The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has confirmed a sighting of the red-footed booby on Qarnain Island, marking a rare occurrence for this species in the Arabian Gulf. This discovery was made during EAD’s routine environmental monitoring efforts aimed at assessing local biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. The red-footed booby, known for its distinctive red feet, is typically found in the tropical islands and coastlines but has seldom been observed in the Arabian Gulf due to the absence of established local colonies. Despite its rarity in the region, the species is not classified as threatened on the IUCN Red List, highlighting its stable global population.
Ahmed Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, emphasized the importance of this sighting, noting that the red-footed booby’s diet of fish and squid plays a critical role in the marine food chain. The agency’s monitoring activities contribute significantly to the understanding and conservation of varied wildlife species and their habitats.
Qarnain Island, located approximately 180 kilometers northwest of Abu Dhabi, serves as a critical sanctuary for various migratory and indigenous marine species. This island, incorporated into the global network of reserves by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2003, supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, underscoring its ecological significance.
The island’s recognition by the IUCN as part of its broader efforts to protect marine ecosystems and endangered species worldwide since 1996, reflects its importance in global conservation efforts. Al Hashemi added that these reserves, including Al Wathba Wetland Reserve and Bul Syayeef Marine Protected Area, play pivotal roles in the breeding and conservation of over 260 bird species, including the region’s only continuous breeding population of great flamingos. This recent sighting adds to Abu Dhabi’s recorded 426 bird species, illustrating the successful outcomes of the EAD’s ongoing conservation initiatives. Such efforts are crucial for the preservation of biodiversity and the promotion of sustainable ecological practices.