudi Arabia – an introduction. Sabkha Ecosystems
Volume I: The Arabian Peninsula and Adjacent Countries. (Eds. H-J Barth & B. Böer).
Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, Netherlands.
Böer, B., Drew, C., Gliddon, D., Loughland, R., Pearson, W. and Schmidt, J. (1999)
Proposed protected areas in Abu Dhabi Emirate - a report on preliminary results,
evaluations and recommendations. ERWDA, Abu Dhabi.
Chinery, M. (1993) Insects of Britain & Northern Europe. Harper Collins Publishers,
Hong Kong.
CITES (2004) Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna

and Flora. http://www.cites.org
Drew, C., Al Dhaheri, S., Barcelo, I. and Tourenq, C. (2004) The mammals, reptiles
and amphibians of the UAE - species list and status report. ERWDA, Abu Dhabi.
ERWDA. (2003) Environmental Strategy and Action Plans for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi
2003 – 2007. ERWDA, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Goodall, T., North, P. & Glennie, K. (2000) Surface and subsurface sedimentary
structures produced by salt crusts. Sedimentology, 47, 99 – 118.
Hornby, R. (1996) Red list of mammals for the United Arab Emirates. Tribulus, 6.1, 13 -
14.
Hornby, R and Aspinall, S. (1996) Red Data List for Birds of the United Arab Emirates.
Tribulus, 6.2,13 -17.
IUCN (2004) IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Online http://www.redlist.org
Javed, S. (2004). Birds of the United Arab Emirates with special reference to the Abu
Dhabi Emirate. In Marine and Terrestrial Environment of UAE. ERWDA Publications,
Abu Dhabi.
32
Launay, F., Combreau, O. and Bowardi, M. (1999) Annual migration of houbara
bustard Chlamydotis undulata macqueenii from the United Arab Emirates. Bird
Conservation International, 9, 155-161.
Mandaville, J.P. (1990) Flora of Eastern Saudi Arabia, Keegan Paul International Ltd.,
London, UK.
Roshier, D.A., Böer, B.B. & Osborne, P.E. (1996) Vegetation of Abu Dhabi and a
preliminary classification of its plant associations. Desert Ecology of Abu Dhabi – a
review and recent studies (ed. P.E. Osborne), Pisces Publications, Newbury, UK.
Tigar, B. (1996) A preliminary assessment of the arthropods of Abu Dhabi. In: Desert
ecology of Abu Dhabi – a review and recent studies. Pisces Publications, Newbury,
UK.
World Health Organisation (1998) Addendum to Guidelines for drinking water quality.
Vol. 1 – Recommendations. World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland.
33
Appendices
34
Appendix 1. Data dictionary used for the survey of Al Dhafra
"Field survey", Dictionary
"Archaeology", point, "", 1, seconds, 1, Code

"Date", date, auto, dmy, manual, normal, normal, Label1
"Time", time, auto, 24, manual, normal, normal, Label2
"Type of artefact", menu, normal, normal
"Pottery"
"Flint"
"Meiocene ostrich "
"Holocene ostrich"
"Other", default
"Description of find", text, 100, normal, normal
"Location", text, 100, normal, normal
"SITE DESCRIPTION", point, "", 1, seconds, 1, Code

"SITE_NAME", text, 10, required, not_permitted
"Date", date, auto, dmy, auto, required, required
"Time", time, auto, 24, auto, required, required
"____________________", caption
"VEGETATION", caption
" IMPORTANT CODE", caption
" IF PLANT DEAD", caption
" PREFIX WITH $", caption
"Dom_plant_sp", text, 30, normal, normal
"dom_plant_density", menu, normal, normal
"<10"
"10-20"
"20-100"
">100"
"Co_dom_plant_sp", text, 30, normal, normal
"co_dom_plant_sp", menu, normal, normal
"<10"
"10-20"
"20-100"
">100"
"Notes", text, 100, normal, normal
"plant_sp_01", text, 30, normal, normal
35
"____________________", caption
"Bird codes", caption
" sighting = S_", caption
" call = C_", caption
" display = D_", caption
" track = T_", caption
" nest active = N_", caption

" nest abandon = X_", caption
" faeces = F_", caption
" pellet = P_", caption
" body/feather = B_", caption
"bird_sp_01", text, 30, normal, normal
"bird_notes", text, 100, normal, normal
"____________________", caption
"Mammals", caption
"Lepus_capensis", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"fresh faeces"
"old faeces"
"none", default
"felis_cattus", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"fresh faeces"
"old faeces"
"none", default
"felis_silvestris", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"fresh faeces"
"old faeces"
"none", default
"felis_margarita", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"fresh faeces"
"old faeces"
"none", default
"felis_sp", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
36
"tracks"
"fresh faeces"
"old faeces"
"none", default
"caracal_caracal", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"fresh faeces"
"old faeces"
"none", default
"vulpes_vulpes", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"sighting at burrow"
"burrow"
"tracks"
"fresh faeces"
"old faeces"
"none", default
"vulpes_rueppelli", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"burrow"
"tracks"
"fresh faeces"
"old faeces"
"none", default
"vulpes_cana", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"burrow"
"tracks"
"fresh faeces"
"old faeces"
"none", default
"vulpes_species", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"burrow"
"tracks"
"fresh faeces"
"old faeces"
"none", default
"gazella_sp", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"fresh faeces"
"old faeces"
"none", default
"gazella_gazella", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"fresh faeces"
"old faeces"
"none", default
"gazella_subgutturosa", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
37
"tracks"
"fresh faeces"
"old faeces"
"none", default
"gerbillus_cheesmani", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"fresh faeces"
"burrow"
"old faeces"
"none", default
"gerbillus_nanus", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"burrow"
"fresh faeces"
"old faeces"
"none", default
"gerbillus_sp", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"burrow"
"fresh faeces"
"old faeces"
"none", default
"jaculus_jaculus", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"burrow"
"fresh faeces"
"old faeces"
"none", default
"meriones_crassus", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"burrow"
"fresh faeces"
"old faeces"
"none", default
"meriones_lybicus", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"burrow"
"fresh faeces"
"old faeces"
"none", default
"meriones_sp", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"burrow"
"fresh faeces"
"old faeces"
"none", default
"rattus_sp", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
38
"burrow"
"fresh faeces"
"old faeces"
"none", default
"mus_musculus", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"burrow"
"fresh faeces"
"old faeces"
"none", default
"bat", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"fresh faeces"
"old faeces"
"none", default
"camel", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"fresh faeces"
"old faeces"
"none", default
"goat", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"fresh faeces"
"old faeces"
"none", default
"mammal_notes", text, 100, normal, normal
"____________________", caption
"ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT", caption
"Agriculture", menu, normal, normal
"small plantation"
"agricultural area"
"none", default
"Forestry_plantation", menu, normal, normal
"minor"
"medium"
"major"
"none", default
"Settlements", menu, normal, normal
"minor"
"medium"
"major"
"none", default
"Industrial_impact", menu, normal, normal
"minor"
"medium"
"major"
"none", default
"vehicle_tracks", menu, normal, normal
"road"
"graded track"
"sand track"
"wheel mark"
39
"none", default
"Trash", menu, normal, normal
"litter (slight)"
"litter (major)"
"construction waste"
"other"
"none", default
"Powerlines", menu, normal, normal
"steel pylon"
"wooden pylon"
"none", default
"Camel_camp", menu, normal, normal
"active"
"abandoned"
"none", default
"fence", menu, normal, normal
"chainlink"
"single wire"
"broken/abandoned"
"none", default
"oil_gas_indusry", menu, normal, normal
"well"
"main oil / gas pipe"
"flowline"
"none", default
"Etisalat_tower", menu, normal, normal
"yes"
"no", default
"water_wells", menu, normal, normal
"pumping well field"
"pumping well"
"non-pumping well"
"monitoring well"
"none", default
"grazing_impact", menu, normal, normal
"major"
"medium"
"minor"
"none", default
"other_env_1", text, 100, normal, normal
"other_env_2", text, 100, normal, normal
"____________________", caption
"LANDFORM DESCRIPTION", caption
"sand sheet", caption
"flat", menu, normal, normal
"yes"
"no", default
"undulating", menu, normal, normal
"yes"
"no", default
"low_dunes", menu, normal, normal
"yes"
"no", default
"medium_dunes", menu, normal, normal
"yes"
40
"no", default
"high_dunes", menu, normal, normal
"yes"
"no", default
"interdune_aeoleonite", menu, normal, normal
"yes"
"no", default
"interdune_palaeo", menu, normal, normal
"yes"
"no", default
"other_sand", text, 100, normal, normal
"dom mount lndscp", caption
"slope", menu, normal, normal
"yes"
"no", default
"valley", menu, normal, normal
"yes"
"no", default
"plateau", menu, normal, normal
"yes"
"no", default
"wadi", menu, normal, normal
"yes"
"no", default
"other_mountain", text, 100, normal, normal
"dom gravel lndscp", caption
"flat", menu, normal, normal
"yes"
"no", default
"undulating", menu, normal, normal
"yes"
"no", default
"wadi", menu, normal, normal
"yes"
"no", default
"rocky_outcrops", menu, normal, normal
"yes"
"no", default
"other_gravel", text, 100, normal, normal
"saline flat", caption
"sabkha", menu, normal, normal
"yes"
"no", default
"saline_flat", menu, normal, normal
"yes"
"no", default
"other_saline", text, 100, normal, normal
"landform_notes", text, 100, normal, normal
"____________________", caption
"REPTILES", caption
"Agamids", caption
"P_arabicus", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"none", default
"P_maculatus", menu, normal, normal
41
"sighting"
"tracks"
"none", default
"T_flavimaculatus", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"none", default
"P_sinaitus", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"none", default
"U_aegyptius", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"burrow + tracks"
"burrow no tracks"
"abandoned burrow"
"tracks"
"fresh droppings"
"old droppings"
"body remains"
"none", default
"Geckos", caption
"B_tuberculatus", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"none", default
"C_scaber", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"none", default
"H_flaviviridis", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"none", default
"H_turcicus", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"none", default
"P_celerrimus", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"none", default
"P_minimus", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"none", default
"P_rupestris", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"none", default
"P_hasselquistii", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"none", default
"S_arabicus", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
42
"sighting + burrow"
"burrow"
"tracks"
"none", default
"S_doriae", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"sighting + burrow"
"burrow"
"tracks"
"none", default
"S_khobarensis", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"sighting + burrow"
"burrow"
"tracks"
"none", default
"S_leptocosymbotes", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"sighting + burrow"
"burrow"
"tracks"
"none", default
"S_slevini", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"sighting + burrow"
"burrow"
"tracks"
"none", default
"T_scincus", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"sighting + burrow"
"burrow"
"tracks"
"none", default
"Lacertids", caption
"A_gongrorhynchatus", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"none", default
"A_haasi", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"none", default
"A_opheodurus", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"none", default
"A_schmidti", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"none", default
"M_adramitana", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"none", default
43
"M_brevirostris", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"none", default
"Skinks", caption
"S_mitranus", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"droppings"
"tracks"
"none", default
"S_scincus", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"none", default
"monitors & snakes", caption
"V_griseus", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"burrow"
"droppings"
"tracks"
"none", default
"D_zarudnyi", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"none", default
"C_gasperetti", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"none", default
"E_carinatus", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"none", default
"E_jayakari", menu, normal, normal
"sighting"
"tracks"
"none", default
"reptile_notes", text, 100, normal, normal
"____________________", caption
"ARCHAEOLOGY", caption
"archae_notes_01", text, 100, normal, normal
"archae_notes_02", text, 100, normal, normal
"Etisalat Tower", point, "", 1, seconds, 1, Code

"Date", date, auto, dmy, auto, normal, normal, Label2
"Power source", menu, normal, normal, Label1
"Electricity grid"
"Solar"
"Grid + solar"
"Generator"
"Unknown"
"Other tower", point, "", 1, seconds, 1, Code

"Notes", text, 100, normal, normal, Label2
44
"Gateway", point, "", 1, seconds, 1, Code
"Status", menu, normal, normal, Label2
"Manned"
"Unmanned"
"ID", text, 30, normal, normal
"Electricity pylon", point, "", 1, seconds, 1, Code

"Type", menu, normal, normal, Label2
"Steel"
"Wood"
"Other"
"Telegraph pole", point, "", 1, seconds, 1, Code

"Type", menu, normal, normal, Label2
"Steel"
"Wood"
"Other"
"Birds", point, "", 1, seconds, 1, Code

"Date", date, auto, ymd, manual, normal, normal, Label1
"Time", time, auto, 24, auto, normal, normal, Label2
"Species", text, 50, normal, normal
"Number", numeric, 0, 0, 100, 1, normal, normal
"Sighting type", menu, normal, normal
"sighting", default
"call"
"display"
"track"
"nest active"
"nest abandoned"
"faeces"
"pellet"
"body "
"feather"
"Data source", text, 30, normal, normal
"Reptiles", point, "", 1, seconds, 1, Code

"Recorder", menu, normal, normal
"AAH137"
"CRD020"
"IBL262"
"JEN268"
"Micky"
"SSD124"
"other"
45
"Species", menu, normal, normal
"P. arabicus"
"P. maculatus"
"T. flavimaculatus"
"P. sinaitus"
"U. aegyptius"
"B. tuberculatus"
"C. scaber"
"H. flaviviridis"
"H. turcicus"
"P. celerrimus"
"P. minimus"
"P. rupestris"
"P. hasselquistii"
"S. arabicus"
"S. doriae"
"S. khobarensis"
"S. leptocosymbotes"
"S. slevini"
"T. scincus"
"A. gongrorhynchatus"
"A. haasi"
"A. opheodurus"
"A. schmidti"
"M. adramitana"
"M. brevirostris"
"A. pannonicus"
"C. ocellatus"
"M. tessallata"
"S. mitranus"
"S.scincus"
"V. griseus"
"D. zarudnyi"
"L. macrorhyncus"
"E. jayakari"
"C. ventromaculatus"
"L. diadema"
"m. moilensis"
"P. schokari"
"C. gasperettii"
"P. persicus"
"E. carinatus"
"E. coloratus"
"Other attributes", caption
"Activity", menu, normal, normal
"hiding-inactive"
"foraging"
"mating behaviour"
"fast movement"
"basking"
"unknown -tracks only"
"Sighting_type", menu, normal, normal
"animal"
"animal + burrow"
"burrow + tracks"
"burrow only"
46
"tracks"
"faeces fresh"
"faeces old"
"body remains"
"other spoor"
"Substrate", menu, normal, normal
"flat sand sheet"
"undulatin sand sheet"
"low dunes"
"medium dunes"
"high dunes"
"<5cm sand on gravel "
">5cm sand on gravel"
"gravel fine"
"gravel pebbly"
"gravel stony"
"rock"
"sabkha"
"<5cm sand on sabkha"
">5cm sand on sabkha"
"Aeoleonite"
"palaeo surface"
"beach - sandy"
"beach - pebbly"
"beach - rocky"
"coastal vegetation"
"coastal plain"
"other"
"Assoc_vegetation", text, 100, normal, normal
"Mammals", point, "", 1, seconds, 1, Code

"Species", text, 50, normal, normal
"Species confirmation", menu, normal, normal
"yes", default
"no"
"Substrate", text, 50, normal, normal
"Sighting type", menu, normal, normal
"animal"
"animal + burrow"
"burrow only"
"tracks"
"faeces fresh"
"faeces old"
"cadaver"
"other spoor"
"Sex", menu, normal, normal
"Male"
"Female"
"Unknown", default
"Weight_kg", numeric, 3, 0.001, 100.000, 0.001, normal, normal
"Recorder", text, 30, normal, normal
47
"Oil well", point, "", 1, seconds, 1, Code
"description", text, 90, normal, normal, Label1
"ID", text, 30, normal, normal, Label2
"Water well", point, "", 1, seconds, 1, Code

"Date", date, auto, dmy, manual, normal, normal
"Time", time, auto, 24, manual, normal, normal
"Well ID number", text, 50, normal, normal, Label2
"Type of well", menu, required, required
"pumping well"
"Monitoring well"
"test well"
"other non-pumping"
"Hand dug "
"pump fitted", menu, required, required, Label1
"yes"
"remote pump"
"no"
"Lining", menu, normal, normal
"unknown", default
"plastic"
"unlined"
"brick"
"steel"
"depth (m)", numeric, 2, 0.00, 1000.00, 0.00, normal, "0 for unknown", normal
"pH", numeric, 2, 0.00, 10.00, 0.00, normal, normal
"temperature (C)", numeric, 1, 0.0, 100.0, 0.0, normal, normal
"conductivity (uS/cm)", numeric, 0, 0, 2000000, 0, normal, normal
"salinity (PPT)", numeric, 2, 0.00, 1000.00, 0.00, normal, normal
"DO (mg/l)", numeric, 1, 0.0, 1000.0, 0.0, normal, normal
"Description", text, 100, normal, normal
"Camel camp", point, "", 1, seconds, 1, Code

"Time", time, auto, 24, manual, normal, normal
"Active / Abandoned", menu, normal, normal
"active"
"abandoned"
"Water supply", text, 100, normal, normal
"Camels", menu, normal, normal, Label1
"None"
"< 10"
"10 -20"
"20 -50"
"50 - 100"
"100 - 150"
"150 - 200"
"200 - 300"
"300 - 400"
"> 400"
"Goats", menu, normal, normal
"None"
"< 10"
"10 -20"
"20 -50"
48
"50 - 100"
"100 - 150"
"150 - 200"
"200 - 300"
"300 - 400"
"> 400"
"Sheep", menu, normal, normal
"None"
"< 10"
"10 -20"
"20 -50"
"50 - 100"
"100 - 150"
"150 - 200"
"200 - 300"
"300 - 400"
"> 400"
"Comments", text, 100, normal, normal
"Transect point", point, "", 1, seconds, 1, Code

"Substrate type", menu, normal, normal, Label1
"Sand dunes"
"deep snd / grvl"
"shallow snd / grvl"
"Gravel"
"interdune gravel"
"Point_generic", point, "", 1, seconds, 1, Code

"Comment", text, 32, normal, normal, Label1
"boundary", line, "", 5, meters, 1, Code
"Roads and tracks", line, "", 10, meters, 1, Code

"roads", menu, normal, normal, Label1
"Major Highway"
"Dual carriageway"
"Single carriageway"
"street"
"gatch road"
"graded surface"
"sand track permanent"
"sand track occasiona"
"wheel mark"
"Line_generic", line, "", 10, meters, 1, Code

"Fence", line, "", 1, seconds, 1, Code

"Hole in fence", text, 30, normal, normal, Label1
"gate way", text, 30, normal, normal, Label2
"base of fence expose", text, 30, normal, normal
"Plantation", area, "", 1, seconds, 1, Code

"Time", time, auto, 24, manual, normal, normal, Label2
49
"Type of plantation", text, 30, normal, normal
"Area_generic", area, "", 1, seconds, 1, Code

50
Appendix 2. Site descriptions and survey data
51
Site Photographs taken at AD1738
52
240 120
53
240 120
54
240 120
55
240 120
56
240 120
57
240 120
Site Photographs taken at AD1942X
58
240 120
59
240 120
60
240 120
61
240 120
62
240 120
63
240 120
64
240 120
65
240 120
66
240 120
67
240 120
68
240 120
Appendix 3. Mammal species recorded in the study area
Common name Scientific name UAE Red List 1 Notes
Sand Cat Felis margarita Endangered 2
Feral Cat Felis cattus Not listed 2
Red Fox Vulpes vulpes Least Concern 2
Rüppell’s Fox Vulpes rueppelli Vulnerable 2
Sand Gazelle Gazella subgutturosa Critically Endangered 2, 3
Domestic Goat Capra aegagrus Not Listed 2
Cheesman’s Gerbil Gerbillus cheesmani Least Concern 2
Lesser Jerboa Jaculus jaculus Near Threatened 2
Desert Hare Lepus capensis Least Concern 2
Domestic Camel Camelus dromedarius Not Listed 2
Notes
1. Hornby (1996)
2. Species recorded during the 2002-2004 survey.
3 This species was stated as being Critically Endangered by Hornby (1996). This
classification is currently under review and is likely to be changed to Lower Risk
69
Appendix 4. Reptile species recorded in the study area
Common name Scientific name CITES Notes
Spiny-tailed lizard Uromastyx sp. Appendix II 1
Arabian toad-headed agama Phrynocephalus arabicus Not Listed 1
Toad-headed agama Phrynocephalus maculatus Not Listed 3
Baluch rock gecko Bunopus tuberculatus Not Listed 1
Arabian sand gecko Stenodactylus arabicus Not Listed 1
Dune sand gecko Stenodactylus doriae Not Listed 1
Gulf sand gecko Stenodactylus khobarensis Not Listed 1
Schmidt’s fringe-toed lizard Acanthodactylus schmidti Not Listed 1
Eastern sand skink Scincus mitranus Not Listed 1
Desert monitor lizard Varanus griseus Appendix I 1
Zarudny’s worm lizard Diplometopon zarudnyi Not Listed 1
Sand boa Eryx jayakari Appendix II 1
Arabian horned viper Cerastes gasperettii Not Listed 1
Notes
1. Species recorded during the 2002-2004 Abu Dhabi Baseline Survey
2. Baha El Din (1996)
70
Appendix 5. Bird species recorded in the study area
Common name Latin name Status1,2,3 Notes

Pallid harrier Circus macrourus V,RT 4
Long legged buzzard Buteo rufinus PB 5
Imperial eagle Aquila heliaca V,RT 4
Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos V 4
Kestrel Falco tinnunculus B 4,5
Asian houbara bustard Chlamydotis macqueenii V, RT 5
Stone curlew Burhinus oedicnemus B 4,5
Little owl Athene noctua B 4,5
Eagle owl Bubo bubo (ascalaphus) PB, N/D 4,5
Common swift Apus apus V 4,5
Little green bee-eater Merops orientalis B 5
Dunn’s lark Erenalauda dunni V 4
Hoopoe lark Alaemon alaudipes B 4,5
Crested lark Galerida cristata B 4
Black-crowned finch lark Eremopterix nigriceps V 4,5
Barn swallow Hirundo rustica V 4,5
Isabelline wheatear Oenanthe isabellina V 4
Desert wheatear Oenanthe deserti V 4,5
Finsch's wheatear Oenanthe finschii V,RR 4
Pied wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka V 4
Rock thrush Monticola saxatilis V 4
Olivaceous warbler Hippolais pallida V 4
Desert warbler Sylvia nana V 4,5
Ménétries’s warbler Sylvia mystacea V, RR 4
Spotted flycatcher Muscicapa striata V 4,5
Golden oriole Oriolus oriolus V 4
Southern grey shrike Lanius meridionalis B 4,5
Brown-necked raven Corvus ruficollis B 4,5
House sparrow Passer domesticus B 4,5
V = Visitor; B = Breeder; PB = Potential Breeder; RI = Regionally Important; RT = Regionally

Threatened; RR = Restricted Range; N/D = Native and Declining.
Notes
1. Javed (2004)
2. Aspinall (1996)
3. Hornby and Aspinall (1996)
4. Species recorded during the 2002-2004 Abu Dhabi Baseline Survey
5. Other sources (Böer et al. 1999, ERWDA, unpubl.)
71
Appendix 6. Insect species recorded in the study area
Order Family Scientific name

1
Thysanura (Bristletails & Silverfish) Lepismatidae
Odonata (Dragonflies) Aeshnidae Hemianax ephippiger
1
Orthoptera (Grasshoppers & Crickets) Gryllidae
Gryllidae Gryllus bimaculatus
Gryllotalpidae Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa
Acrididae Ochrida tibialis
Mantodea (Mantids) Eremiaphilidae Eremiaphila gene
Heteroptera (True Bugs) Cydnidae Amaurocoris aspericollis
Cydnidae Macroscytus brunneus
Pentatomidae Chroantha oratula
1
Coreidae
Lygaeidae Dieuches mucronatus
Rhopalidae Liorhyssus hyalins
Lygaeidae Emblethis gracilicornis
Lygaeidae Geocoris sp.
1
Berytidae
Tingidae1
Miridae1
Corixidae1
Homoptera (Cicadas, Planthoppers & Aphids) Cicadellidae1
Cixiidae Oliarus sp.
Neuroptera (Antlions & Lacewings) Myrmeleontidae Lopezus fedtschenkoi
Chrysopidae Chrysoperla carnea
Coleoptera (Beetles) Staphylinidae1
Histeridae Saprinus chalcites
1
Buprestidae
Scarabaeidae Scarabaeus cristatus
Scarabaeidae Aphodius sp.
Scarabaeidae Dynamopus semenovi
Scarabaeidae Podalgus cuniculus
Cleridae Necrobia rufipes
72
Tenebrionidae Blaps kollari
Tenebrionidae Mesostena puncticollis
Tenebrionidae Tentyrina palmeri
Tenebrionidae Erodius octocostatus
Tenebrionidae Erodius reichei
Tenebrionidae Trichosphaena arabica
Tenebrionidae Prochoma clypealis
Tenebrionidae Phacotribon pulchellum
Tenebrionidae Pachycera sp.
Tenebrionidae Schizonycha sp.
Coccinellidae1
Diptera (True Flies) Calliphoridae Lucilia sericata
Syrphidae Metasyrphus luniger
Ephydridae Ephydra sp.
1
Calliphoridae
Muscidae Musca domestica domestica
Muscidae Musca lucidula
Muscidae Musca sorbens
Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths) Pyralidae Lamoria anella
Arctiidae1
Noctuidae Anumeta spilota mugshinensis
Noctuidae Anumeta asiatica
Noctuidae Anumeta eberti
Noctuidae Anumeta hilgerti hilgerti
Noctuidae Anumeta hilgerti popovi
Noctuidae Thia robusta
Noctuidae Eublemma sp.
Noctuidae Heliothis nubiigera
Geometridae Atomorpha hedemanni
Pyralidae Spoladea recurvalis
1
Hymenoptera (Bees, Wasps and Ants) Ichneumonidae
Braconidae1
Mutillidae1
Tiphiidae1
Formicidae Cataglyphis sabulosa
73
Formicidae Cataglyphis urens
Formicidae Monomorium bicolor
Formicidae Solenopsis geminata
Bradynobaenidae Pterogyna savignyi
Notes
1. Identified to Family level only.
74
Appendix 7. Plant species recorded in the study area
Co-
Family name Scientific name Dominant
dominant
Cyperaceae (Sedge family) Cyperus conglomeratus 1 √ √
3
Poaceae (Grass family) Centropodia forskaolii
Eremobium aegyptiacum 1
Stipagrostis plumosa 2
Boraginaceae (Borage family) Heliotropium bacciferum 2
Capparaceae (Caper family) Dipterygium glaucum 1 √ √
1
Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot family) Haloxylon salicornicum √
Seidlitzia rosmarinus 1 √ √
1
Cornulaca monacantha √ √
3
Geraniaceae Monsonia niveai
Molluginaceae (Mollugo family) Limeum arabicum 1
Orobanchaceae (Broomrape family) Cistanche tubulosa 2
Polygonaceae (Buckwheat family) Calligonum crinitum 1 √ √
Zygophyllaceae (Bean caper family) Fagonia sp. 3
Tribulus arabicus 1 √ √
2
Tribulus mollis
Zygophyllum qatarense 1 √ √
Notes:
1. Recorded during the present study and by B. Böer 1997

2. Recorded only during the present study.
3. Not recorded during the present study, but recorded by B. Böer 1997.
75
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A Report on the Findings of an Ecological and Environmental Survey of The

Technical Report · January 2005

Asian Houbara Ecology View project

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

Terrestrial Environment Research Center

Environmental Research & Wildlife Development Agency

PO Box 45553, Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates

Terrestrial Environment Research Center

Project Ref: 03-31-0002

Project Title: Abu Dhabi Baseline Survey

Document Ref. No: 03-31-0002/WSM/TP012

Terrestrial Environment Research Center

Name Signature Date

Checked and John Newby

Issue Status Final

Purpose of Issue Internal report may be distributed externally

Team Members Drew, C.// Barcelo, I.// Al Hemeri, A.// Al

Authorised By Assistant Secretary

Revision No. Date Affected Pages Date Change By (initials)

1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................5

The Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency (ERWDA), in its

The altitude of the region is approximately 80 m A.S.L in the southwest, 20 m A.S.L in

Figure 1 Location of the Al Dhafra Proposed Protected Area

52°10'0"E 52°20'0"E 52°30'0"E 52°40'0"E 52°50'0"E

52°10'0"E 52°20'0"E 52°30'0"E 52°40'0"E 52°50'0"E

52°10'0"E 52°20'0"E 52°30'0"E 52°40'0"E 52°50'0"E

Tawi Shiqqat Aylan

Tawi Ghubay Ad Daw

52°10'0"E 52°20'0"E 52°30'0"E 52°40'0"E 52°50'0"E

The climate of Al Dhafra is characteristic of a hot, hyper-arid sand desert environment.

1.6 Fauna and Flora

Sand cat Felis margarita

Desert hare Lepus capensis

Sauria (lizards) 10 species belonging to five families:

Amphisbaenia (worm lizards) 1 species from one family:

With regard to CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of

A total number of 63 insect species have been identified, belonging to 11 different

Thysanura (bristletails and silverfish)

Many more species have been collected and remain to be identified.

Seventeen species of plants belonging to 10 different families have been recorded in

Vegetation is often classified in terms of communities, which describe the characteristic

The Tribulus arabicus – Cyperus conglomeratus community occurs typically on deep

Another community found in the Al Dhafra area is Zygophyllum qatarense – Haloxylon

The Zygophyllum qatarense community, occurs as a structural element in most of the

The vegetation appears to be suffering the effects of a prolonged period of drought,

Dipterygium glaucum is also a dominant species in Al Dhafra area and it is known to be

The Al Dhafra Proposed Protected Area is of considerable ecological significance.

Abu Dhabi Sweihan

Umm Al Ashtan Al wagan

23°0'0"N Mikheriz Hameem 23°0'0"N

52°0'0"E 53°0'0"E 54°0'0"E 55°0'0"E 56°0'0"E

1.8.1 Grazing and livestock

Figure 7 Tanker providing water for camels in Al Dhafra.

1.8.3 Ground water extraction

1.8.5 Industrial development

There is no current long-term industrial development within the Proposed Protected

52°0'0"E 52°10'0"E 52°20'0"E 52°30'0"E 52°40'0"E 52°50'0"E 53°0'0"E

52°0'0"E 52°10'0"E 52°20'0"E 52°30'0"E 52°40'0"E 52°50'0"E 53°0'0"E

Figure 9 The roads and major tracks of Al Dhafra.

1.9.1 Water extraction

1.9.3 Habitat fragmentation

1.9.4 Military exercise area