Hawksbill Turtles

These critically endangered migratory creatures are found in over 60 countries and can be seen on the U.A.E?s Saadiyat Island .In recent years, there has been a 80% decline  in the worldwide population with the World Wide Fund for Animals (WWF) estimating that only about 8,000 nesting females still exist in the world.

Dangers posed to existence:

1) In the tropics, the hawksbill turtle is hunted for its yellow and brown carapace plates. They are used that are manufactured into tortoiseshell items, such as jewellery and ornaments.

2) Nesting and feeding habitats because of :

a) Rising water levels

b) Excessive egg collection

c) Fishery-related mortality

d) Pollution

e) Coastal development

f) Illegal wildlife trade

Cause of concern:

Since Hawksbill turtles play an important part in the preservation of coral reefs. A single turtle can consume an estimated 454 kg sponges every year .In their absence , sponges can overgrow corals and suffocate reefs. Having the distinction of being the largest living structures on earth, corals provide shelter to 25% of all marine species.

Hawksbill turtles are also valued for cultural significance.

Measures we can take:

Join the Marine Turtle Conservation Project by Emirates Wildlife Society and WWF (EWS-WWF) by signing up for their program at gulfturtles.com

Arabian Leopard:
These critically endangered creatures were once found all across the Arabian Peninsula. Now however, there are 250 or fewer in number according to the IUCN Red List. Since the 19^th century, there has been a steady decline in their numbers.

Dangers posed to existence:

1)      habitat loss

2)      Depletion of its prey eg. mountain gazelle , Arabian tahr as a result of unregulated hunting.

Measures taken :

1)      The Gulf?first captive breeding group Omani Mammal Breeding Centre in Muscat was established in 1985.

2)      There have also been several successful captive breeding efforts at Sharjah Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife ( BCEAW).

Arabian Tahr:

According to the IUCN Red List, these endangered species is mainly found in the mountains of northern Oman and the UAE with the IUCN estimating that there are fewer than  5,000 Arabian tahrs remaining.

Dangers posed to existence:

1)      Intense grazing competition from livestock

2)      Illegal hunting

3)      Habitat degradation as a result of human development.

Cause of concern: Since the Arabian Tahr is the region?s only large, endemic mammal .Many conservation initiatives have helped to fight the decline in their population but their small population remains a major cause of concern.

Measures taken:

1)      Wadi Wurayah in Fujairah, the tahrs? home terrain was officially declared as the UAE?s first protected mountain area in 2009.

2)      Currently, there are three dedicated institutions involved in their captive breeding in Oman and UAE.

3)      The Management of Nature Conservation (MNC) in Al Ain, U.A.E houses the world?s biggest Arabian tahr population in captivity.