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11th Conservation
Workshop for the Fauna
of Arabia
and
First Conference on
Biodiversity Conservation
in the Arabian Peninsula
Sharjah,
United Arab Emirates
January 31 - February 4, 2010

Proceedings of
11th Conservation Workshop for the Fauna of Arabia

and
First Conference on Biodiversity Conservation in the
Arabian Peninsula
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
January 31 - February 4, 2010
Edited by
Philip Seddon1 and Kevin Budd2
Organised by
Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA)
Government of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
1
Department of Zoology, University of Otago
PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
Email: philip.seddon@stonebow.otago.ac.nz
2
Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife
Po Box 29922, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Email: breeding@epaa-shj.gov.ae
Contents
Red List Training Workshop 1

Process 4
Results 4
Participants 6
GIS & Systematic Conservation Planning Workshop 8

Introduction 11
What is systematic conservation planning? 12
What are the potential benefits of systematic conservation planning 13
Aims 14
Process 14
Analyses 16
Preliminary Outputs 16
Way Forward 18
Acknowledgements 19
References 19
Participants 20
First Conference on Biodiversity Conservation in the Arabian

Peninsula 22
Executive Summary 27
Abstracts 28
Poster Abstracts 51
Conference Recommendations 67
Participants List 69
Conservation Workshop
for the Fauna of Arabia
Red List Training Workshop
Caroline Pollock1, Rebecca Miller1 &

David Mallon2
RED
©
LIST
IUCN
1
IUCN Species Survival Commission Red List Unit, Cambridge, United Kingdom
2
IUCN/SSC Antelope Specialist Group, Manchester, United Kingdom
RED
©
LIST
IUCN
Conservation Workshop for the Fauna of Arabia

IUCN Red List Training Workshop
Workshop venue: University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Time and date: 09:00 – 17:30, Sunday 31st January & Monday 1st February, 2010
Workshop objectives:
1. To improve understanding of the meaning of the terms used in the IUCN Red List Categories and
Criteria.
2. To provide training on how to produce good-quality assessments suitable for inclusion in the IUCN Red
List of Threatened SpeciesTM.
3. To provide training on how to apply the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria for regional level
assessments to produce good-quality assessments suitable for inclusion in a regional or national Red
List.
Program
Day 1 - Sunday, 31 January 2010

0800-0850 Registration
Welcome and Opening
0900-0910
Mr Abdulaziz Al Midfa, Environment and Protected Areas Authority
Introduction to 2010 Themes and Break
0910-0920
Dr Philip Seddon
Welcome and introductions
0920-0930
Caroline Pollock, IUCN Red List Unit
A brief history of IUCN’s red listing work and the role of the Red List Unit
0930-0950
Rebecca Miller, IUCN Red List Unit
The IUCN Red List Categories and definitions of terms used in the criteria
0950-1100
1100-1130 TEA/COFFEE BREAK
The IUCN Red List Criteria and thresholds
1130-1230
Practical session 1: global assessments.
1230-1300
Applying the IUCN Red List criteria for global-level Red List assessments (based on case studies provided by IUCN)
1300-1400 LUNCH
1400-1430 Reports back from working groups and discussion
Using the IUCN Red List Criteria for regional and national Red List assessments
1430-1500
Practical session 2: regional assessments.
1500-1530 Applying the IUCN Red List criteria for regional- or national-level Red List assessments (based on data brought to
the workshop by participants)
1600-1645 Practical session 2: regional assessments (continued).
1645-1730 Reports back from working groups and discussion
1730-1740 Day 1 Closing
2
DAY 2 - Monday, 1 February 2010
0830-0900 Registration continues
0900-0930 Open plenary session: any issues from day one that need to be revisited?
Introduction to the IUCN Species Information Service (SIS)
0930-1100
Practical session 3: regional assessments (continued).
1130-1300 Applying the IUCN Red List criteria for regional- or national-level Red List assessments (based on data brought to
the workshop by participants).
1300-1400 LUNCH
1400-1430 Open plenary session: any further issues needing discussion?
1530-1600 COFFEE BREAK
Reports back from working groups and discussion: each working group to report back to
1630-1730
plenary on their assessments carried out today and difficulties encountered.
Red List Summary
1730-1740
Caroline Pollock & Rebecca Miller
GIS Summary
1740-1750
Dr Stephen Holness
Closing and Thanks
1750-1800
Mr Abdulaziz Al Midfa
3
Conservation Workshop for the Fauna of Arabia - Red List Training Workshop, Sharjah. 2010
Process
The training was led by Caroline Pollock and Rebecca Miller of the IUCN Red List Unit. The
format of the workshop consisted of a series of presentations, practical sessions in small groups,
report-backs and general discussion.
Results
Presentation 1: The IUCN Red List
Contents: Introduction to IUCN - members, the six commissions, secretariat; Species Survival
Commission (SSC), SSC Steering Committee, and Specialist Groups; history of the IUCN Red
List; the Red List Unit – role and responsibilities; Red List Index; Global Species Assessments;
regional initiatives.
Presentation 2: Introduction to the IUCN Red List process

Contents: Introduction to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria; scope of application;
structure of the categories; types of data required; concepts and definitions; key terms; the IUCN
Red List Criteria – criteria, subcriteria and thresholds.
Practical session 1: Applying the IUCN Red List Criteria for global-level Red List assessments
Participants divided into six working groups to carry out global-level Red List assessments using
a set of 12 case studies provided by IUCN. The case studies were for species that are unlikely to
be familiar to the workshop participants. The aim of this exercise was to allow participants to
become more familiar with the IUCN Red List terminology and gain a better understanding of
the application of the Red List Categories and Criteria.
Report back and discussion:

Each group presented their assessments, followed by comments and discussion of any issues or
difficulties with applying the Red List criteria.
Presentation 3: Using the IUCN Red List Criteria for regional and national Red List assessments
Contents: Scales of regional assessments - continent/country/province, etc; additional categories
for regional assessments; applicable and non-applicable taxa for regional assessment; process for
carrying out regional assessments, taking into account events outside of the region that may
affect taxa within the focal region; worked through examples.
Practical session 2: Applying the IUCN Red List Criteria for regional- or national-level Red
List assessments
Participants divided into five working groups to carry out regional assessments of taxa they had
selected themselves, including species of crocodile, fish, birds and mammals.
Participants’ own knowledge of these taxa was used to practice assessments at the regional level.
Report back and discussion:

Each group presented their assessments, followed by comments and discussion of any issues
or difficulties with applying the Red List criteria for regional-level assessments.
4
Plenary session: Navigation of the IUCN Red List website

This was an additional session held at the request of the workshop participants who felt they
needed some guidance on how to use the IUCN Red List web site. The live web site was displayed
and participants were taken through all of the search and data export functions.
Summary and discussion:

A final summing-up session and questions. In this session, the participants showed an eagerness
to put their training in to practice in future by working towards updating Red List assessments
for native species on the Arabian Peninsula.
All participants were given a certificate of attendance, and a CD containing:

• Red List Criteria summary
• IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. Version 3.1 (English version)
• IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. Version 3.1 (Arabic version)
• Guidelines for using the Red List Categories and Criteria. v.7.0
• Guidelines for Application of the IUCN Red List Criteria at Regional Levels
• Documentation Status and Consistency Checks for Red List Assessments
• Three training presentations
• Case studies and answers
5
Participants
Abi-Said, Mounir Rachid Al Sagheer, Omar Ali Saeed
American University of Beirut Yemen Society for the Protection of Wildlife,
Beirut, Lebanon Sana’a, Yemen
Email: mabisaid9@gmail.com Email: omar.alsaghier@undp.org
Abtin, Elham Al Shamlan, Mohammad Mubarak

Department of the Environment, Sistan & Saudi Wildlife Commission
Baluchestan Office Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Zabol, Iran Email: MS_2041080014@hotmail.com
Email: ala_saly@yahoo.co.uk
Alsharif, Hassan Zain Ahmed Mohammed
Al Dosary, Mubarak Dubai Municipality
Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Resources, Environment and Wildlife Email: hzain1982@gmail.com
Manama, Bahrain
Email: mubarak_aldosary@hotmail.com Alshehi, Hamed
Hamra Municipality
Al Hashmi, Ahmed Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Emirates Marine Environment Group
Dubai, United Arab Emirates Al Suwaidi, Hana Saif
Email: buhumban@hotmail.com Environment and Protected Areas Authority
Al Jumaily, Masa’a Mahdi Email: epaa@epaashj.ae
Sana’a University
Sana’a, Yemen Ashour, Mohamed Aladin
dr.masaa@hotmail.com Public Commission for the Protection of Marine
Resources, Environment and Wildlife
Al-Mahdhoury, Saleh Siad Manama, Bahrain
Office for conservation of the Environment, Diwan Email: mashour@batelco.com.bh
of Royal Court
Muscat, Oman Behbehani, Salah
Email: almahdhoury@hotmail.com The Scientific Centre Management Company
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Al Nabhani, Hilal Bin Mohammed Email: salah@tsck.gov.kw
Ministry of Environment & Climate Affairs
Muscat, Oman Bell, Stephen
Email: nabhani-h@hotmail.com Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Al Omari, Khaldoun Email: stephen.bell@emirates.com
IUCN Regional Office for West Asia
Amman, Jordan Boug, Ahmed
Email: khaldoun.alomari@iucn.org National Wildlife Research Centre
Taif, Saudi Arabia
Al Rasbi, Khalid Juma Mohammed Email: boug2010@gmail.com
Omani Wild Animals Breeding Centre
Muscat, Oman Budd, Jane
Email: tayamooo@hotmail.com Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife
Alsafran, Salem Hussain Email: jane.budd@bceaw.ae
Minsitry of Environement
Doha, Qatar Hamidan, Nashat Abdul Fattah
Email: shsafran@moe.gov.qa The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature
Amman, Jordan
Email: nashat@rscn.org.jo
6
Hammer, Catrin Sobhan, Istiak

Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation, Qatar Dubai Municipality
Doha, Qatar Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Email: awwp.mammal@alwabra.com Email: istiak_sobhan@yahoo.com
Khassim, Ali Soroor, Doaa Hamdi

Environment Protection and Development Ministry of Environment & Water
Department Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
Email: engali6299355@yahoo.com Swanson, William
Centre for Conservation and Research of
Korshunov, Vladimir Endangered Wildlife
Management of Nature Conservation Cincinnati, United States of America
Al Ain, United Arab Emirates Email: bill.swanson@cincinnatizoo.org
Email: korshunvlad@mail.ru
Yamani, Mariam Saeed
Mobaraki, Asghar
Department of the Environment Yacoub, Moayad
Tehran, Iran Emirates Environmental Group
Email: amobaraki@yahoo.com Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Email: eeg@emirates.net.ae
Mohana, Hussain Ali
Ministry of Health
Manama, Bahrain
Email: Hhumood@health.gov.bh
Resueno, Annabel Dimapilis

The Scientific Centre Management Company
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Email: annabel@tsck.gov.kw
Roosenschoon, Peter
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Email: warthogg10@yahoo.com
Sambas, Anas Zubeir

Saudi Wildlife Commission
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Email: newlook01@gmail.com
Seddon, Philip
Zoology Department, University of Otago
Dunedin, New Zealand
Email: philip.seddon@stonebow.otago.ac.nz
Serhal, Assad
Society of the Protection of Nature in Lebanon
Beirut, Lebanon
Email: spnlorg@cyberia.net.lb
Shobrak, Mohamed
Taif University
Taif, Saudi Arabia
Email: mshobrak@gmail.com
7
Conservation Workshop
for the Fauna of Arabia
GIS & Systematic Conservation

Planning Workshop
Stephen Holness1,2, Mark Sorensen3, Mike Knight1,2 &

Yasser Ramadan Ahmed Othman3
1
Park Planning and Development, South African National Parks, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
2
Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Zoology Department, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port
Elizabeth, South Africa
3
Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi
Conservation Workshop for the Fauna of Arabia
GIS & Systematic Conservation Planning Workshop
Workshop venue: University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Time and date: 09:00 – 17:30, Sunday 31st January & Monday 1st February, 2010
Workshop objectives:
1. To collate and review the available biodiversity GIS data for the Arabian Peninsula.
2. To evaluate this data in terms of the requirements for a rapid systematic conservation assessment for
the Arabian Peninsula.
3. To chart a way forward for the development of a rapid systematic conservation assessment
Program
Day 1 - Sunday, 31 January 2010

0800-0850 Registration
Welcome and Opening
0900-0910
Introduction to 2010 Themes and Break
0910-0920
Dr Philip Seddon
Welcome and introductions
0920-0930
Dr Mike Knight, South African National Parks
Introduction to the purpose of the workshop
0930-0950
Dr Stephen Holness, South African National Parks
Review of GIS data (including data brought to the workshop by participants)
0950-1100
Mark Sorensen & Yasser Ahmed Othamn, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi
Refinement of GIS data such as species distributions
1130-1230
Mark Sorensen & Yasser Ahmed Othamn, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi
Systematic conservation planning: Introduction, examples and data requirements
1230-1300
1300-1400 LUNCH
Review sessions on specific inputs into conservation planning: Biodiversity data, habitat
1400-1430
maps
Review sessions on specific inputs into conservation planning: Biodiversity data, species
1430-1530
distribution data
Review sessions on specific inputs into conservation planning: Biodiversity data,
1600-1630
additional expert inputs
Review sessions on specific inputs into conservation planning: Transformation and threat
1630-1700
data, data on extent of transformation and degradation of intact natural habitats
Review sessions on specific inputs into conservation planning: Protected Area data, extent
1700-1730
and type of protected areas
1730-1740 Day 1 Closing
9
DAY 2 - Monday, 1 February 2010
0830-0900 Registration continues
Review of day one: What have we got & are there any issues from day one that need to be
0900-0930
revisited?
Conservation planning process, further discussion and interrogation: features, targets,
0930-1100
planning domain
1130-1300 Conservation planning process - discussion and interaction on draft products
1300-1400 LUNCH
1400-1430 Open plenary session: any further issues needing discussion?
1530-1600 COFFEE BREAK
1600-1630 Discussion on way forward and inputs into the conference presentation
Red List Summary
1730-1740
Caroline Pollock & Rebecca Miller
GIS Summary
1740-1750
Dr Stephen Holness
Closing and Thanks
1750-1800
10
Conservation Workshop for the Fauna of Arabia - GIS Systematic Planning Workshop, Sharjah. 2010
Introduction
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) based systematic conservation planning can form the
basis for prioritizing conservation implementation in a strategic and efficient way. This planning
process has been successfully applied and refined in areas and habitats as diverse as the Cape
Floral Kingdom, Grasslands, Forests and Succulent Deserts of Southern Africa; the rainforest
of the Amazon and Papua New Guinea; marine areas of California, South Africa and Australia;
and freshwater systems in South Africa and the USA (Margules & Pressey 2000; Pressey & Taffs
2001; Desmet et al. 2002; Nel et al. 2007; Klein et al. 2008). The opportunity exists to rapidly
utilize international best practice in systematic conservation planning in the Arabian Peninsula,
and avoid having to re-invent the methodologies developed over the last 15 years.
Conservation within the Arabian Peninsula has focused to date on protecting iconic species
such as the Arabian Oryx and Arabian Leopard. Although there have been significant
successes in these conservation efforts, this has generally been based on an ad hoc approach to
prioritizing conservation actions spatially. Further, little effort has been put into understanding
the conservation context across national boundaries. Previous CAMP meetings identified
the need to develop an understanding of spatial conservation priorities within the Arabian
Peninsula (Knight 2008; Seddon et al. 2009). In particular, the previous meetings had identified
the requirement to understand where (and if) conservation priorities exist that cross national
boundaries which may be best addressed in a Transfrontier Conservation Areas approach.
Therefore a GIS and systematic conservation planning workshop was held as part of the First
Conference on the Conservation of Arabian Fauna.
This document outlines the concept and benefits of systematic conservation planning, reports
on the aims, process, data, analyses and initial outputs of the GIS and systematic conservation
planning workshop, and charts the way forward for developing a more robust assessment for the
Arabian Peninsula.
11
What is systematic conservation planning?

Systematic conservation planning aims to identify areas of greatest importance for conserving
biodiversity in a transparent and scientifically robust manner. The process often seeks to identify
optimal areas for expanding a protected area network, but can also be aimed at prioritizing areas
for a range of other conservation measures such as stewardship, resource protection measures
such as controls on fishery methods, or land-use controls such as zoning. Margules and Pressey
(2000) identify six stages in systematic planning:
1. Compile data on the biodiversity of the planning region. Generally spatial data is collated
within a GIS system on biodiversity features within a planning domain. These features
can include both ecological pattern (e.g. the distribution of a particular vegetation type or
species) and process (e.g. areas required to support long term ecological processes such as
riparian corridors (such as wadis) or areas required for climate change adaptation).
2. Identify conservation goals for the planning region. Systematic conservation planning relies
on the defining of explicit conservation objectives for a planning region. Preferably, these are
quantitative targets (These are often expressed in terms of an area required for a particular
habitat type, minimum viable population sizes for focus species, proportions of areas that
need to be maintained to keep ecological processes functioning etc.).
3. Review existing conservation areas. The systematic conservation planning process will
typically compare the features that are conserved within the existing reserve network against
the conservation goals or targets for the region, and clearly identify where sufficient areas
are already conserved, and where additional areas are required.
4. Select additional conservation areas. In this step conservation planning tools such as
MARXAN or CPlan are typically applied to help identify an efficient set of areas required
to meet the remaining biodiversity targets that are not sufficiently conserved in the existing
reserve network. Although these tools are typically applied to facilitate the process, it is not
necessarily a requirement that they are used. Importantly, systematic planning processes
generally strive to identify an efficient network of additional areas that meet the targets at
minimal cost (e.g. in the smallest area possible or at least disruption to other sectors). This
stage also strives to identify priority areas in a layout that makes most sense ecologically or
from a management perspective (e.g. areas adjacent to existing protected areas or within
corridors may be favoured.).
5. Implement conservation actions. In this step the identified areas are subject to appropriate
conservation action (e.g. reserve expansion, stewardship, and zoning).
6. Maintain the required values of conservation areas. This stage examines whether the
existing and new conservation areas are indeed meeting there conservation mandate and
are sufficiently protecting the biodiversity features found within them.
These steps are overlapping, interlinked and iterative. Conservation planning processes should
be embedded within an adaptive management framework and should be designed in a way that
allows for continued improvement and refinement i.e. learning by doing.
12
What are the potential benefits of systematic conservation

planning:
Systematic conservation panning has demonstrated a range of benefits in other areas where it
has been applied. These include:
• Systematic conservation planning provides efficient spatial solutions to resource allocation
problems. This efficiency can be seen in terms of spatial efficiency (i.e. the ability to meet
conservation or protection targets in the smallest possible area), cost efficiency (i.e. meeting
the targets in a least cost design) and/or efficiency in minimizing spatial conflict with other
land use activities.
• Systematic conservation plans provide an integrated view of spatial priorities; across
sectors, agencies and non-governmental organizations. Having a map of identified priorities
can serve a strong focus for strategic planning and interventions. It is particularly useful in
focusing interventions into areas where conservation objectives for a variety of different
species can be met (e.g. areas may exist where shorebirds, dugongs and terrestrial priority
species may be conserved in a single linked reserve covering a variety of habitats).
• A systematic conservation plan can play a powerful role in integrating conservation effort
by different specialists. The process requires integration of information from the full range
of specialists (across all biodiversity groups). This cooperation is useful in forming the basis
for other cooperative/integrative activities.
• Systemic conservation planning is heavily focused on ecological processes. This makes it
possible to deliberately plan for and accommodate climate change in the planning process.
• The systematic planning process makes best use of available data. There is no point in
having large datasets (e.g. point data for specific species) collected at great expense if these
data are not integrated and assessed. Although this is not the only method for integrating
different spatial biodiversity datasets, it is a robust method to do this.
• The spatial biodiversity datasets collated for a systematic conservation plan can serve as a
basis for other biodiversity planning and assessment processes, e.g. a base habitat map
may be extremely useful for species distribution modeling or the identification of Important
Plant Areas.
• A target driven systematic planning process forms a solid conceptual and operational
basis for reporting on the state of the environment at any scale. Both the specific tools
(e.g. Marxan or CPlan) and the underlying concept (quantitative review against set targets)
form a natural basis for the monitoring and evaluation portions required for the adaptive
management of biodiversity.
• The systematic conservation planning process is very powerful in identifying real as
opposed to perceived priority areas and features. In areas with limited resources available
for conservation activity, or strong completing sectors, it is important that the priorities are
correctly and transparently identified.
13
Aims:
The workshop planned to explore whether it would be possible to conduct a rapid systematic
conservation assessment for the Arabian Peninsula. In order to do this, the workshop aimed to:
• To collate and review the available biodiversity GIS data for the Arabian Peninsula.
• To evaluate this data in terms of the requirements for a rapid systematic conservation
assessment for the Arabian Peninsula.
• To chart the way forward for the development of a rapid systematic assessment.
• To develop an illustrative conservation assessment for the Arabian Peninsula that would
demonstrate the potential application of the planning process.
Importantly, there were also a number of less specific/technical aims of the workshop, namely:
• Expose the participants to the logic and application of systematic conservation planning.
• Illustrate the potential benefits of sharing spatial data on biodiversity across the region.
Process:
The workshop was attended by 29 invited GIS users and others with knowledge of spatial patterns
of biodiversity across the Arabian Peninsula. There were representatives from all countries
of the Peninsula, except for Kuwait. Workshop participants were requested to bring spatial
data on Protected Areas, habitats or vegetation, the distribution of special species, land
transformation, and identified priority areas for conservation (e.g. Important Bird Areas
(IBAs)). The data were supplemented by various species and protected area data collated by
Kevin Budd from the CAMP meetings held in preceding years.
The workshop went through the following process:

• Dr Stephen Holness outlined what a systematic conservation planning process entails, the
value it can add, and detailed recent examples from Southern Africa.
• Mr Mark Sorensen led a rapid assessment of the state of GIS biodiversity data and GIS use
across the Arabian Peninsula. This was aimed at reviewing the available biodiversity GIS
data for the Arabian Peninsula.
• Dr Stephen Holness reviewed the data against the requirements for a rapid systematic
conservation assessment for the Arabian Peninsula. In particular this focused on the data
requirements for a conservation plan including habitat maps, species distribution data,
other biodiversity data, transformation, threat data and protected area data.
• The data from participants and data gathered beforehand was compiled into a compatible
GIS format, and fed into a trial MARXAN conservation planning run.
• Participants then interacted with the initial conservation planning outputs, and explored
how to add data into the system and the outputs of the model respond to changes in the
inputs (e.g. changing targets or adding additional species).
• The initial workshop outputs were presented at the main conference, and a way forward was
charted for a rapid systematic conservation assessment for the Arabian Peninsula.
Datasets:
The following datasets were used in the conservation planning process:
14
Base habitat map. An integrated base habitat map represents the framework around which a
conservation plan is built. The workshop identified that a habitat map of sufficient quality for
assessments does not currently exist. Marine habitat data especially were lacking, with the
exception of Abu Dhabi Emirate, however given the general unavailability of marine habitat
information, this important area was not addressed in this exercise. The WWF Ecoregions map
is the best available for the whole region, and was used in the assessment. More detailed habitat
maps were available for Jordan, and these were included as additional features in the assessment.
Possibilities exist for the creation of an integrated habitat map through the extension of the
soon to be available “ecotype” map for Saudi Arabia, as well as potential collaboration with the
Important Plant Areas Program (for inputs from Yemen and Oman). The assessment used 12
WWF Ecoregions and 13 habitat units from Jordan.
Species data. Species data compiled by CAMP and other processes have given us good data
on fish, larger mammals and reptiles. The data included distributions for 36 snake species, 14
mammal predators (e.g. Arabian Leopard and Sand Cat), 6 endemic fish, and 2 charismatic and
endemic Arabian Peninsula herbivores (i.e. Arabian Oryx and Arabian Tahr). It is recognized
both that this dataset is incomplete in terms of the number of species included, and that the
accuracy of the distribution data is variable. This dataset needs to be refined and extended,
systematic criteria need to be utilized to identify which species are included in the analysis (e.g.
only internationally Red Listed Species of Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered
status).
Ecological process data. No data on ecological processes (e.g. wadi systems, ecotones, climate
change corridors) was included in the workshop assessment. This is a major gap which would
need to be fixed in order to identify a set of priority areas that are likely to be persistent in the
long-term.
Other priority areas. Data on Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in the Arabian Peninsula and more
detailed data from Jordan were included in the analysis. The Conservation International Horn
of Africa hotspot was also included. Areas identified as being important for protected area
expansion were included from Jordan and Saudi Arabia. In Jordan these areas were focused
on climate change connectivity between existing reserves, while the Saudi Arabian dataset was
focused on sites identified to improve the representivity of the existing reserve network.
Protected Areas. The existing database available for the area (the IUCN World Database on
Protected areas) was found to be both inaccurate and incomplete. More importantly, large
areas that do not necessarily have protected area status (e.g. the Empty Quarter of Saudi Arabia
which only has a hunting ban) were included in the World Database. The workshop was used to
compiled a significantly improved integrated layer of Protected Areas for the Arabian Peninsula.
Transformation data. Good quality transformation data for the Arabian Peninsula were not
generally available for the assessment, although it is know that such data exist for many of the
countries involved, but use of such information would involve engagement of authorities beyond
those present at the workshop. The 1 km2 Global Landcover dataset was used for the workshop
assessment. Because of its known inaccuracy, it was not used to determine where habitat and
other biodiversity features remain intact, but rather as a cost surface to push selected areas away
from those with conflicting landuse. This is an area where the trial assessment would need to be
significantly improved.
15
Analyses:
The data were compiled in ArcView 3.2 and ARCGIS 9.3.1. Marxan (Ball & Possingham 2000,
Possingham et al. 2000) was used for the conservation planning analysis. The CLUZ front end
program for MARXAN written by Bob Smith was used to facilitate the data inputting process.
This analysis was primarily done to explore the data and demonstrate the usefulness of the
systematic planning process, rather than to identify a definitive set of priority areas, due to the
incompleteness and accuracy of the underlying datasets. Hence, the details of the analysis are
not important, but nevertheless, the basic detail of technical aspects of the process is outlined
here.
Targets of 30% of original area were used for most vegetation types. Targets for vegetation types
with limited extents (e.g. Deciduous Oak Forest, Evergreen Oak Forest and Juniper Forest) were
determined on the following basis. If the extent of the vegetation type was under 25 000 ha, then
the full extent was set as the target. Where 30% of the vegetation type area was under 25 000 ha,
and the original extent of the vegetation type was over 25 000 ha, then a target of 25 000 ha was
used. Identified priority areas such as IBAs were forced into the design by setting an 80% target
for these areas. Species targets were determined on the basis of the extent of the distribution of
that feature, with lower percentage area targets being set for species with wide distributions and
higher percentages used for species with limited distributions1. The distribution of the most
widespread species was used as the benchmark.
A cost-surface was prepared to push selected areas away from areas with transformation and
competing land-uses. The basic cost was set at the area of each planning unit in hectares. Costs
for transformed areas were increased by 100x this base value. Costs in a 5 km buffer around
transformed areas were increased by 10x, within a 10 km buffer they were increased by 5x, and
within 20 km they were doubled. The total cost for a planning unit was determined by an area
weighted mean of these values.
The ‘spf ’ values were set very high at 10000000 to force selection of areas required to meet targets
for all features. Boundaries of planning units were determined in meters. The boundary length
modifier was set at 1 following an iterative process to explore values which led to an appropriate
level of clumping of selected features in the landscape.
Preliminary Outputs:
The initial outputs from the conservation planning workshop are shown in Figure 1. Note that
this assessment should be used with extreme caution as the underlying datasets are incomplete.
Much of the point of the exercise was to illustrate that the process was possible for the Arabian
Peninsula. Nevertheless, the model does highlight some priority areas which are likely to be
robust to the addition of more complete species data and better transformation data. Identified
priorities include:
1 The targets were calculated with the formula 50% - (30 x Total distribution of a species (ha)/Total distribution
of the most widespread species (ha)). This gives an effective target of 20% for the most widespread species and
approaching 50% for species with limited distributions. Similar to the process used for plants, where the identified
target was under 25 000 ha the target was increased to the highest possible of 25 000 ha or the extent of the
distribution of that feature.
16
• A chain of high priority areas along the western escarpment of Jordan, Saudi Arabia and
Yemen.
• A chain of priorities along the South Eastern coastal areas of Yemen and Oman.
• A crescent of high priority mountainous habitat mostly in northern Oman focused on
Arabian Tahr habitat as well as some endemic fishes.
• Inland priorities exist in Oman and Saudi Arabia around the Oryx Reserve and the Empty
Quarter respectively.
Current Reserve
Highest Irreplaceability
Most often required to meet targets
Moderate Irreplaceability
Sometimes required to meet targets
Low Irreplaceability
Seldom required to meet targets
Not selected
Figure 1: Initial outputs from the rapid conservation assessment for the Arabian Peninsula. Grey areas are never
selected by the model to meet targets, while the dark red areas are always required. Note that output is illustrative
and should be used with extreme caution as it is known that the underlying data are incomplete.
The preliminary analysis also illustrates that the reserve network on the Arabian Peninsula does
not represent the range of biodiversity present. Little or no formal protection (under 10% of
the target met) exists for 70 of the 86 biodiversity features present in the planning domain.
17
Key unprotected habitats include Al Hajar Montane Woodlands, Mesopotamian Shrub Desert,
Persian Gulf Desert and Semi-Desert, Southwestern Arabian Montane Woodlands, Deciduous
Oak Forest, Ever Green Oak Forest and Pine Forest. 26 of the 36 snake species included and
all of the endemic fish are unprotected. The only reasonably well protected features are the
Saline Vegetation, Important Bird Areas, the snake Echis khosatzkii, Sand Dune Vegetation and
Socotra Island Xeric Shrublands. The last two features listed are the only ones where the targets
have been met. Although the targets were rapidly developed, and may be too ambitious, they are
nevertheless useful in illustrating that the current Protected Area network does not protect the
range of biodiversity found in the Arabian Peninsula.
Way Forward:
The workshop demonstrated the potential usefulness of a systematic conservation planning
process and the need for these products for the Arabian Peninsula. Feedback from both the
workshop participants and from the main conference strongly supports the development of an
assessment both at an Arabian Peninsula and at a national scale.
The key requirement for a successful conservation plan is the willingness for individuals and
countries to share spatial data in an organized way and to facilitate access to this data. The
international AGEDI program of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi provides a potential forum
for the collation and regional dissemination of this spatial data. Once spatial biodiversity data
are being shared, systematic conservation planning processes are well placed to add significant
value to the underlying data.
The workshop demonstrated that from a technical and data point of view, a rapid but robust
assessment of spatial biodiversity priorities across the Arabian Peninsula is possible in the short-
term. However, one must recognize that the key issues are not technical, but rather around
political buy-in, institutional support, and a mandate. This is particularly important if there is
to be a strong link to implementation. There is also the need to raise awareness and develop in-
house level capacity in agencies.
A possible way forward is the development of parallel pilot rapid assessments at multiple scales.
Possible projects include a more detailed national study for the UAE (or failing that for Abu
Dhabi) at approximately 1:100 000 scale, and a rapid assessment for the Arabian Peninsula
at approximately 1:250 000 scale. Potential synergy exists with ongoing biodiversity data
compilation processes, notably the Important Plant Area Program. The spatial assessment
should be supported through existing programs, and in particular the assessment should be
included it in the ongoing CAMP program. The potential to support pilot projects through the
AGEDI program are currently being investigated.
A systematic conservation planning process would provide a regional context for any national
or local conservation planning initiatives, would provide a strong spatial biodiversity focus to
parallel the species focus of the CAMP processes undertaken to date, and would support trans-
boundary conservation initiatives.
18
Acknowledgements:
The workshop and rapid assessment would not have been possible without the contributions
from the workshop participants (see attached list). In particular the willingness to share data
was very encouraging. Special acknowledgment must go to Kevin Budd of the Breeding Centre
for Endangered Arabian Wildlife for initial data collation and support for the process.
References
Ball, I. R. and H. P. Possingham, (2000) MARXAN (V1.8.2): Marine Reserve Design Using
Spatially Explicit Annealing, a Manual.
Cowling, R. M., R. L. Pressey, M. Rouget, and A. T. Lombard. 2003. A conservation plan for a
global biodiversity hotspot--the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa. Biological Conservation
112, no. 1-2: 191-216.
Desmet, P. G., R. M. Cowling, A. G. Ellis, and R. L. Pressey. 2002. Integrating biosystematic
data into conservation planning: perspectives from southern Africa’s Succulent Karoo.
Systematic Biology 51, no. 2: 317.
Klein, C. J., A. Chan, L. Kircher, A. J. Cundiff, N. Gardner, Y. Hrovat, A. Scholz, B. E. Kendall, and
S. Airame. 2008. Striking a balance between biodiversity conservation and socioeconomic
viability in the design of marine protected areas. Conservation Biology 22, no. 3: 691–700.
Knight, MH. 2008. Prioritization of Transfrontier Conservation Areas. In: Proceedings of the
9th Annual Conservation Workshop for the Fauna of Arabia: Protected Areas. Breeding
Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Margules, C.R. & Pressey, R.L. (2000) Systematic conservation planning. Nature, 405, 243-253.
Nel, J. L., D. J. Roux, G. Maree, C. J. Kleynhans, J. Moolman, B. Reyers, M. Rouget, and R. M.
Cowling. 2007. Rivers in peril inside and outside protected areas: a systematic approach to
conservation assessment of river ecosystems. Diversity and Distributions 13, no. 3: 341-352.
Possingham, H. P., I. R. Ball and S. Andelman (2000) Mathematical methods for identifying
representative reserve networks. In: S. Ferson and M. Burgman (eds) Quantitative methods
for conservation biology. Springer-Verlag, New York, pp. 291-305.
Pressey, R. L., and K. H. Taffs. 2001. Scheduling conservation action in production landscapes:
priority areas in western New South Wales defined by irreplaceability and vulnerability to
vegetation loss. Biological Conservation 100, no. 3: 355–376.
Seddon, P., MH Knight & K Budd. 2009. Proceedings of the 10th Conservation Workshop for the
Fauna of Arabia: Progress and Partnerships for Protected Areas in the Arabian Peninsula.
Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
19
Participants
Al Assaf, Ali Abdulaziz Hammer, Sven
Saudi Wildlife Commission Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Doha, Qatar
Email: aliassaf2006@yahoo.com Email: awwp.director@alwabra.com
Al Busaidi, Hamed Bin Abdulla Holness, Stephen

Ministry of Environment & Climate Affairs South African National Parks
Muscat, Oman Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Email: hamed2050@hotmail.com Email: sholness@nmmu.ac.za
Al Daherie, Ahmed Judas, Jacky

Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi National Avian Research Centre
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Email: ahmad2525@hotmail.com Email: jjudas@ead.ae
Al Midfa, Abdulaziz Kabbara, Lina Radwan

Environment and Protected Areas Authority Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Email: epaa@epaashj.ae Email: lkabbara@ead.ae
Al Jahdhami, Mansoor Hamed Khafaga, Tamer Ali

Office for Conservation of the Environment, Diwan Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
of Royal Court Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Muscat, Oman Email: tamer.khafaga@emirates.com
Email: mhjahdhami@gmail.com
Khalifa, Nada Bait
Al Hamshmi, Radya Ministry of Environment and Water
Emirates Environmental Group Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Email: eeg@emirates.net.ae Knight, Mike
South African National Parks
Al Safran, Salem Hussain Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Ministry of the Environment Email: M.Knight@nmmu.ac.za
Doha, Qatar
Email: shsafran@mov.gov.qa Knuteson, Sandra
American University of Sharjah
Boulad, Natalia Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature Email: sknuteson@aus.edu
Amman, Jordan
Email: natalia@rscn.org.jo Llewellyn, Othman
Saudi Wildlife Commission
Budd, Kevin Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife Email: Othman.Aishah@gmail.com
Email: breeding@epaa-shj.gov.ae Llewellyn-Smith, Robert
Environment Protection and Development Authority
El Alqamy, Husam Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi Email: Rllewellynsmith@yahoo.co.uk
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Email:alqamy@gmail.com Mardonov, Bakhityor
Management of Nature Conservation
Fadheel, Abdulla Hamd Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Saudi Wildlife Commission Email: bakhtim02@yahoo.com
Email: a_fadeil@hotmail.com
20
Nasher, Abdul Karim Zahlawi, Nisreen

Sana’a University Emirates Wildlife Society - WWF
Sana’a, Yemen Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Email: Karimnasher@yahoo.com Email: nalzahlawi@ewswwf.ae
O’Donovan, Declan
Wadi Al Safa Wildlife Centre
Email: declan@shp.ae
Othman, Yassar Ahmed

Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi
Email: yothman@ead.ae
Pas, An
Email: an.pas@bceaw.ae
Shuriqi, Maral Khaled

Environment Protection and Development
Department
Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
Email: 1geologist@gmail.com
Simkins, Gregory
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Email: greg.simkins@emirates.com
Solatre, Jimson S.
Dubai Municipality
Email: jssolatre@dm.gov.ae
Sorenson, Mark
Email: GPCI@aol.com
Stanton, David
Foundation for the Protection of the Arabian
Leopard in Yemen
Sana’a, Yemen
Email: ylrp@yemenileopard.org
Tourenq, Christophe
Emirates Wildlife Society-WWF
Email: ctourenq@ewswwf.ae
Vanneyre, Laurence
Emirates Marine Environmental Group
Email: laurence@emeg.ae
21
First Conference on
Biodiversity Conservation
First Conference on Biodiversity Conservation
February 3-4, 2010
Organised by
Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA)

Government of Sharjah
Po Box 2926, Sharjah
In support of
23
Scientific Committee
Dr Philip Seddon (Otago University)

Dr David Mallon (IUCN/SSC Antelope Specialist Group)
Dr Michael Knight (South African National Parks)
Organising Committee
Abdulaziz Al Midfa (EPAA)

Hana Al Suwaidi (EPAA)
Amal Al Qatari (EPAA)
Maryam Al Hosani (EPAA)
Amal Al Hosani (EPAA)
Vanessa Jackson (i-GUIDE)
Paul Vercammen (BCEAW)
Kevin Budd (BCEAW)
Sponsors
24
First Conference on Biodiversity Conservation in the Arabian Peninsula
Sharjah, February 3-4, 2010
Program
Day 1 - Wednesday, 3 February 2010

0800–0945 Registration in Rotunda, American University of Sharjah
1000–1010 Opening Film
Chancellor’s Welcome
1010–1015
Dr Peter Heath, American University of Sharjah
Opening & Review 10 years of Conservation Workshops
1015-1030
Keynote
1030–1045
Dr Simon Stuart, Chair IUCN Species Survival Commission
VIP Keynote
1045–1100
HRH Prince Hassan of Jordan
1100-1130 Morning Tea
Session 1: Regional Perspectives (Chairman: Ahmed Disi)
WWF Ecoregions
1135–1155
Ms. Razan Al Mubarak, Emirates Wildlife Society - WWF
Important Bird Areas and Ramsar Sites- a Critical Network of Sites required by migratory
1155–1215 waterbirds.
Mr Sharif Al-Jbour, BirdLife International Middle East Office
Important Plant Areas in the Arabian Peninsula
1215–1235
Mr Othman Llewellyn, National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development
Hotspots and species
1235–1255
Dr David Mallon, IUCN/SSC Antelope Specialist Group
1300–1400 Lunch
Session 2: Regional Perspectives cont. (Chairman: Dr Mohamed Shobrak)
Regional Environmental Agreements: Towards collective action
1405–1425
Dr Odeh Al Jayyousi, IUCN Regional Office for West Asia
Protected Area Networks in Arabia
1425–1445
Mr Khaldoun Al Omari, IUCN Regional Office for West Asia
GIS Layers
1445–1505
Mr Mark Sorenson and Yasser Othman, Environement Agency - Abu Dhabi
Towards a systematic conservation assessment for the Arabian Peninsula
1505–1525
1530–1600 Afternoon Tea
Session 3: Transboundary Conservation Areas (Chairman: Abdul Karim Nasher)
Peace Parks in Southern Africa: Lessons learnt in conservation planning
1605– 625
Prof. Willem van Riet, Peace Parks Foundation
Regional Scope
1625–1645
The Conservation of Dugongs (Dugong dugong) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi
1645–1705
Dr Thabit Zahran Al Abdessalaam, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi
1800–2030 Banquet at Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club
25
Day 2 - Thursday, 4 February 2010
Session 4: Looking to the Future (Chairman: Dr Fredric Launay)
Restoration of degraded habitats in arid ecosystems: examples from the Arabian Peninsula
0900–0920
Dr Shahina Ghazanfar, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
Captive breeding & conservation
0920–0950
Dr Kristin Leus, IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group Europe
Arabian Leopard in Oman
0950–1010
Dr Andrew Spalton, Office for Conservation of the Environment, Diwan of the Royal Court
Requirements for Strategic Plant Conservation in the Arabian Peninsula
1010–1030
Dr Tony Miller, Centre for Middle Eastern Plants
1030–1100 Morning Tea
Session 5: Looking to the Future cont. (Chairman: Dr Odeh Al Jayyousi)
Colonization time of Arabia by the white-tailed mongoose as inferred from mitochondrial
1100–1120 DNA sequences
Dr Carlos Fernandes, Lisbon University
Freshwater and marine fish conservation in Arabia
1120–1200
Dr Fareed Krupp, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum
Socotra
1200–1220
Dr Kay Van Damme, Ghent University
1230–1400 Lunch
Session 6: Looking to the Future cont. (Chairman: Prof. Boudjéma Samraoui)
Flyway and stopover conservation in the Arabian Peninsula
1405–1425
Dr Mohamed Shobrak, Taif University
Population structure, migratory connectivity & inference on gene exchange mechanisms
1425–1445 in the Asian Houbara
Dr Olivier Combreau, International Fund for Houbara Conservation
Effect of rising seawater temperatures on bleaching in two reef building corals Pocillopora
1445–1505 damicornis and Pocillopora verrucosa in the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia
Dr Abdulmohsin A. Al-Sofyani, King Abdul Aziz University
Re-introductions in modern Arabia: the first steps for a grander vision?
1505–1525
Dr Mark Stanley Price, University of Oxford
1530–1600 Afternoon Tea
Session 7: Summary and Closing
Open Discussion
1600 – 1625
Dr David Mallon
Summary
1625 – 1635
Dr Mike Knight
Outputs and future
1635 - 1645
Dr Philip Seddon
Impressions
1645 – 1655
H. E. Majid Al Mansouri, Secretory General Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi
Closing and Thanks
1655 – 1700
26
Conference on Biodiversity Conservation in the Arabian Peninsula, Sharjah. February 3-4, 2010
Executive Summary
In recognition and celebration of a decade of successful annual conservation workshops, the
Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) hosted a two-day conference
on biodiversity conservation in the Arabian Peninsula. The conference, the first in the world
for 2010, the International Year of Biodiversity (www.cbd.int/2010), was held at the American
University of Sharjah, UAE, during 3 and 4 February. The aim of the meeting was to review past
progress and current needs for biodiversity conservation throughout the Arabian Peninsula.
The conference was opened by its patron, His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed al
Qassimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the Supreme Council, in a plenary session that featured
a keynote address from Dr Simon Stuart, Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission and
a review of 10 years of Conservation and Management Planning Workshops for the Fauna of
Arabia by Mr Abdulaziz Al Midfa, Director General of the Sharjah EPAA.
Invited speakers from IUCN, WWF, Birdlife International, and from conservation agencies,
universities and NGOs in the region, gave presentations designed to provide a regional
perspective that highlighted the current state of Peninsula-wide biodiversity. Topics included
reviews of Important Bird (IBA) and Plant (IPA) Areas, WWF Ecoregions, application of the
Hotspot concept, regional conservation agreements, and protected area networks in the Arabian
Peninsula. The first sessions concluded with a summary of the output of a two-day GIS Workshop
hosted by the EPAA Sharjah’s Breeding Center for Endangered Arabian Wildlife (BCEAW) in
preparation for the conference, that sought to start the important process of collating, compiling
and integrating spatial data on species and habitats as a basis for a systematic conservation
assessment for the Arabian Peninsula. The final session of the first day focussed on Trans-
Boundary Conservation Areas (TCBAs), a regional conservation management approach that
has been developed during Conservation Workshops in 2007-09.
Day two of the conference had the theme of “Looking to the Future”, aiming to identify data
gaps, challenges and needs for the implementation of both national and regional conservation
programmes. Presentations and associated discussions ranged over topics such as the role
of captive breeding, habitat restoration, species re-introductions, and climate change, and
taxonomic reviews including freshwater and marine fish, Arabian leopard, migratory birds
including houbara bustard, carnivores and small mammals. These talks drew heavily on the
outputs of previous Conservation Workshops and charted a course for a future, formal Regional
Red List assessment process, as detailed in an IUCN Regional Red List Assessment Training
Workshop held before the conference, in parallel with the GIS Workshop. During an open
discussion conference delegates identified a number of specific points under the headings of
“Vision for the Future”, and “Doing the Doing”. The conference closed with a clear commitment
from all involved to sustain and expand the annual Conservation Workshops, taking a
regional perspective in order to work towards integrated conservation strategies and regionally
coordinated conservation action.
Outputs of the meeting will include a special issue of Zoology in the Middle East featuring
selected peer-reviewed papers and short communications dealing with topics covered in the
conference.
27
Abstracts
Abstracts and biography’s have been edited for space and format
28
WWF Ecoregions
Razan Al Mubarak
Emirates Wildlife Society – WWF, PO Box 45553, 8th Floor Chamber of Commerce and Industries Bldg.
Email: ralmubarak@ewswwf.ae
The WWF Conservation Science Program has identified 1,507 ecoregions in the world comprising
825 terrestrial ecoregions, 426 freshwater ecoregions, and 229 coast and shelf marine ecoregions.
Ecoregions were defined as large areas of land or water that contain a geographically distinct
assemblage of natural communities that (a) share a large majority of their species and ecological
dynamics, (b) share similar environmental conditions, and (c) interact ecologically in ways that
are critical for their long-term persistence. Fourteen terrestrial and two marine ecoregions are
present in the Arabian Peninsula. Tropical rain forests deservedly garner much conservation
attention, as they may contain half of the world’s species. However, a comprehensive strategy for
conserving global biodiversity must strive to include the other 50 percent of species and habitats,
such that all species and the distinctive ecosystems that support them are conserved. Habitats
such as tropical dry forests, tundra, polar seas, desert springs and mangroves harbour unique
species, communities, adaptations and phenomena. To lose examples of these assemblages
would represent an enormous loss of global biodiversity and services. Because limited funding
compels the conservation community to be strategic and earmark the greatest amount of
resources for the most outstanding and representative areas for biodiversity, the WWF assessed
the 1,507 ecoregions and identified the “Global 200” -- the most biologically distinct terrestrial,
freshwater and marine ecoregions of the planet. The Global 200 include 142 terrestrial, 53
freshwater and 43 marine priority ecoregions for conservation priority in the world. The Global
200 were selected for their species richness, endemism, higher taxonomic uniqueness, unique
ecological or evolutionary phenomena, global rarity of habitats, intactness and representation.
Their conservation status of ecoregions was assessed in the tradition of IUCN Red Data Book
categories for threatened and endangered species. As per the Global 200 WWF classification,
the UAE lies in two priority Global 200 Ecoregions of the world identified by the WWF: the
“Arabian Highlands and Shrublands” and the “Arabian Gulf and Sea”. Within these priority
ecoregions, WWF pursues ecoregion conservation, a unique, broad-scale approach to develop
and implement a comprehensive strategy that conserves the species, habitats, and ecological
processes of the ecoregion.
Biography: Razan Al Mubarak has been with EWS-WWF since its inception in 2001, establishing
the local EWS office and its partnership with WWF. As Managing Director, she oversees all
projects undertaken by EWS-WWF, leading on strategic engagement on sustainable development,
ensuring financial viability and implementation in accordance with WWF International policies
and standards, taking into account plans and recommendations as approved by the EWS Board.
Razan is also a board member to the African Wildlife Foundation, and the managing director
of the Mohamed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund. Razan is directly involved in the Coral
Reef Conservation Project which uses latest technology and scientific thought to conserve and
protect the unique and threatened coral reef habitats in the Arabian Gulf.
29
Important Bird Areas and Ramsar Sites: a Critical Network of Sites Required
by Migratory Waterbirds
Sharif Al-Jbour
Birdlife International Middle East Office, PO Box 2295, Amman 11953, Jordan
Email: sharif.jbour@birdlifemed.org
Most populations of migratory waterbirds in the African-Eurasian region are tightly constrained
by ecological factors in their breeding, wintering and/or stopover areas. Many sites are needed
along the entire migration routes of these birds to maintain their populations, hence conserving
their population requires effective management of each critical site individually along the flyway
as part of coordinated planning and management throughout the flyway as a whole. This complex
web of sites form a chain in which each link is essential for maintaining viable and healthy
populations of migratory waterbirds along the entire network. Through the Wings over Wetlands
(WOW) project (the largest international wetland and waterbird conservation initiative ever to
take place in the African-Eurasian region for the conservation of migratory waterbirds and the
sites on which they depend), a new electronic portal called the Critical Site Network (CSN) Tool
is being developed, which will improve knowledge of and access to information on the critical
sites required by migratory waterbirds across Africa and Eurasia. The aim of the identification of
Critical Sites for migratory waterbirds is to focus site conservation measures within the flyways
of each waterbird species on the most important sites for that particular population. The process
uses a methodology similar to that already applied in identifying Important Bird Areas and
Ramsar Sites, i.e. the application of quantitative criteria based on up-to-date knowledge of the
sizes and trends of bird populations. The protection of such a network of critical sites therefore
requires concerted national and transboundary conservation actions. Therefore, identifying key
sites and maintaining their ecological functions and services along the entire migration route
provides the basis for successful flyway scale conservation, which will help maintain waterbird
populations.
Biography: Sharif Al-Jbour is the regional coordinator for IBAs (Important Bird Areas) at
BirdLife International – Middle East Secretariat based in Amman – Jordan where he has been
based for the past 10 years. The IBA program is global and aims at conserving birds and their
habitats working together with people to identify sites that are priorities for conservation of birds
and protecting them through applying appropriate conservation measures. He has been heavily
involved in developing species conservation action plans at the global, regional and national
levels, and acting also currently as the regional coordinator for the WOW project (Wings
Over Wetlands). He is also a council member of the Ornithological Society of the Middle East
(OSME), and attended the 10th Conservation Workshop of the Fauna of Arabia held at Sharjah
2009, and participated in the development of regional action plans for shorebirds of the Arabian
Peninsula in coordination with the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife in UAE.
30
Important Plant Areas in the Arabian Peninsula
Othman A. Llewellyn
Saudi Wildlife Commission, PO Box 61681, Riyadh 11575, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Email: Othman.Aishah@gmail.com
Important Plant Areas are the most important places in the world for wild plant diversity, that
can be protected and managed as specific sites. Not surprisingly, they are also good indicators
of terrestrial (but not marine) biodiversity for conservation planning. Since 2005 the IUCN SSC
Arabian Plants Specialist Group has developed regional criteria for identification of IPAs and
has produced a provisional list of IPAs in the Arabian Peninsula. The regional criteria are well
suited to identify the sites of endangered, endemic, and relict taxa. They are less well suited to
identify important sites for conservation of wild crop relatives or of the ecosystem services that
plants provide: the mangroves and seagrass beds in the coastal ecosystems, and the remote or
rugged sites that can serve as natural seedbanks for rehabilitation of the severely overgrazed
rangelands of the Peninsula. We now have a good “first draft” of the most important sites for
conservation of endangered, endemic, and relict taxa in the Arabian Peninsula. The Afromontane
and Somali-Maasai regional centers of endemism are well represented, as are relict populations
of Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian flora. Sites of importance for Arabian endemics of the
Saharo-Sindian zone are also being identified. A future need will be to identify and fill the gaps,
as many of the provisional IPAs are sites with which researchers were already familiar. A greater
challenge will be to identify the areas of greatest importance to conserve in the context of global
climate change: Which sites will be most important for endangered, endemic, and relict plants
under the dimly foreseen stresses of the coming century, and what are the likely sites of future
speciation? Predictive modeling will be a useful tool to identify new sites to be investigated.
Ultimately the most important challenge to meet will be to conserve these IPAs on the ground,
in the face of overgrazing, expansion of farms and urban areas, and global climate change.
Biography: Othman Abd-ar-Rahman Llewellyn is an environmental planner in Saudi Arabia’s

National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development. His responsibilities include
planning and design of protected areas, as well as providing training in environmental ethics
and skills to minimize environmental impacts by users of protected areas. He is a member of the
IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas and the IUCN Commission on Environmental
Law, as well as the Species Survival Commission’s Arabian Plants Specialist Group. He is currently
preparing Saudi Arabia’s revised protected area system plan.
31
Hotspots and Species
David Mallon
Manchester Metropolitan University, All Saints, Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6BH, United Kingdom
Email: d.mallon@zoo.co.uk
Conservation International has identified 32 global hotspots, defined as areas containing

concentrations of endemic and threatened species. One of these hotspots covers the Horn of
Africa and the mountains of the southwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula. Many endemic
species of plants, birds, amphibians and other taxa are known to occur in this area. Other parts
of the peninsula also contain suites of endemic species, albeit in smaller numbers; these may be
considered ‘regional hotspots’. However, one disadvantage of the hotspot approach is that it is
unrepresentative of biodiversity in general because areas of low primary productivity do not meet
the required thresholds. These so-called ‘cold spots’ include desert ecosystems, which within the
Arabian Peninsula harbour widespread species, such as Arabian Oryx, Mountain gazelle, and
reem gazelle, that would not be included in any global or regional hotspot analysis. Another
issue concerns the regional status of globally widespread species. As a result of persecution, the
Arabian Peninsula has become a major cold-spot for medium and large carnivores, all of which
are currently regionally assessed as more highly threatened by 2–4 Red List categories compared
to the global assessment. All these aspects of the biodiversity of the Arabian Peninsula need to
be integrated into any regional-scale conservation strategy.
Biography: David Mallon is an Associate Lecturer in the School of Biology at the Metropolitan
University of Manchester, UK. He has been a member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission
for over 20 years and is currently Co-Chair of the Antelope Specialist Group and a member of
the Cat and Caprinae Specialist Groups. He has been involved in the Sharjah CAMP workshops
since 2001.
32
Regional Environmental Agreements: Towards Collective Action
Odeh Al-Jayyousi
IUCN Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA), PO Box 942230, Amman 11194, Jordan
Email: orj@iucn.org
This paper aims to review key environmental agreements such CBD, CMS and RAMSAR in the
Arab region and the role of regional organizations like Arab League, GCC, ROPME, PERSGA,
UNEP, and IUCN in conserving biodiversity and achieving sustainability. In a nation-state
context, the challenge is to ensure effective and synergetic implementation of environmental
agreements at a regional level. Realizing the global challenges including poverty, climate change
and biodiversity loss, the Arab world needs a stronger appreciation and application of the
sustainability principles; sound ecosystem management is essential to build a support system
for economics (our financial capital); climate change will compromise economic development
and ecosystem resilience; and there is a need for a greater investment in the environment so as to
support the long-term sustainability of the global economy. The economic development model
in the Arab region had been informed mainly by economics but need to be transformed by
ecology. There is a need to mainstream biodiversity, eco-system services, green accounting, and
environmental economics in the policy making and decision making in the Arab region. Media
and education discourse need to communicate key messages like Plants, animals, and micro-
organisms live together in ecosystems, which also include air, water, minerals, and nutrients.
Ecosystems can provide sustainable streams of benefits to people, known as “ecosystem
services”. These include providing food and timber, ensuring regular supplies of freshwater,
maintaining a healthy climate, pollinating crops, preventing soil erosion, regulating diseases and
pests, minimizing the impact of extreme natural events, and cycling nutrients through natural
systems to enable our economies to flourish. This paper recommends more coordinated efforts
to harmonize regional collective action to conserve biodiversity.
Biography: Odeh Al-Jayyousi was a university Professor in water resources and environment
and Dean of Scientific Research at the Applied Science University in Jordan. He has a diverse
professional experience in water policy, planning and management: City of Chicago - Department
of Planning, University of Illinois - Center of Urban Economic Development, Sigma - Consulting
Engineers. He has designed, conducted and facilitated training workshops and focus groups. He
worked as a consultant with EU, ESCWA, WB and GTZ. He was nominated and selected for
the Next Generation of Water Leadership Program (Stockholm, 1999). He participated in the
formulation of the World Water Vision 21st and the formulation of the Strategy of Biodiversity
and Water in Jordan. He has published over 30 articles in international journals.
33
Protected Area Networks in Arabia
Khaldoun Al Omari
IUCN Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA), PO Box 942230, Amman 11194, Jordan
Email: khaldoun.alomari@iucn.org
One of the key concerns for our region is the lack of a representative network of protected areas
that are effectively managed. Protected areas help to conserve key elements of biodiversity, play
a significant role in social and economic development, and embody many practical approaches
to participatory and collaborative management. The main objective of the IUCN Protected
Areas Programme is to guide and enhance the development of adequate regional approaches
and models for effective protected area management, with a focus on community participation
and involvement at all levels. Another objective is to build the region’s capacity in protected
area management, including the development of sound and regionally adequate guidelines and
mechanisms. To meet this objective we will harmonize the diverse corpus of global knowledge
and expertise available through the IUCN network. To further these objectives we also aim to
support the regional World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) network in achieving its
mission, objectives, and outputs. Some of the tangible results sought by this programme include:
increasing the development of protected areas in the region through the reviewing of regional
guidelines, training of local stakeholders, and sustainable funding of these areas; establishing
a network of pilot sites documents, fed into national and regional policies and legislations and
shared among all partner in the region; supporting the implementation of protected areas in
significant biodiversity areas or dedicated to threatened species; committing initiatives with
community welfare and livelihood through sustainable and local management.
Biography: Khaldoun Al Omari is currently Program Areas Officer for the Regional Office of
West Asia. His main area of expertise is related to the development and management of protected
areas and their relevance to ecotourism and local community involvement and participation
in the sustainable management of natural resources. As a protected area research programme
coordinator he works to ensure the ecological sustainable management of the protected areas.
He has worked as a research scientist, specialising in ornithological research, and is a licensed
bird ringer at both national and international levels, a natural bird sound recordist, and a raptor
conservation biologist. He is also a professional trainer, research coordinator, and monitoring
programs supervisor, and has project management skills and experience drafting management
plans and report writing for protected areas, fund raising, research and monitoring planning
and implementation.
34
Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative
Mark Sorenson & Yassar Othman
Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, PO Box 45553, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Email: gpci@aol.com
Access to accurate and up to date geospatial and related information that is relevant to the
biodiversity assessment and planning issue is highly variable throughout the Arab Peninsula.
Ultimately, a systematic process is needed to develop an environmental information network
that would help to facilitate common identification and access to appropriate information
across all the countries in the region. Experience around the world suggests that such networks,
to be effective, must address not only the cataloging and open dissemination of existing data
sources, but also the development of a community of collaborating stakeholders that can
work together to define data content and format standards, processes to ensure that data are
maintained over time, political, legal and institutional frameworks support sharing of data,
methods and tools, and processes for the use of common information to support and catalyze
transnational biodiversity conservation measures and other factors. The Abu Dhabi Global
Data Initiative (AGEDI) is a national initiative of the United Arab Emirates administered by
the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD). The program has focused on the development of
principles, methods and tools for the effective gathering and utilization of sound environmental
information at various scales ranging from local to national, regional and international levels
as well. It is also working directly with the Abu Dhabi Spatial Data Infrastructure (AD-SDI)
to ensure that environmental information is available to the AD-SDI stakeholder community
of more than 40 participating entities. It has also initiated a process to engage regional and
international organizations for broader program alignment and mutual benefit. The AGEDI
program is committed to supporting the regional biodiversity assessment and planning efforts
of the Sharjah Conference through its technical infrastructure, resources and lessons learned in
the development and sustainment of effective environmental information networking.
Biography: Mr. Mark Sorensen has over twenty-seven years of experience in the application of
GIS and related technologies to urban and regional planning and resource science, policy, and
management, to over 220 projects in 65 countries around the world. Over the past 10 years he
has been largely focused on the promotion and development of national and regional spatial
data infrastructure initiatives, including programs in Oman, Lebanon, Jamaica, Bahrain, Libya,
Yemen, Thailand, Afghanistan, Kashmir (India), Kurdistan Region (Iraq) and Abu Dhabi. Mark
received his Master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Design in 1982, and has
been the president of the Geographic Planning Collaborative (GPC), a private sector GIS/IT
consulting consortium, since 1995 and is the General Manager for GPC-GIS, a sister company
based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Mark has served as senior advisor to the Abu Dhabi
Global Environmental Data Initiative (AGEDI) at the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi since
2004, and is helping to coordinate the Agency’s role in the planning and implementation of the
Eye On Earth Summit, a major global summit focused on global environmental information
networking to be held in Abu Dhabi in December 2010.
35
Towards a Systematic Conservation Assessment for the Arabian Peninsula
Stephen Holness
South African National Parks, PO Box 20419, Humewood 6013, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Email: S.Holness@nmmu.ac.za

This presentation outlines the underlying concepts, planning stages and data requirements
for a systematic conservation assessment of the Arabian Peninsula. The planning process is
illustrated with practical examples from recent systematic planning undertaken in Southern
Africa, including the assessment of the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany Hotspot which deals
with large sections of South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique, and the National Protected
Areas Expansion Assessment which assessed South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. The
presentation reports back on the GIS Systematic Conservation Planning Workshop held before
the conference, where the potential for conducting a rapid systematic assessment for the Arabian
Peninsula was examined. The very provisional outcomes from this work session are presented,
and the steps and stages required to move forward are detailed.
Biography: Stephen Holness is a specialist systematic conservation planner involved largely with
spatial biodiversity assessment and prioritization. He supervises a unit which is involved with
identifying spatial priorities for the expansion of the South African National Park System, as well
as land use planning within the national parks. Key developments have been the development
of the now widely accepted sensitivity-value analysis process for reserve zonation planning and
undertaking numerous systematic conservation plans. Climate change forms a major current
research and work theme. He is presently undertaking the spatial assessment of climate change
for the National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment, as well as assessments of climate change risk
and response strategies for protected areas in general and national parks in particular. Recent
projects include the spatial biodiversity assessment for the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany
Hotspot for Conservation International, which identified spatial priorities for conserving
threatened species and habitats, particularly in the context of climate change, across the hotspot
which stretches over three countries.
36
Peace Parks in Southern Africa: Lessons Learnt in Conservation Planning
Willem van Riet
Peace Parks Foundation, PO Box 12743, Stellenbosch 7613, South Africa

Email: wvanriet@ppf.org.za
The establishment of conservation areas was originally based on aesthetic reasons in the USA
and Europe. In Africa it was based on the presence of large numbers of wildlife, however
recently biodiversity became more and more important. Biodiversity is the pre-requisite for
Ecosystem Services. Cross Border parks can play a role in managing these essential services
across boundaries and I will be presenting a case study of Southern African Peace Parks.
Biography: Willem van Riet joined the Peace Parks Foundation in August 2000 as Chief Executive
Officer, and has been functioning as Vice Chairman of Peace Parks Foundation since April 2008
when he retired as CEO. He is currently working full time for the Foundation specialising
in conservation, land-use planning, fundraising and GIS development. He is a past acting
Chairman, and current serving member of the South African National Parks (SANParks). He is
currently Chairman of the Conservation Committee of SANParks. His specialist knowledge has
benefited conservation in southern Africa over the past 20 years, as he has been involved in the
planning, design and development of studies and projects involving a number of national parks.
37
Regional Scope
Abdulaziz Al Midfa
Environment and Protected Areas Authority, PO Box 2926, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Email: epaa@epaashj.ae
The Arabian Peninsula has a long history in its use of natural resources, and their protection.
The latter were largely very local, species focused and largely focused on hunted species. The
internationally accepted formal protection of areas is a very recent event, well after other parts
of the world. However, as elsewhere, increased fragmentation of the landscape has led to greater
isolation of the current protected areas. This has raised the ideas of the interconnectedness of
the protected areas across the Peninsula range-states. It was with this in mind that the Sharjah
workshops started exploring the possibilities of trans-boundary conservation initiatives in the
Peninsula. Areas were identified around conservation priorities such as the Arabian leopard,
dugong and Arabian oryx, their opportunities and constraints were identified, and how to
address them. In general, it was noted that the idea was largely accepted at middle management
levels, but needed higher institutional and political support to breach national reservations. It
was also felt that the idea needed to be promoted regionally and required a champion to do so,
but would ideally be seated in a broader regional conservation programme.
Biography: Abdulaziz Al Midfa is the Director General of the Environment and Protected Areas
Authority in Sharjah. He has previously worked at the National Avian Research Centre in Abu
Dhabi and was the General Secretary at the Permanent Committee for the Environment in Qatar.
38
The Conservation of Dugongs (Dugong dugon) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi
Thabit Zahran Al Abdessalaam
Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, PO Box 45553, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Email: tabdessalaam@ead.ae
The dugong (Dugong dugon), is the only strictly herbivorous marine mammal and the only extant
species in the Family Dugongidae. Dugong live along the coast in tropical and sub-tropical
areas, and have been severely reduced throughout much of their range as a result of hunting,
habitat modifications and other types of perturbations. The Arabian Gulf and Red Sea, with
an estimated population of 5000 dugongs, hosts the largest population of this species outside
Australia. Dugongs are listed as vulnerable to extinction by the IUCN. With long life (~ 70
years), long gestation period (~ 13 months) and longer calving interval (3-5 years), dugongs have
slow population growth making them particularly vulnerable to perturbations. Aerial and field
surveys have confirmed that dugongs predominantly occur in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. There
are no records of dugongs occurring in other parts of the UAE. In this presentation the findings
of the dugong research program and the conservation and management strategy of dugongs in
particular, and other wildlife and habitats in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, will be presented.
Biography: Thabit Zahran Al Abdessalaam completed his undergraduate and graduate

education majoring in fisheries and marine science in the United States of America at the
University of Miami, Florida and Oregon University, Corvallis, respectively. He currently works
with the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi as the Director of Biodiversity Management Sector.
His responsibilities include planning, coordinating and implementing fisheries and marine
environmental research and development programs and activities and initiatives pertaining
to biodiversity conservation and management in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Thabit has been
actively involved in the work towards establishing marine protected areas in Abu Dhabi and
has actively contributed towards the addition of The Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve to
the UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere global network of Biosphere Reserves. Thabit also plays a
crucial role in research on endangered species particularly dugongs and sea turtles. These efforts
have greatly enhanced the knowledge base on these species and have culminated in the UAE
Signing International MoUs on dugongs and sea turtles. Thabit serves as the UAE’s focal point
in both these MoUs. He has authored or co-authored a number of books and scientific papers
on fisheries and marine environment of Abu Dhabi and the Arabian Gulf.
39
Restoration of Degraded Habitats in Arid Ecosystems: Examples from the

Arabian Peninsula
Shahina A. Ghazanfar
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, United Kingdom
Email: s.ghazanfar@kew.org
The last five decades have seen severe damage to landscapes in several regions of the Arabian
Peninsula. Great increases in livestock holdings, a need for housing and public amenities,
developments for tourism, and war, have destroyed and damaged ecosystems beyond natural
recovery. Coupled with that, global climate change and the continuing aridity in this region
has led to an urgent need to address issues relating to degraded habitats and loss of biological
diversity. The last decades have seen a failing of conservation efforts due to lack of education
and implementation of laws and regulations for gazetted and non gazetted nature reserves,
with the result that degradation and damage continues. In order to provide an environment
for the re-establishment of habitats and their specific flora and fauna, it has become necessary
to have human intervention that can lead to the recovery of habitats and biodiversity. In the
Arabian Peninsula, overgrazed, non productive rangelands, that constitute a major part of the
land today, are a prime example, where ecological restoration can help to bring back the lost
biodiversity and a functioning ecosystem. Recovery of unproductive and damaged landscapes
can be achieved through human intervention for all aspects of the environment: restoration
of soil, seed collection of key species, production of plants for planting, a managed irrigation
system, and a monitoring and management plan before unproductive landscapes can become
sustainable functioning ecosystems.
Biography: Shahina A. Ghazanfar has worked in the Sultanate of Oman (Sultan Qaboos
University), West Africa (Bayero University, Nigeria), Fiji (University of the South Pacific) and
Pakistan (Pakistan Agriculture Research Council) and has made major contributions to the
study of the floras of these countries. She joined the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, UK, in 2001 as
co-Editor for the Flora of Tropical East Africa (2001 to 2008) and is now Head of the Temperate
Regional Team. She has a particular interest in the restoration, conservation and biogeography
of the Arabian Peninsula; her interests and research extend to the study of medicinal plants and
plants of economic importance, and salt loving plants of Arabia and tropical Africa. She has
authored several books and written peer reviewed papers on the Arabian flora and vegetation. Her
major contributions are as editor and author of the Savanna Plants of Africa (1989: Macmillan),
Vegetation of the Arabian Peninsula (1998: Kluwer), Medicinal Plants of the Arabian Peninsula
(1994: CRC Press), Flora of Oman (2003: Vol. 1; 2006: Vol. 2, of 4 volumes, with distribution
maps, vernacular names, accompanying CD-ROM of species photographs; National Botanic
Garden of Belgium). She contributed towards a major plant family, Scrophulariaceae, for Flora
of Tropical East Africa (Kew: 2008), and is currently preparing a checklist of the halophytes (salt
tolerant plants) of SW Asia. For the last two years she has been involved in major restoration
projects in the UAE and advises on native plants that have potential for restoration of degraded
habitats, and those that have potential for landscaping and horticulture.
40
Captive Breeding and Conservation
Kristin Leus
Conservation Breeding Specialist Group-Europe, c/o Copenhagen Zoo, PO Box 7, Roskildevej 38, DK-2000
Frederiksberg, Denmark, Email: kristin@cbsgeurope.eu
Captive breeding is one of a myriad of tools at the disposal of conservationists. It can fulfil
specific tasks that should be an integral part of the overall conservation action plan for a species.
Captive breeding and other types of intensive management of individuals and populations often
become necessary when human caused threats (habitat destruction, exploitation etc.) have
caused the population of a species to become so small and fragmented that even if the human-
caused threats could be magically reversed, the species would still have a high probability of
extinction purely due to random demographic and genetic events, environmental variation and
catastrophes; or when the continuing, unchecked decline in population size indicates that this
will soon become the case. Provided sufficient knowledge on the biology and husbandry of the
species exists, breeding individuals in the relative safety of captivity, under expert care and sound
management may provide an insurance against extinction, and/or a stock for reintroduction or
reinforcement efforts, and/or opportunities for education, raising of awareness, scientific and
husbandry research and other contributions to conservation. Important challenges include
recognising when “the time is right”, identifying the precise role of the captive breeding efforts
within the overall conservation action plan, setting realistic targets in terms of required time
spans, population sizes, founder numbers, resources etc., ensuring sound management and
cooperation and developing much needed new technical methods and tools. The above will be
illustrated with captive breeding examples from the Arabian Peninsula.
Biography: Kristin Leus is employed by Copenhagen Zoo, which hosts the European Regional
Office of the IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, for which she has been a
Programme Officer since 2007. She also works part time as Population Management Advisor
for the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria. From 1996 till 2007 she worked for the Royal
Zoological Society of Antwerp, first as population manager and conservation biologist and since
2004 as Head of its Centre for Research and Conservation. She is most active in the fields of
population biology, computer modelling of populations, captive population management and
workshop facilitation.
41
Arabian Leopard in Oman
Andrew Spalton, Hadi al Hikmani and Khalid al Hikmani
Office for Conservation of the Environment, Diwan of Royal Court, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
Email: acedrc@omantel.net.om
Recent records give a bleak picture of the status of the Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus
nimr) in the wild in the region. However, the situation in the Dhofar mountains of Oman has
provided some reason for optimism over the last 10 years. The population has been subject to
comprehensive study that has revealed vital information on the ecology of this species. Current
efforts are combining ecological and socio-economic initiatives to help ensure there remains an
opportunity for the leopard to survive in the wild.
Biography: Andrew Spalton is Adviser for Conservation of the Environment in the Diwan of
Royal Court. Arriving in Oman in 1987 to work on the reintroduction of the Arabian oryx,
today he leads a team working on the conservation of endangered species including the Arabian
oryx, Arabian tahr and Arabian leopard. He is also overseeing the establishment of a botanic
garden, the first of its kind in the region.
42
Requirements for Strategic Plant conservation in the Arabian Peninsula
Tony Miller
Centre for Middle Eastern Plants, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Email: T.Miller@rbge.ac.uk
The present status of Plant Conservation in the Arabian Peninsula is summarized by considering
the progress made by the Arabian Plant Specialist Group towards attaining the 2010 goals of the
Global Strategy for Plant Conservation. Challenges for the next 10 years are discussed. The
importance of species distributions in designing Protected Areas networks and for the modelling
of species response to climate change is emphasised. The lack of individuals capable of recording
the presence and absence of species in a particular habitat is highlighted as a major obstacle.
The importance of new technologies for the easy recording of large volumes of geo-located
biodiversity is highlighted and the importance of informatics systems for data management to
optimize work flows, balancing time spent studying organisms in the field against time spent
working with data is discussed. It is argued that a lack of funding for this sort of approach
is likely to continue until the theoretical, practical and financial links are made between the
realities of field observation and data collection, and the overwhelming need to mitigate the
impacts of climatic change. Finally, the role of refugia in plant conservation in the Arabian
Peninsula is discussed.
Biography: Tony Miller is Head of the Centre for Middle Eastern Plants (CMEP) which is
a group based at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. CMEP research focuses on floristic,
systematic, molecular, bio-informatic and conservation studies in SW Asia. A major focus of
the group is the production of the Flora of the Arabian Peninsula and Socotra – which, when
complete, will be the first authoritative treatment of the plants of the region. The group works
closely with governmental organisations and institutes throughout the region and is actively
involved in botanical, horticultural and conservation training and capacity building initiatives.
Work under the auspices of the Arabian Plants Specialist Group (a group representing botanists
from Arabia) has recently involved setting up an Arabian plant data base, preparing a Red
List of Arabian plants, a checklist of plants of the Arabian Peninsula and a system of protected
areas across the region. A notable project over the last 15 years has been the development of a
conservation programme in the Socotra Archipelago.
43
Colonization Time of Arabia by the White-tailed Mongoose (Ichneumia

albicauda) as Inferred from Mitochondrial DNA Sequences
Carlos Fernandes
University of Lisbon
Email: cafernandes@fc.ul.pt
Most of the terrestrial mammal species present in the Arabian Peninsula are, biogeographically,
Afrotropical or Saharo-Sindian. The former elements tend to be seen as the result of direct
dispersals from Eritrea-Somalia into southwestern Arabia but, given the evidence for
colonization through the Sinai by Afrotropical species from other faunal groups, our view on
the route(s) and time(s) of their invasions of Arabia necessarily remains hazy. The white-tailed
mongoose (Ichneumia albicauda) is a mammalian carnivore of the family Herpestidae widely
distributed across sub-Saharan Africa in a broad range of habitats from woodland to semi-
deserts, and also found in southern Arabia. A recent study using phylogenetic analyses of partial
sequences of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region, examined the phylogeography
of the species and contrasted it with its current morphology-based subspecies taxonomy. Here
I use this mtDNA dataset and, since no specimens from the eastern Sahel facing the Red Sea
have been analyzed, homologous sequences from white-tailed mongooses sampled in Eritrea, to
investigate the colonization time(s) of Arabia by the species. Depending on which time intervals
these estimates fall, and relating them with paleoenvironmental evidence, it might be possible
to deduce the most feasible scenario for the colonization(s) of Arabia by the white-tailed
mongoose. For instance, if they correspond to periods of a remarkably shallow and narrow
southern Red Sea, then direct dispersal from the Horn of Africa into southwestern Arabia is
a potential explanation, probably involving sweepstake rafting. Conversely, if they match with
phases in which the Red Sea was significantly wide and deep and the eastern Sahara could have
been substantially reduced, then episodic range continuity or migrations around the Red Sea
might be a more likely hypothesis. Finally, if the inferred colonization time is very recent, the
possibility of anthropogenic introductions in historic times should be taken into account. A
more general aim of this paper is to contribute much-needed phylogeographic data to the subject
of Afro-Arabian biogeography and to increase our knowledge on the evolutionary history of the
mammalian fauna of Arabia.
Biography: Carlos Fernandes has a degree in Biology at the University of Lisbon, Portugal, in
1998, and a PhD in Phylogeography and Molecular Systematics from the University of Cardiff,
UK, in 2004. Currently he is a researcher in landscape genetics at the Centre of Environmental
Biology of the University of Lisbon within the program Ciência 2007 of the Portuguese
Foundation for Science and Technology. His research interests relate to evolutionary history and
biogeography using genetic markers, conservation genetics, landscape genetics, and mammals.
He has a particular interest in Afro-Eurasian species and Afro-Arabian zoogeography.
44
Freshwater and Marine Fish Conservation in Arabia
Fareed Krupp
Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
Email: f.krupp@senckenberg.de
Diverse Afrotropical freshwater fish assemblages once inhabited the Arabian Peninsula, but
present-day aridity has resulted in an impoverished fauna. The region is home to 18 endemic
species of primary and two species of secondary freshwater fishes. Several species of marine
origin also inhabit inland waters. The distribution and conservation status of all freshwater-fish
species has been assessed in recent years. At least four species must be considered critically
endangered. Major threats are uncontrolled development, associated with water abstraction,
habitat fragmentation, pollution, and introduction of alien species. The adoption of a regionally
coordinated ecosystem approach towards the conservation of freshwater biota is urgently
required, including protected areas, enhanced assessment and monitoring programmes, captive
breeding, raising public awareness and improving environmental legislation and enforcement.
With more than 2000 species, fish diversity in the Arabian Seas Region is one of the highest
at a global scale and the degree of endemism is significant. While many parts of the Red Sea
and southern Arabia are still in reasonably healthy condition, the Gulf environment is in
rapid decline. Over-exploitation and destructive fishing methods pose the greatest threat to
marine fish. In many parts of the region, populations of economically important species, such
as sharks, are on the verge of collapse. In addition, human population and economic growth
have contributed to increased development, associated with pollution, dredging and filling
operations with negative effects on fish populations. Stock assessments and IUCN species and
biotope Red Lists are urgently required as a tool for planning and management of conservation
and sustainable fisheries. The lack of enforcement of existing fisheries legislation needs major
attention.
Biography: Fareed Krupp is an aquatic biologist specialising in fish research and environmental
management in Arabia. He has a PhD on Arabian inland water fishes and is Editor of Fauna of
Arabia as well as Curator of Fishes at Senckenberg Research Institute in Frankfurt in Germany.
He was based in Saudi Arabia for more than 10 years, managing regional marine conservation
projects in the Gulf and Red Sea. Presently he is Project Group Leader for Tropical Marine
Ecosystems at the Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre in Frankfurt, Germany.
45
Socotra
Kay van Damme
Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 25, B - 9000 Ghent, Belgium

Email: Kay.VanDamme@UGent.be
Socotra Island is a unique island in the Indian Ocean, the largest island of the Arabian world,
and part of Yemen. Its long isolation and origin, make this island a place with many endemics,
species unknown elsewhere in the world, and a unique culture of local people that have protected
the environment for thousands of years. Yet, as many places in the world, Socotra is also under
threat. Among overdevelopment and tourism, other threats arise such as invasive species, to
which the current, fragile ecosystems, are not resistant. Because of isolation, conservation on an
island poses many problems unknown in conservation on the mainland. Impacts that may seem
small on continental sites may be much larger in an island, especially like Socotra, having been
isolated for many years and well protected by local people. The current situation is one in need
for stronger protection and awareness, to sustain the biodiversity of this place for generations
to come.
Biography: Kay Van Damme is a freshwater biologist and specialist in zooplankton taxonomy.
Born in Ghent, Belgium, 1976, he obtained his PhD in Biology at Ghent University, Belgium.
Since 1999, Kay Van Damme has been actively involved in biodiversity and conservation of
Socotra Island, Yemen, where he also investigated life inside the cave systems. He played a leading
role as scientific editor and author of several chapters in the book, Socotra: A Natural History of
the Islands and their People, one of the main arguments for the recent UNESCO World Heritage
Nomination of this unique island. He has written many papers in internationally peer-reviewed
journals, prepared a book and several book chapters, and has described several species new
to science, a new family and several new genera. He is currently Chairman of the Friends of
Socotra, an organization striving for increased awareness and protection of natural and cultural
heritage of the island.
46
Flyway and Stopover Conservation in the Arabian Peninsula
Mohammed Shobrak
Taif University, PO Box 800, Taif 21974, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Email: mshobrak@gmail.com
The importance of the Arabian Peninsula for migratory species is discussed through integration
of the different strategies used by bird species to move, the different travel schemes, and the
function of stopover sites in the annual life cycle or daily pattern of birds. Understanding these
strategies is vital in order to improve conservation action; e. g soaring birds may experience
bottlenecks, where conservation action may need to be priority. In addition, the different travel
schemes adopted by birds have important conservation implications; ‘hopping’ birds require
suitable sites at regular distances, whilst ‘skipping’ birds need larger sites where they can reliably
feed. On other hand, long distance migrant “jumping” relies heavily on the existence of larger areas
with sufficient food resources and limited disturbance, where birds can quickly and safely restore
their body condition. However, migration routes do not always cover the same geographical
areas in both directions. Some species have geographically narrow migratory ranges, whereas
for others the range may be very broad. In addition, the threats affecting migratory species in the
flyway through / over the Arabian Peninsula are identified and discussed. The conservation and
the sustainable management of migratory species will be not achievable without all stakeholders
along the flyway working together. Therefore, countries in the region are recommended to work
with International bodies to improve conservation actions for migratory species.
Biography: Mohammed Shobrak is an ornithologist working as Assistance Professor and Bird

Advisor for the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD),
and Head of the Biology Department of Taif University, Saudi Arabia. He received his BSc from
King Saud University in 1987, and then worked with NCWCD for 21 years before moving to
Taif University in 2007. While working with NCWCD he received a scholarship from the British
Council to do his postgraduate studies in Glasgow University, which he finished in 1996. In
2008 he was elected by the partners in the BirdLife International Middle East to join the BirdLife
Global Council. He has published a number of papers on vultures and others birds and wildlife
in Saudi Arabia. He has represented Saudi Arabia, NCWCD and Taif University an several
meetings for the different wildlife conventions, birds and wildlife conferences and workshops.
He is considered one of the regional experts in birds and wildlife conservation.
47
Population Structure, Migratory Connectivity and Inference on Gene

Exchange Mechanisms in the Asian Houbara
Olivier Combreau, Samuel Riou, Jacky Judas and Mark Lawrence
International Fund for Houbara Conservation, PO Box 45553, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Email: olivier.combreau@gmail.com
Identifying biologically relevant management units is critical to the design of an appropriate

conservation strategy for the Asian houbara bustard at a time when large-scale conservation
projects are being put in place. A population genetic study using samples from throughout the
range of the Asian houbara has revealed a phylogeographic structure suggesting the existence
of three separate groups: a Central Asian group of migrants and residents, closely related to a
resident population from Egypt-Sinai, and a third, relatively differentiated resident population
from Yemen. This indicates some level of genetic isolation of southernmost populations and
gene flow among Central Asian populations. Using satellite tracking techniques we evaluated the
extent of migratory connectivity between populations, natal dispersal and fidelity to breeding
sites with a view to identifying the possible mechanisms underlying exchange of genetic
material. We show that substantial partitioning in migration routes and wintering grounds as
well as strong philopatry are the general rules. However, the possibility of dissemination of long-
migrant genes within shorter migrant Central Asian populations was observed in young adults
at one year of age. Additionally, breeding en-route for both males and females appears to be a
possibility: a number of migrant birds on their return migration were observed stopping for
long periods on breeding grounds already occupied by shorter migrants.
Biography: Olivier Combreau is a consultant for the International Fund for Houbara Conservation
in Abu Dhabi, UAE. From 1992 to 1994, he worked as an ecologist at the National Wildlife
Research Centre of the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development in
Taif, Saudi Arabia. In 1996, he was recruited as ecologist and then as Houbara Programme
Manager at the National Avian Research Centre (NARC) of the Environment Agency of Abu
Dhabi, where he undertook large-scale study on houbara ecology and gained expertise in satellite
tracking. From 2001 to 2009, he was been Director of NARC, in charge of developing intensive
houbara captive-breeding, ecological research and conservation programmes.
48
Effect of Rising Seawater Temperatures on Bleaching in Two Reef Building

Corals Pocillopora damicornis and Pocillopora verrucosa in the Red Sea, Saudi
Arabia
Abdulmohsin A. Al-Sofyani and Yahya A. M. Floos
King Abdulaziz University, PO Box 80200, Jeddah 21589, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Email: sofyani@hotmail.com
The overall annual range of seawater temperature in Obhur Creek, a small embayment on the
western coast of Saudi Arabia was 8.5ºC, between 24.5ºC and 33ºC. Zooxanthellae density
showed both species-specific and seasonal variations, e.g. the number of zooxanthellae in P.
damicornis was slightly higher than in P. verrucosa, however zooxanthellae density was 62% to
66% lower in summer than in winter for both species respectively. Similarly, the two species
differed from each other in the respiration rates of their associated zooxanthellae. The respiration
rate for P. verrucosa was similar in summer and winter, suggesting compensatory acclimation. In
contrast, in P. damicornis the respiration rate was lower in winter than in summer. It is concluded
that in both species, the difference in zooxanthellae thermal tolerances at 35° C correspond to
differences in tolerance of algal genotypes between the two species, resulting in P. damicornis
bleaching as the process of metabolism exceeds the process of photosynthesis with increase
temperature. During the winter season the metabolic rate was higher for both species due to
optimum temperature of the seawater. As a result of the density of zooxanthellae and optimum
temperature of the seawater 30ºC, the growth of the skeleton of the two coral species was twice
higher in winter than in summer.
Biography: [Biography not supplied]
49
Re-introductions in Modern Arabia: the First Step for a Grander Vision?
Mark Stanley Price
Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, University of Oxford, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney,
Abingdon OX13 5QL, United Kingdom
Email: Mark.Stanleyprice@zoo.ox.ac.uk
Countries of the Arabia Peninsula have pioneered re-introductions of the Arabian oryx and
houbara bustard, both cultural icons. But many elements of regional biodiversity are highly
endangered with extinction looming. Can these aspects be combined, using the detailed
information available from the ten years of CAMP workshops at Sharjah, to develop a grand
vision for the future of Arabia’s ecosystems and ecological processes, thereby moving perceptions
and attitudes from saving and restoring individual species to conserving biodiversity in a holistic
manner? Some of the expected issues around this concept of re-wilding will be explored. With
the track record of states and the value of iconic species held in country, and presumed social
changes within the countries concerned, the case is made for encouraging development of this
grand vision with the institutions and mechanisms needed to achieve it.
Biography: Mark Stanley Price is currently a Senior Research Fellow at the University of
Oxford’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), and Conservation Fellow at the
Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort’s Centre for Arid Land Conservation. He was the first Field
Manager for Oman’s oryx re-introduction project, which led him to forming the IUCN/SSC
Re-introduction Specialist Group, which he chaired until 2000. Time with the African Wildlife
Foundation (1987-1999) and the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (2001-08) drew him
into the interface between in- and out-of-the-wild conservation, and the scope for moving
animals and techniques flexibly between the two. Mark has just assumed the Chair of the new
SSC Sub-Committee for Species Conservation Planning, and will also be working with the Re-
introduction Specialist Group on updating the IUCN reintroduction guidelines and policy on
the translocation of plants and animals under present conditions, including the anticipated
impacts of climate change. Mark also sits on the board of Marwell Wildlife and the advisory
council of the World Land Trust.
50
Poster
Abstracts
Abstracts have been edited for space and format
51
Mammals of Jabal Moussa Nature Reserve: survey, status and conservation
ABI-SAID MR
American University of Beirut, Faculty of Art and Sciences, Biology Department

Animal Encounter, AlZhour Street, Aley, Lebanon
Mammals play a major part of the Lebanese biodiversity and their presence is essential for the
wellbeing of the ecosystem. However, they are probably the least well studied faunal group in
Lebanon. Mammals as most Lebanese fauna are thought threatened by habitat destruction,
urbanization, over-hunting and persecution. Hence, documentation of the species present
is essential for an effective conservation strategy. Jabal Moussa Nature Reserve (JMNR) is a
typical Lebanese Mountainous Mediterranean Scrubland Biome with different topography
and elevations ranging from 700m-1500m asl. Information on the presence of mammals in
JMNR was initially assessed through information from focal group discussions and individual
interviews, followed by camera trapping, rodent trapping, night drives, and transect surveys
were conducted from March 2008 to July 2009. The field survey revealed the richness of JMNR
in mammal diversity. Nineteen species of mammals belonging to six orders and 15 families were
identified among which one rodent species new to Lebanon and 3/4 classified as threatened
on the national level. This richness could be referred to its ecosystem, location, elevation
differences, and closeness to urban areas. Besides, the harshness of the ecosystem makes the
reserve unpopular for human activities, hence less disturbance to biodiversity. Nevertheless,
threats from hunting and habitat loss still persist. Populations of most mammals were found to
be healthy and good population number proposing the reserve as an in-situ breeding place for
mammals to augment other Lebanese reserves. A series of conservation recommendations are
presented on the basis of this survey.
Genetic assessment of the Arabian Oryx founder population in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi,
UAE: an example of evaluating unmanaged captive stocks for reintroduction.
EL ALQAMY H1, Roberts MF2, McEwing R2 and Ogden R2

1
Terrestrial Environment Research Center, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, PO Box 45553,
Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
2
Zoological Genetics Unit, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh EH12 6TS, United Kingdom
Since being declared extinct in the wild in 1972, the Arabian oryx has been the subject of intense
and sustained effort to maintain a healthy captive population and to reintroduce the species to
its ancestral range. Previous reintroductions and associated genetic assessments focused on the
release of closely managed zoo animals into Oman and included observations of inbreeding
and outbreeding depressions. Here we describe the use of multiple unmanaged herds as source
populations for a new reintroduction project in the United Arab Emirates, allowing a comparison
between studbook management and uncontrolled semi-captive breeding approaches to the
conservation of genetic diversity. Results of mitochondrial control region sequencing and
13-locus microsatellite profiling highlight a severe lack of diversity within individual source
populations, but a level of differentiation among populations that supports the formation of a
mixed founder herd. The combined release group contained a similar level of diversity to each
of the intensively managed captive populations. The research includes the first genetic data for
52
animals held on Sir Bani Yas island, a former private reserve which holds over 50% of the world’s
Arabian and scimitar-horned oryx and is recognized as having huge potential for re-establishing
endangered antelope species in the wild. The genetic assessment provides the first stage of an
ongoing genetic monitoring programme to support future supplemental releases, translocations
and genetic management of reintroduced populations.
Population growth and establishment of reintroduced Arabian oryx in Abu Dhabi

Emirate, UAE
EL ALQAMY H and El Dahrie A
Terrestrial Environment Research Center, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, PO Box 45553,
Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
Arabian oryx was reintroduced into Abu Dhabi Emirate in 2007. A founder population of 98
animals was released in 3 groups. Population was monitored for demographical parameters and
habitat utilization. The population size has reached 155 individuals in 3 years scoring a 58%
overall growth. Calves’ survival rates were enhanced from only 64% in 2007 and up to 77% and
94% in 2008 and 2009 respectively. Births seasonality was recorded where a peak of births is
occurring on a 10 -11 month cycle. Sex ratio is highly skewed towards females due to higher
mortalities among males. Males’ mortality is mostly attributed to fighting induced traumas.
Stable social groups have evolved and currently animals are maintaining their structure in
main sub herds. Habitat utilization patterns were evaluated using raster methods utilizing daily
counts data. Two distinctive patterns of animal spread was recognized during both summer and
winter seasons. Relatively wide-spread movements are endeavored in the winter season while
very restricted movements are seen during the summer.
Observations on foot and mouth disease in vaccinated and unvaccinated wildlife in the
BAILEY TA1, O’Donovan D2, Kinne K3 and Wernery U3
The Dubai Falcon Hospital, PO Box 23919, Dubai, UAE

1
2
Wadi al Safa Wildlife Centre, PO Box 27875, Dubai, UAE
3
Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, PO Box 597, Dubai, UAE
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMDV) is a contagious but usually nonlethal disease of ruminants.

The virus is endemic in domestic livestock populations in the Middle East, but is rarely reported
in wildlife. We present observations on two outbreaks of FMD in one unvaccinated and a second
vaccinated collection of wild ungulates in the UAE. Our paper compares and summarises the
features of two outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in one unvaccinated collection and a
second vaccinated collection of wild ungulates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and highlights
the importance of vaccination protocols to protect wildlife in a region where infectious viral
diseases, including FMD, are endemic. Site 1 (unvaccinated) was a collection of dorcas gazelles
(100) and sika deer (25). Site 2 (vaccinated) was a collection comprising blackbuck (~80), sand
gazelle (~20), Arabian oryx (~45), mountain gazelle (~8), impala (~48) and spekes gazelle (~36)
where most animals had been vaccinated annually against FMD since 2006. Affected animals
53
were euthanased and submitted to the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL, Dubai)
for investigation. Necropsy and virology was conducted at the CVRL. Viral isolates were sent
to the World Reference Laboratory at the Institute for Animal Health (UK) for characterisation
The majority of gazelles and deer were severely lame and approximately 50-60% of the gazelles
died at site 1 over a 6 wk period. Most free-ranging blackbuck were lame and FMD was
confirmed in one euthanased blackbuck female and 4 dead juvenile animals at site 2. Oral
and cardiac lesions were observed and FMD virus type O was isolated. The virus was closely
related to FMD strains from India (Ind-2001) and Iran (Irn-2001). The source of infection was
not confirmed for either outbreak, but was suspected to be from dairy cows imported from
Iran (site 1) and an adjacent infected sheep farm (site 2). Except for a study by Kilgalon et. al.
the immunological response to any FMD vaccine has not been established in exotic ungulates.
The authors concluded that a single dose of FMD vaccine may not elicit a sufficient antibody
response in Arabian oryx to confer lasting protection. Our observations indicate that, although
the animals at site 2 were only vaccinated annually, they were afforded good protection when
exposed to the same FMD strain that caused high mortality in unvaccinated gazelle at site 1.
Wildlife Middle East News - An Initiative to raise the Awareness of Environmental and
Conservation Issues Affecting Wildlife in the Middle East
BAILEY T1, O’Donovan D2, Lloyd C3 and Bailey T4

1
Dubai Falcon Hospital, PO Box 23919, Dubai, United Arab Emirates,
2
Wadi Al Safa Wildlife Centre, PO Box 27875, Dubai, United Arab Emirates,
3
Nad Al Shiba Vet Hospital, PO Box 116345, Dubai, United Arab Emirates,
4
Zayed University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
There are great pressures on the environment and wildlife throughout the Middle East. The
rapid pace of economic development, the fragility of the natural ecosystems and low population
densities are factors making many indigenous species vulnerable to extinction. The Middle
East is an important migration route and wintering area for a large proportion of northern
Palearctic birds. In this sensitive area, habitat degradation, oil spills, pesticide use, and infectious
disease outbreaks have the potential to cause immense impacts on free-living and captive
wildlife populations. In some cases wildlife species, e.g. waterfowl, may carry diseases such as
the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus that can cause great economic impact to poultry
industries, cause disease in other birds (e.g. falcons), as well as being dangerous to humans.
Factors hindering the ability of the veterinarians, biologists and wildlife managers to work in
the region are discussed. The authors describe a information newsletter they have established
which is contributing to the development of a network between zoo and wildlife professionals
and aims to be an important source of regional information on zoo and wildlife management,
husbandry and care. The objectives and a review of the first three years of operation of Wildlife
Middle East News will be presented.
54
Captive breeding program of the Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) – an overview
BUDD JA
Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife, PO Box 29922, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Captive breeding plays a pivotal role in conserving endangered species by providing a healthy
“safety net” population with which to buffer dwindling numbers in the wild. According to IUCN
Red List criteria, the Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) is critically endangered. Captive
breeding is an essential component of conservation for this species. Many experts are of the
opinion that the Arabian leopard will not survive in the wild without the reintroduction of
animals from captive breeding programs. The captive breeding program has been operating
on a regional level since 1999, although the first Arabian leopards registered in the studbook
were caught in 1985. The current living population consists of 37.34 (71) leopards, 19 of which
are wild caught and a large number do not actively participate in the breeding program. The
program focuses on ensuring a genetically sound population that closely resembles the wild
population. An overview of the current status of the captive population is given. Current and
predicted trends within the population are compared with recommended trends and graphically
illustrated using dedicated population management software, PM2000.
A framework for the Conservation of the Arabian leopard Panthera pardus nimr
BUDD JA1, Breitenmoser U2, Mallon D3 and Breitenmoser-Würsten C4

1
Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife, P.O. Box 29922, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
2
IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group, Switzerland
3
IUCN/SSC Antelope Specialist Group, Manchester, United Kingdom
4
KORA
According to IUCN Red List criteria, the Arabian leopard Panthera pardus nimr is critically
endangered. Urgent conservation action is required to secure its survival. Since 2000, the Arabian
leopard has been a priority species at the annual CAMP workshops held at the Breeding Centre
for Endangered Arabian Wildlife (BCEAW), Sharjah. Strategic planning for the conservation
of endangered species includes 1) compilation of baseline data (status report), 2) definition of
common goals and activities at the range level (conservation strategy) and 3) the definition of
tasks and activities for each range country (action plan). Baseline data for the Arabian leopard
was compiled into a regional status report that was published in 2006 as a special edition of the
Cat News, the quarterly journal of the IUCN Cat Specialist Group. These reports form the basis
of a range-wide Conservation Strategy. The development of visions and goals for conserving the
Arabian leopard, setting of objectives to fulfill these goals and assigning actions that will ensure
the objectives are met was achieved in a participative workshop using a logistic framework
approach. The scenario for the recovery of the Arabian leopard is discussed, highlighting the
important points in strategic conservation planning.
55
Indirect impacts of distant breakwaters on coral communities in Dubai, United Arab

Emirates
BURT JA
Faculty of Science, New York University-Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129 188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Email: John.Burt@nyu.edu
Large areas of coral reef in Dubai have been lost to direct burial and by sedimentation associated
with coastal construction projects. Such developments may also have indirect impacts on coral
communities by modifying coastal hydrodynamics. I used a Before/After-Control/Impact
design to assess the indirect effects of a 200 m long breakwater on corals by comparing coral
communities at a control reef and an impacted reef 700 m in the lee of a breakwater. Each reef
was sampled biannually for one year before and after breakwater construction using permanent
photoquadrats. On the control reef, coral cover increased significantly over the course of the
study, and community structure remained stable. Coral cover on the impacted reef declined from
50% to 18% after breakwater construction, and there were significant declines in the number
of live colonies, and mean colony size. Community composition changed significantly as well;
Acropora spp. were eliminated, and faviids and poritiids increased in proportional abundance
on the impacted reef. There was no change in sediment abundance on the control reef, but there
was an increase in fine silts following breakwater construction on the impacted reef. This resulted
from reduced wave action rather than sedimentation produced by construction, indicating the
importance of indirect effects of coastal developments on reefs. Overall, these results indicate
that breakwaters can have indirect impacts for distances extending hundreds of meters from
its footprint as a result of changes in wave action, and that such indirect impacts should be
considered during the development of coastal management plans.
A study on phoretic mites
AL-DEEB MA, Muzzaffar SB and Enan MR
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17551, Al Ain, UAE
A study on phoretic mites associated with Oryctes agamemnon (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

was conducted in Al-Ain in UAE. The purpose of the study was (1) to document the presence
of phoretic mites, (2) to make a genetic profile, and (3) to study host mite load and body
distribution. Oryctes agamemnon beetles were collected from date palm farms and examined
under stereoscope. Mites were counted on different beetle body parts. The molecular technique,
randomly amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR), was employed
to make a genetic profile. The results showed that a phoretic mite species, Sancassania sp.
(Acaridae: Astigmata), was associated with O. agamemnon adults and larvae. Most of the mites
were found under the elytra and in the sub-elytral space. By developing the reaction products
with agarose gel electrophoresis, it became evident that DNA fragments were amplified with all
the primers used. The banding pattern can be used in the identification of the UAE Sancassania
spp. The presence of this mite in desert ecosystem indicated that more phoretic mites may exist
in the desert. This finding was the first record of Sancassania in UAE. It also added a new genus
to the UAE biodiversity list. This phoretic mite and other mites in general need to be studied
and conserved.
56
Amputation of the front leg of a wild-caught caracal (Caracal caracal schmitzi) following
trauma caused by a gin trap
Digeronimo PM1, Budd J2 and PAS A2

1
University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
2
Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife, P.O. Box 29922, Sharjah, UAE
A locally wild-caught caracal was brought to the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian
Wildlife (BCEAW) with trauma to the front leg consistent with injuries caused by a gin- or leg-
holding trap. The wound was several days old, severely infected and infested with maggots. The
leg had to be amputated below the elbow. The animal recovered well and will become part of
the breeding program at the BCEAW. This case illustrates the severe implications of the use of
trapping devices and the negative impact on the remaining population of caracal in the UAE.
Three cases of mortality in young wild-caught Arabian Tahr (Hemitragus jayakari)

removed from their mother before weaning age.
Digeronimo PM1, Strick J2 and PAS A2

1
University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
2
Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife, P.O. Box 29922, Sharjah, UAE
Three wild-caught Arabian tahr kids were privately kept for several days before being delivered to
the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife (BCEAW, Sharjah, UAE). Within a week,
each showed worsening signs of secondary infections (cryptosporidiosis and pasteurellosis)
associated with malnutrition and decreased immunity Despite intensive medical management,
all tahr kids developed severe clinical signs (e.g. chronic diarrhoea, dyspnoea, and collapse) and
had to be euthanased. This illustrates how young animals that are poached and prematurely
separated from their dam are at greater risk of infectious disease and have decreased survivability.
The Dibatag antelope (Ammodorcas clarkei): in-situ conservation efforts for a threatened
species in Ethiopia by Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation (AWWP)
HAMMER C, Deb A, Wilhelmi F and Hammer S
Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation, PO Box 44069, Doha, State of Qatar
In 2002, the alarming status of the Dibatag antelope (Ammodorcas clarkei), one of the least known
antelope species, had caught the attention of the Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation (AWWP) owned
by Sheikh Saoud Mohd. Ali Al-Thani. A field project was launched to contribute to sustainable
conservation measures for this elusive endemic antelope in the Ogaden Region of Southeast
Ethiopia- a biodiversity hotspot, known for its long history of civil war, political unrest and
turmoil. Intensive field surveys in the Ogaden Region estimated a population density in this
region to be about 0.03 individuals/km² equivalent to 2.300 individuals in 2005. Numerous
57
hitherto unknown facts about the species were obtained and published through this project.
In addition to establishing a headquarter and information centre, a large number of capacity
building and drought relief services were provided to the local community. Hunting on Dibatag
also dropped significantly within the regular surveillance area. The declining population
numbers of the species, as well as the ongoing war within the restricted habitat of the Dibatag,
make ex-situ captive breeding an urgent necessity for the conservation of the species. Therefore,
the second phase of the AWWP project aims to establish Ex-Situ Breeding for the Dibatag
Antelope. The objective is to form a breeding nucleus for the ex-situ breeding population using
abandoned young Dibatag in the field, to be kept, bred and studied at AWWP. Although, the
Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG) of the IUCN Species Survival Commission
strongly endorses the proposal The current political situation in the Ogaden does not allow any
access to the research site condemning the project to an “on hold” status.
Conservation of the threatened Arabian Bustard in Tehama – Yemen
JUDAS J and Paillat P
National Avian Research Center, PO Box 45553 Abu Dhabi, UAE
The Arabian Bustard Ardeotis arabs inhabits the arid environments of the Sahelo-Sudanese belt
from Senegambia to Eritrea, with a range extension on the Tehama plain on the south-western
side of the Arabian Peninsula. Historically, the species was found all along the Red Sea coast
from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia to Aden in Yemen, but has by now probably already been extirpated
from Saudi Arabia. Population size and distribution range in Yemen has also been considerably
reduced in the last decades. Surveys conducted by our team since 2005 highlighted the different
threats faced by the species in Tehama - Yemen. Poaching of adult bird illegally trade toward
Saudi Arabia for falcon training, change in agricultural practices, egg collection by children
or farmers, increasing number of feral dogs, disturbance of breeding females on nest, result in
reduced adult survival and low breeding success, which will undoubtedly lead to continuous
decline of the population, and will finally end-up with local extinction if no conservation actions
are taken. Public awareness campaigns targeting schools and officials already show encouraging
results in the perception of the species by local communities. On-going ecological research
(satellite tracking, habitat use, population monitoring) will help to develop and implement other
conservation measures.
A Comparative Study of Vegetation Structure and Regeneration between two Monitoring

Surveys in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
KHAFAGA TA
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai, UAE
The research into the vegetation of the Dubai Desert Conservation reserve (DDCR), Dubai –
United Arab Emirates, is designed to implement a continuous practical and efficient monitoring
program and to apply analytical tools for easy data interpretation. This information and data
is indispensable for management of the DDRC. The objective of the study was to compare the
structure and the regeneration patterns of the vegetation between two monitoring surveys (2004
58
and 2008) in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. The study policies were to implement
continuous practical and comparative vegetation monitoring program and to apply analytical
tools for the data interpretation which mainly emphasize the assessment of density, cover and
diversity of the flora. Mapping the vegetation and defining lineage between different floral
communities, using multivariate analysis combined with GPS techniques was also an objective
of the study. The results showed an incredible increase in species abundance and diversity when
compared to the first monitoring study, the data indicates a good habitat recovery and it was
attributed to the removal of the camel farms that were previously located within the reserve,
which gave the vegetation and the habitats a good chance to recover.
The modern problems of Biodiversity Conservation of Jebel Hafeet (UAE)
KORSHUNOV VM
Management of Nature Conservation, Department of the President’s Affairs, Al Ain, UAE
Natural complex of Jebel Hafeet as a matter of fact is insular ecosystem. Substantial number
of plants and animals species from the nearby mountain system of Oman and surrounding it
desert is concentrated here. The system of nature protection, developed by us and the actualized,
allowed to a great extent to conserve of biodiversity this unique ecosystem. By main problems
stay intensified of anthropogenic transformation of landscape and not full study of flora and
fauna species composition of Jebel Hafeet.
Conservation Workshops for the Fauna of Arabian 2000-2009
AL MIDFA A1, Mallon D2 and Budd K3

1
Environment and Protected Areas Authority, PO Box 2926, Sharjah, UAE
2
IUCN/SSC Antelope Specialist Group, United Kingdom
3
Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife, PO Box 29922, Sharjah, UAE
In 2000, having recognizing the transboundary nature of biodiversity issues and that networking
and information sharing are pivotal in addressing major regional and global challenges, such as
biodiversity conservation and climate change His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed
Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah hosted the first Conservation
Workshop for the Fauna of Arabia. The ten workshops that have taken place between 2000
and 2009 have been attended by a total of 316 people from 41 countries, including all those
in the Arabian Peninsula, and several from the rest of the Middle East. The initial aim of the
workshops was to review the current distribution and status of various taxonomic groups at the
regional level, assess threats and recommend necessary conservation actions. So far, 203 species
have been assessed. During these workshops other issues affecting biodiversity conservation in
the Arabian Peninsula have been raised, one of these was the need for protected areas. Protected
Areas have therefore been at the centre of workshops since 2007, and have included: reviewing
the current Protected Area Network in the Arabian Peninsula; evaluation of management
effectiveness; and identifying priority sites for establishment of transboundary conservation
areas.
59
Mugger crocodile (Crocodile palustris) Study in Iran
MOBARAKI A1 and Abtin E2

1
Department of Environment, Wild life and Aquatic affairs Bureau, PO Box 14155-7383, Tehran, Iran
2
Department of Environment, Sistan and Baluchestan Provincial Office, Zahedan, Iran
A small population of Mugger crocodiles is distributed in southeastern Iran, in Sistan and

Baluchestan province. The area is known as the western most global range of the species. The
main characteristic of the population is that it has been divided to several sub-populations along
the main rivers and existing habitats as well as being scattered in the area. The crocodiles, with
an estimated population size of about 200-300 (Mobaraki 2000) individuals, occupy a vast range
of water bodies (Mobaraki 2003). Their noteworthy habitats are along 3 main rivers of the area,
Kaju- Sarbaz and Bahukalat, and the natural ponds along these rivers are considered as their main
habitats. The other important habitats for the crocodiles are artificial water bodies constructed
by local people for rain and run off water storage. These habitats especially small dams, support
considerable numbers of crocodiles. In the past year also based on some observations Nahang
River along Iran-Pakistan border in northern part of Balushistan has recorded as the new site
for the Muggers in Iran. Nesting season was reported to start in mid May but according to the
recent findings in 2009 it seems that nesting could take place from mid April. Crocodiles use any
available resources as food, such as fish, birds, insects, dogs and even villager’s livestock but they
are mainly dependant on existing fish stocks. One of the most specific and important behaviors
of Mugger is burrowing which is mostly used as refuge to avoid heat and cold and may be
other purpose. Migration or movement between water bodies in different distances is another
considerable behavior of Muggers in the area. The number of observed hatchlings in different
ness and nursery sited indicates of high mortality if hatchlings. In the conducted studies in
the past years the main habitats have been identified and biometric data on crocodiles like the
length and weight have bee collected by capturing of crocodiles. The longest recorded one was
274 cm in Pishin dam but in the past year we cold record larger ones too. Fortunately there is
not any hunting on crocodiles in Iran and local people based on their cultural beliefs respect
crocodiles and never cause any harm to them. But natural factors like drought and flooding are
the main threats causing considerable loss to crocodiles. The area was faced to extreme drought
for 6 years following with harsh floods in 2004 and after ward. Drought season provided many
problems to the crocodiles leading to death and loss of reproduction. In this period the main
and in some parts the only existing habitat was Pishin Dam reservoir which supported the main
part of the crocodile population. Flooding, each time, cause that some crocodiles to be fallen in
the overflow pool of the dam causing some injuries and death. In the past years these crocodiles
were captured and released to the reservoir (Abtin and Mobaraki 2007). More over some
activities like dam construction causes population fragmentation. As a management option, the
main part of crocodile habitats has been designated as “protected area” named Gandoas well as
“International wetland”(Ramsar site). Mugger crocodiles are listed as an “Endangered Species”
and there is a fine of 32 million Rials for each one killed. In IUCN Red list of threatened species
Mugger crocodile is listed as “Vulnerable” and the main threatening factors of this species are
habitat destruction and fragmentation.
60
Sea Turtle study in Iran
MOBARAKI A
Department of Environment, Wildlife and Aquatic Affairs Bureau, PO Box: 14155-7383 Tehran, Iran
Email: amobaraki@yahoo.com
I.R. of Iran has the longest coastline on the northern shores of the Persian Gulf and Oman
Sea. Some parts of the coastlines in the mainland are sandy beaches, which are suitable for
the nesting of sea turtles. More over there are about 30 small and large Islands which some
of them are very important nesting sites for the sea turtles in the region. Mond protected
area Islands (Nakhiloo and Ommolkaram) and Sheedvar and Hendourabi are supposed to be
the most important sites in the country (Mobaraki 2004). We had records of more than 100
emerging tracks for some of the sites (maps and photos). Critically endangered Hawksbill sea
turtles (Eretmochelys imbricate) is the most abundant nesting turtle species in the Persian Gulf
area in case that the popular nesting species in the Oman sea area in Green Turtle (Chelonia
mydas). Except of the nesting populations of the species there are different feeding populations
too. Green turtles consist of the most abundant and popular foraging species in the area. These
populations mainly use the island waters as the feeding habitats all year long. Other species like
Hawksbill and Olive Ridley also have reported as feeding populations of sea turtle in both Oman
Sea and the Gulf areas. Sea turtles were relatively unstudied species in the country and some
existing information was for the long years before. The main nesting season for the Hawksbill
turtles is from early April to late may which the peak of nesting in the western part of the Gulf
seems to be later than the eastern parts. In the past years most of the important nesting sites were
visited in nesting season and the preliminary information on their reproduction biology like the
clutch size, diameter and weight of eggs, size of nesting turtles and hatchlings have collected
for each year and sites (tables)(Mobaraki 2004, 2006). All the collected data was analyzed by
using the statistical programs. More over some behavioral studies also conducted and the gained
results indicates multiple immergences, diurnal nesting and multiple nest construction as the
main behaviors for the Hawksbills. The existing nesting sites for the very few Green turtles along
Oman sea area also were identified which are severely threatened by natural threats like collapse
of the cliffs (Mobaraki 2002). The first sea turtle tagging program in the country started in 2005
by the helps of MOU- IOSEA which is supposed to be a continuous program in different sites.
Based on this program, about 250 turtles have been tagged in different years and sites (Mobaraki
and Elmi 2005). All threatening factors of sea turtles also have been identified and related data
collected. Except of usual natural threats like different predators and the waves, egg poaching,
fisheries by catch, boat strikes, habitat destruction and different kinds of pollutions are the main
anthropogenic threats. As a cooperative work with Canberra University, We have started genetic
works on the populations of the different sites and based on the results the main haplotypes of
the populations, 11 haplotypes, have been identified by sequencing of about 90 samples from 4
main rookeries of, sheedvar, Hendourabi, Nakhiloo and Ommolkaram Islands.
61
The use of GIS for mapping the presence of Uromastyx leptieni and the identification of
potential habitat.
PAS A
The presence of active Dhab (Uromastyx leptieni) burrows was recorded with the use of a GPS
over an area of about 35 hectares near the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife
(BCEAW). The typical gravel planes are considered suitable habitat for Uromastyx, which need
solid ground to be able to dig deep burrows. The burrows were displayed on a map of the area
with the use of Idrisi Taiga software. In GIS a map of a larger area around the BCEAW was used
to identify similar habitat which would warrant research into the presence of Uromastyx. GIS
software showed to be a useful tool to find areas where it is more likely to encounter this reptile
due to the specific habitat it requires, this way helping to focus on certain areas for research and
protection.
Disease risk assessment for a potential release of Arabian Tahr (Hemitragus jayakari) in a
protected area.
PAS A
If any serious attempt wants to be made to reintroduce ungulates in protected areas, an in depth
disease risk assessment will have to be an integral part of the planning (Norton 1993). Animals
kept in captivity might have become asymptomatic carriers of disease not present in the wild
and released animals might be susceptible for diseases present at the release area. A semi-
quantitative Stoplight Hazard Analysis as outlined in the Disease Risk Handbook 5th edition
(Armstrong et. al. 2003) is used here to quantify and order particular diseases according to their
importance for a reintroduction programme. The most important diseases are described further
in more detail also as outlined in the same workbook and suggestions for prevention and pre-
release screening are given.
Sharjah Aquarium raising marine awareness
PORTER K
Sharjah Aquarium, PO Box 39939, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
The focus of this poster is to show how Sharjah Aquarium has raised awareness of the local
marine environment found at Al Khan, Sharjah. Many people are unaware that a diverse range
of marine species occurs in close proximity to Sharjah City. Our aim is to inspire people to care
more about conserving ocean life. The Sharjah Aquarium was inaugurated by His Highness
Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the Supreme
62
Council in June 2008 and focuses on the marine life of Sharjah’s Arabian Gulf and Gulf of
Oman coasts. The Aquarium displays UAE native marine life including coral reef, mangrove
and open ocean species. To date the aquarium has welcomed over 1 million visitors. In May
2008 the Aquarium created a marine protected area in front of the main aquarium building. An
artificial reef has also been created. The Aquarium organised, in October 2008, a 3 hour beach
and underwater clean up of Al Khan beach, which resulted in over 1000 volunteers assisting
in improving the marine environment. Through this work and new educational and research
initiatives Sharjah Aquarium is becoming a centre for marine awareness in a region undergoing
a great and dramatic pace of development.
Leptien’s Spiny-tailed Lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia leptieni) in the Dubai Desert

Conservation Reserve
SIMKINS GD and Ingram R
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai, UAE
Leptien’s spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia leptieni), endemic to the UAE and Oman,
are large herbivorous lizards found on gravel terrain and inter-dune compact soils. They can
grow up to 75cm long and usually live in loose colonies. As Spiny-tailed lizards are part of the
herbivore community in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) and were directly
affected by low vegetation density and off-road driving in the past, it was decided that a baseline
survey of their numbers, distribution and density needed to be conducted. The survey was
conducted during October 2008 and May 2009 and focused on the burrows of the Spiny-tailed
lizards. Transects across the gravel plains were surveyed and burrows were classified into three
categories (Active, Inactive and Abandoned) according to the presence or absence of activity.
The survey was divided into two areas the Al Maha Reserve AMR and the rest of the DDCR.
The results showed a healthy population of lizards in the DDCR with 448 active burrows and a
further 48 inactive. A high number of abandoned burrows (740) were also found and has been
attributed to both relocation and predation. As expected, the majority of the DDCR population
(48%) was found within the AMR where the population density was much higher as result of
a more suitable habitat due to longer protection from overgrazing and off-road driving. The
results from this survey form a good base for the continued monitoring the Spiny-tailed lizard
population as well as a platform for more detailed studies of the species in the DDCR.
The Ecology and Conservation of Freshwater Fish in the UAE
SMART E
Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS)-World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), PO Box 45977, Dubai, UAE.
In the UAE, only two species of native primary freshwater fish are found; Cyprinion
micropthalmum muscatensis and Garra barremiae. Garra barremiae is the most abundant
species, found in wadis throughout the Hajar mountain range in the East, while Cyprinion is
restricted to the Southern regions on the border with Oman. This research focuses primarily
on the ecology of Garra barremiae, particularly the environmental adaptations the fish use
to survive in the harsh conditions of arid environment freshwaters. Ex-situ research on the
63
morphology of Garra inhabiting two contrasting habitat types (pools and riffles) in a single wadi
system has been conducted, examining length, weight and mental disc variations. Initial results
suggest that although length does not vary between pools and riffles, there was a significant
difference between weight of individuals in the two habitat types. Mental discs were larger in
fish inhabiting riffles. These preliminary results show evidence that the fish are possibly adapting
to their environment within their lifetime. Data was collected on the reproductive activity of
Garra during an annual cycle. These observations were compared with corresponding physical
and chemical characteristics of the habitat types during the sampling period. Results indicate
a potential size at maturity >32mm, with variations in the size of reproductively active males
and females. A correlation between reproductive activity and physio-chemical conditions of
the habitats indicates an influence by seasonal conditions. The implications for conservation of
both the fish species and its habitat are considered, as well as ideas for further ex-situ and in-situ
research.
Chytrid Fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) detection in captive and wild

amphibians of the United Arab Emirates
SOORAE PS & Quarqaz M
Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, PO Box 45553, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Chytridiomycosis is an infectious disease of amphibians, caused by the chytrid Batrachochytrium

dendrobatidis, a non-hyphal zoosporic fungus which has been linked to dramatic population
declines or even extinctions of amphibian species in western North America, Central America,
South America, eastern Australia, and Dominica and Montserrat in the Caribbean. The fungus
is capable of causing sporadic deaths in some amphibian populations and 100% mortality in
others. The disease is contributing to a worldwide decline in amphibian populations that has
affected 30% of the amphibian species of the world. A UAE sampling survey using skin swabs
has covered captive amphibians (5 non-native species) in pet shops and zoological gardens and
a native toad survey (2 species namely Arabian toad (Bufo arabicus) and Dhofar toad (Bufo
dhofarensis)) which is ongoing in wild populations mainly in the Northern Emirates. To date
there has been no Chytridiomycosis detected in either the captive or wild populations.
Genesis and Evolution of the Foundation for the Protection of the Arabian Leopard
in Yemen
STANTON DB
Foundation for the Protection of the Arabian Leopard in Yemen, PO Box 7069, Sana’a, Republic of Yemen
Since August 2007 the Yemeni Leopard Recovery Programme (YLRP) has striven to raise the
profile and relevance of Arabian Leopards in the Republic of Yemen. Having achieved notable
successes including the April 29, 2008 cabinet decree naming the Arabian Leopard as Yemen’s
National Animal, the YLRP has progressed from being an unofficial volunteer initiative to an
officially registered, professionally managed foundation – the Foundation for the Protection
of the Arabian Leopard in Yemen (moassassat hemayat al nimr al araby fi al yemen). The
foundation continues to make steady progress in achieving its goal of ‘ensuring an expanding
64
population of wild Arabian Leopards in Yemen’ in the face of numerous obstacles ranging from
ignorance to indifference to outright hostility towards leopards and those who seek to conserve
them. The success of the foundation in achieving its goal is years away from being realized, if
ever, with the coming decade being seen as pivotal in the battle to prevent the extinction of this
country’s National Animal.
The rehabilitation of migratory raptors at the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian
Wildlife (BCEAW), Sharjah, UAE
STRICK J1, Vercammen P1, Judas J2 and Combreau O3

1
2
National Avian Research Centre, PO Box 45553, Abu Dhabi, UAE
3
International Fund for Houbara Conservation, PO Box 45553, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Over the past ten years, several migratory raptors have been admitted to the BCEAW. These birds
were found and brought in by the public, or landed on the premises of the BCEAW. They had
become weakened and undernourished during their long migration. They were rehabilitated at
the BCEAW and released whenever possible. The fate of these birds usually remains unknown
and it is often unsure if they survive after their release. In collaboration with the National Avian
Research Centre, Al Ain, a rehabilitated Greater spotted eagle (Aquila clanga) was equipped
with a solar powered satellite transmitter. One year after release, the bird is still being tracked.
This shows that the rehabilitation of rescued and rehabilitated birds can be successful and at the
same time that valuable e data can be gained in a non-invasive way.
Wadi Wurayah in the Fujairah Emirate, UAE: a unique freshwater ecosystem and
biodiversity hot spot in the Arabian Peninsula.
TOURENQ C1, Shuriqi MK2, Smart E1, Sawaf M1, Al Hamudi M2,Perry L1 and Ali Khassim2
1
Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS)-World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), PO Box 45977, Dubai, UAE.
2
Environment Protection and Development Department, Fujairah Municipality, Fujairah, UAE.
Despite being regarded as a vast desertic and unfertile area in the world, the United Arab
Emirates host a unique and remarkably adapted fauna and flora. Up to date, more than 1,500
species of insects, 13 species of terrestrial molluscs, 646 species of marine invertebrates, 724
species of plants, 435 species of birds, 221 species of fish, 67 species of reptiles, 64 species of
mammals, and 2 species of amphibians have been identified in the country. Unique permanent
freshwater ecosystem in the country, Wadi Wurayah in the Emirate of Fujairah, shelters a rich
diversity of rare and endangered mountainous and freshwater habitats and species. Over 300
species of plants grow in the area, including the country’s unique orchid, Epipactis veratrifolia,
as well as wetland species. Twenty species of mammals have been recorded or suspected in the
area, including 19% that are considered endangered worldwide by the IUCN and 33% are of
conservation concern locally. So far, 74 species of bird (of which 5% are considered endangered
worldwide by the IUCN and 25 % are of conservation concern for the UAE). The wadi hosts 17
wild reptile and amphibian species of which 5 are endemic to UAE mountains and northern
Oman. Endemic to the Arabian Peninsula and considered endangered by IUCN, the Garra
65
fish (Garra barreimiae) is found as well in the wadi. So far 74 invertebrate families, including
19 species new to science. Of the main threats identified, the most serious and recurrent ones
are: habitat fragmentation, wildlife poaching and persecution, habitat degradation and recently
the introduction of non-native species. The Emirates Wildlife Society-World Wide Fund for
Nature in collaboration with the Fujairah Municipality initiated a project that achieved to
declare the whole catchment basin as the first official mountain protected area of UAE with the
aims to establish a sustainable protected area integrating local tradition and lifestyle with the
conservation of inimitable biodiversity and habitat by providing a model of unique economical
incentive to the region.
66
Conference
Recommendations
67
The following recommendations were made in plenary

session discussions during the Conference on Biodiversity
Conservation in the Arabian Peninsula, held in Sharjah,
UAE, February 2010
In plenary discussions conference delegates:

• recognised that natural ecological boundaries transcend political boundaries;
• agreed that nationally focussed conservation programs alone cannot address the range of
threats facing Arabia’s wildlife;
• stressed that the only means to ensure effective conservation of biodiversity in the Arabian
Peninsula is through improved cooperation between neighbouring countries;
• urged support for the development of a Regional Vision and Conservation Strategy;
• highlighted the need to make biodiversity a much higher priority at all levels of government
planning
There was strong support from the conference for:

• Supporting a regional institution to collate and synthesise and disseminate regional spatial
conservation data;
• Continuing the annual Sharjah workshop series to provide a regional forum:
◉◉ to conduct formal internationally-recognised Regional Red Data List Assessments of
Arabian species;
◉◉ to enhance the regional development and management of effective protected area
networks
◉◉ to provide a forum for specific training, data sharing, and coordinated planning to
increase regional capacity for biodiversity conservation
It was recognised there was a need to:

• Produce habitat map for the Arabian Peninsula
• Collate information on the distribution of species across the Arabian Peninsula
• Use the habitat map and the species distribution maps to conduct a Systematic Conservation
Assessment for the Arabian Peninsula
• On the basis of this conservation assessment, work towards a Regional Conservation
Strategy that may include:
◉◉ the restoration of traditional forms of resource management, e.g. hema;
◉◉ the development of Trans-Boundary Conservation Areas
68
Participants
List
Abi-Said, Mounir Rachid Al Cibahy, Ashraf

Animal Encounter Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi
Beirut, Lebanon Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Email: mabisaid9@gmail.com Email: aalcibahy@ead.ae
Abouleish, Mohamed Al Daherie, Ahmed

American University of Sharjah Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi
Email: mabouleish@aus.edu Email: ahmad2525@hotmail.com
Abtin, Elham Al-Deeb, Mohammad Ali

Department of the Environment, UAE University
Zabol, Iran Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Email: ala_saly@yahoo.co.uk Email: m_aldeeb@uaeu.ac.ae
Abu-Abdoun, Ideisan I. Albuainain, Adel

University of Sharjah
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Al Midfa, Abdulaziz
Email: abuabdoun@sharjah.ac.ae Environment and Protected Areas Authority
Abu Dayyeh, Ayoub Email: epaa@epaashj.ae
Energy Conservation & Sustainable Environment
Society Alhababy, Adel
Hodeidah University
Adams, Dominic Sana’a, Yemen
URS Corporation Email: alhababy@yahoo.com
Email: dominic_adams@urscorp.com Al Hamoodi, Ahmed Mohamed Saeed
Afan, Donald Senense Al Hariri, Anwar

Environmental Resources Management (ERM) Public Commission for the Protection of Marine
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Resources, Environment & Wildlife
Email: Donald.Afan@erm.com Manama, Bahrain
Email: alhariri63@hotmail.com
Al Abdessalaam, Thabit Zahran
Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi Al Jahdhami, Mansoor Hamed
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Office for Conservation of the Environment, Diwan
Email: tabdessalaam@ead.ae of Royal Court
Muscat, Oman
Al Amoudi, Ali Awad Email: mhjahdhami@gmail.com
Takreer
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Al Jawdar, Hind
Email: ali@fea.gov.ae Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy
Al Assaf, Ali Abdulaziz
Saudi Wildlife Commission Al-Jbour, Sharif
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Birdlife International, Middle East Office
Email: aliassaf2006@yahoo.com Amman, Jordan
Email: sharif.jbour@birdlifemed.org
Al Abri, Mahmood Bader Salim
Veterinary Services, Royal Court Affairs Al Jayyousi, Odeh
Muscat, Oman IUCN Regional Office for West Asia
Email: mbsabri@rca.co,om Amman, Jordan
Email: Odeh.Al.Jayyousi@iucn.org
Al Busaidi, Hamed
Ministry of Environment & Climate Affairs
Muscat, Oman
Email: hamed2050@hotmail.com
70
Al Jumaily, Massa Mahdi Al Rasbi, Khalid Juma Mohammed

Sana’a University Omani Wild Animals Breeding Centre
Sana’a, Yemen Muscat, Oman
Email: dr.masaa@hotmail.com Email: tayamooo@hotmail.com
Al Hadid, Leena Al Safran, Salem Hussain

Consulate Jordan Ministry of the Environment
Doha, Qatar
Al Hamour, Shaima Email: shsafran@mov.gov.qa
Al Hamshmi, Radya Al Sagheer, Omar Ali Saeed

Emirates Environmental Group Yemen Society for the Protection of Wildlife
Dubai, United Arab Emirates Sana’a, Yemen
Email: eeg@emirates.net.ae Email: omar.alsaghier@undp.org
Al-Mahdhoury, Saleh Siad Al Shamlan, Mohammad Mubarak

Office for conservation of the Environment, Diwan Saudi Wildlife Commission
of Royal Court Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Muscat, Oman Email: MS_2041080014@hotmail.com
Email: almahdhoury@hotmail.com
Al Shamsi, Nasser Mohammed
Al Mansouri, Majid Etisalat
Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi Email: emiratesson@yahoo.com
Email: malmansouri@ead.ae Al Shiraki, Rashid Mohammed
Federal National Council
Al Marar, Khalifa Mohammed Khalifa Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Department of Planning & Survey
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Al-Sofyani, Abdulmoshin A
King Abdulaziz University
Al Marashi, Habiba Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Emirates Environmental Group Email: sofyani@hotmail.com
Email: eeg@emirates.net.ae Al Tamimi, Mohammed A.
Emirates Heritage Club
Al Mubarak, Razan Khalifa Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Emirates Wildlife Society-WWF Email: ben_ghanem1@hotmail.com
Email: ralmubarak@ead.ae Al-Thukair, Assad Ahmed Mohamed
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals
Al Nabhani, Hilal Bin Mohammed Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Ministry of Environment & Climate Affairs Email: thukair@kfupm.edu.sa
Muscat, Oman
Email: nabhani-h@hotmail.com Allen, Neil
Sharjah Aquarium
Al Omari, Khaldoun Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
IUCN Regional Office for West Asia Email: nallen@sharjahaquarium.ae
Email: khaldoun.alomari@iucn.org
Ali, Mariam
Al Qaisi, Lamees Noori Environmental Consultant
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Email: mariam.rashid@gmail.com
lameesnoori2004@yahoo.com
Ali, Neelofar
Al Quarqaz, Myyas Management of Nature Conservation
Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Email: neeloali@yahoo.com
Email: malquarqaz@ead.ae
71
Ali Khan, Jody Bento, Rita Costa San Miguel

Wild Planet Productions Emirates Diving Association
Dubai, United Arab Emirates Dubai, United Arab Emirates
jonathanalikhan60@yahoo.com Email: research@emiratesdiving.com
Ali Khan, Jonathan Berger, Jean-Paul

Wild Planet Productions Lycée Francais International Georges Pompidou
Email: jonathanalikhan60@yahoo.com Email: jp.berger@jpb-imagine.com
Almutawa, Mijbil S. Bkheet, Mona

The Scientific Centre Management Company UOS
Kuwait City, Kuwait United Arab Emirates
Email: mijbil@tsck.org.kw
Borisov, Alexander
Arras, Peter Management of Nature Conservation
Management of Nature Conservation Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Al Ain, United Arab Emirates Email: alex@ewbcc.ae
Email: peterarras@arcor.de
Boshoven, Anniek
Ataya, Manal Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife
Sharjah Museums Department Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Sharjah, Unted Arab Emirates Email: breeding@epaa-shj.gov.ae
Email: mataya@sharjahmuseums.ae
Boug, Ahmed
Bailey, Thomas National Wildlife Research Centre
Dubai Falcon Hospital Taif, Saudi Arabia
Dubai, United Arab Emirates Email: boug2010@gmail.com
Email: tom.bailey@dfh.ae
Bousserouel, Zied
Balasubramanya, Vinita Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority
United Arab Emirates Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Email: vinita.balasubramanya@gmail.com
Bull, Andrew
Bartholomew, Aaron United Arab Emirates
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Budd, Jane
Email: abartholomew@aus.edu Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife
Bashir, Danya Email: jane.budd@bceaw.ae
BSA Sharjah
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Budd, Kevin
Bashir, El Sadiq Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Qatar Bird Club Email: breeding@epaa-shj.gov.ae
Doha, Qatar
Email: elsadiqbashir126@hotmail.com Burt, John
New York University - Abu Dhabi
Behbehani, Salah Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
The Scientific Centre Management Company Email: John.Burt@nyu.edu
Salmiya, Kuwait
Email: salah@tsck.gov.kw Byatt, Jeremy R.
Bee’ah
Bell, Stephen Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve Email: jbyatt@beeah-uae.com
Email: stephen.bell@emirates.com Caliendo, Valentina
72
Cardas, Lorea Easton, Brett

Email: loreatxu@gmail.com Talent Partners
Campagne, Cecile Email: brett.easton@talentpartnersintl.com
Emal: cecile_campagne@hotmail.com El Alqamy, Husam
Chalmers, Valerie Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Dubai Natural History Group Email:alqamy@gmail.com
Email: valeriechalmers@hotmail.com El Keblawy, Ali
UAE University
Chapman, Rachel Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
University of Sharjah
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates El Kefi, Lamjed
Email: rchapman@sharjah.ac.ae Intermass Eng.
Chemouni, Fares Email: lankefi@eim.ae
El Shamsy, Mona
Cokayne, Aimee United Arab Emirates
Tourism Development & Investment Company
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Els, Johannes
Email: acokayne@TDIC.ae Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife
Combreau, Olivier Email: breeding@epaa-shj.gov.ae
International Fund for Houbara Conservation
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Eriksen, Hanne
Email: olivier.combreau@gmail.com Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Email: hjoman@eim.ae
Cramerstetter, Walter
Cramer Consulting Eriksen, Jens
Al Ain, United Arab Emirates The Petroleum Institute
Email: cramerwa@hotmail.com Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Email: hjoman@eim.ae
Dafir, Houda
Emirates Marine Environmental Group Faburada, Mercy D.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates Emirates Marine Environmental Group
Email: houdadafir@msn.com Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Email: mercy@emeg.ae
de Kock, Meyer
Al Bustan Zoological Centre Fadheel, Abdullah Hamd
Sharjah, United Arab Emirate Saudi Wildlife Commission
Email: bustan55@eim.ae Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Email: a_fadeil@hotmail.com
Desouqi, Lutfi
Ministry of Environment & Water Fernandes, Carlos
Dubai, United Arab Emirates University of Lisbon
Email: ladesouqi@moew.gov.ae Lisbon, Portugal
Email: cafernandes@fc.ul.pt
Disi, Ahmad
Jordan University Feulner, Gary
Amman, Jordan Dubai Natural History Group
Email: ahmadmdisi@yahoo.com Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Email: grfeulner@gmail.com
Duralia, Tom
Email: tom.duralia@gmail.com
73
Furniss, Grant Hickman, Neil

Management of Nature Conservation Expo Centre Sharjah
Al Ain, United Arab Emirates Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Email: grantfurniss@gmail.com Email: neil@expo-centre.ae
Gamal, Taha Hussein Abdo Hill, Jenny

Government of Sharjah, Database & Information WS Atkins & Partners Overseas
Management Department Email: jenny.hill@atkinsglobal.com
Email: taha.hussein@sip.ae Holness, Stephen
South African National Parks
Ghazanfar, Shahina Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Email: sholness@nmmu.ac.za
Richmond, United Kingdom
Email: s.ghazanfar@rbgkew.org.uk Hornby, Richard
Nautica Environmental Associates
Gough, Sarah Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Dubai Falcon Hospital Emil: richard.hornby@nauticaenvironmental.com
Email: sarah@dfh.ae Hossaini, Reem
Habib, Altaf
Dussmann Gulf LLC Howlett, Judith
Email: altafokz104@gmail.com National Avian Research Centre
Hafiz, Abdul Rasheed Email: jhowlett@ead.ae
Hussein, Amal
Hamidan, Nashat Abdul Fattah Talent Partners
The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Amman, Jordan Email: amal.hussein@talentpartnersintl.com
Email: nashat@rscn.org.jo
Hyland, Kevin
Hammer, Catrin Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation Email: kevinwpo@emirates.net.ae
Doha, Qatar
Email: awwp.mammal@alwabra.com Ibrahim, Rami
Al Bataeh Municipality
Hammer, Sven Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation Email: rami.ibrahim@shjmun.gov.ae
Doha, Qatar
Email: awwp.director@alwabra.com Jackson, Vanessa
i-GUIDE
Hareb, Mariam Mohammed Saeed Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Emirates Marine Environmental Group Email: iguide08@gmail.com
Email: mariam@emeg.ae Javed, Salim
Healy, Jodie Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Emirates Natural History Group Email: sjaved@ead.ae
Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Email: enviromailaa@gmail.com Jongbloed, Marijcke
France
Heller, Thomas Mark Email: baschalas@free.fr
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Richmond, United Kingdom
Email: t.heller@kew.org
74
Jabado, Rima Khamis, Abdulqader Saeed

UAE University Public Commission for Environment & Wildlife
Al Ain, United Arab Emirates Manama, Bahrain
Email: rimajabado@hotmail.com Email: qaderk@pmew.gov.bh
Jowkar, Homan Khan, Mohammad Ali Reza

Blue Awareness NGO Dubai Municipality
Email: info@abngo.com Email: drrezakhan@gmail.com
Judas, Jacky Khan, Razib Reza

National Avian Research Centre Excel Sports
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Email: jjudas@ead.ae raz@excelsportsuae.com
Kabbara, Lina Radwan Khassim, Ali

Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi Environment Protection and Development
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Department
Email: lkabbara@ead.ae Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
Email: engali6299355@yahoo.com
Karom, Khalid
Dorsche Gruppe Knight, Mike
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates South African National Parks
Email: dc.pgd@dorsch.ae Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Email: M.Knight@nmmu.ac.za
Kasparek, Aygun
Heidelberg, Germany Knuteson, Sandra
Kasparek, Max Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Zoology in the Middle East Email: sknuteson@aus.edu
Heidelberg, Germany
Email: kasparek@t-online.de Korshunov, Vladimir
Management of Nature Conservation
Kayasseh, Philippe Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
UBS Email: korshunvlad@mail.ru
Email: philipe.kayasseh@ubs.com Krupp, Fareed
Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History
Keogh, Nicola Jayne Museum
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Frankfurt, Germany
Richmond, United Kingdom Email: Friedhelm.Krupp@senckenberg.de
Email: n.keogh@kew.org
Kunnil, Prajith
Khafaga, Tamer Ali Mott MacDonald Ltd
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve Email: PK.Prajith@gmail.com
Email: tamer.khafaga@emirates.com Lancaster, Susan
HTC, Sharjah
Khalaf, Norman Ali Bassam Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Lang-Lenton, Barbara
Email: jaffacity@yahoo.de Tourism Development & Investment Company
Khalifa, Nada Bait Email: barbarale@hotmail.com
Ministry of Environment & Water
75
Launay, Frederic McKeown, Sean

IUCN/SSC Re-introduction Specialist Group HE Sheikh Butti Maktoum’s Wildlife Centre
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Email: flaunay@ead.ae Email: smckeown@eim.ae
Leus, Kristin Medammal, Zubair

IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, Calicut University
European Office Kerala, India
Copenhagen, Denmark Email: drzubairm@gmail.com
Email: kristin@cbsgeurope.eu
Medani, Gamal
Llewellyn, Othman Ministry of Environment & Water
Saudi Wildlife Commission Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Email: Othman.Aishah@gmail.com Miller, Tony
Royal Botanic Gardens
Llewellyn-Smith, Robert Edinburgh, Scotland
Environment Protection and Development Authority Email: T.Miller@rbge.ac.uk
Ras Al Khamiah, United Arab Emirates
Email: Rllewellynsmith@yahoo.co.uk Mirsadeghi, Mani
Blue Awareness NGO
Lottering, Andries Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife Email: mani@mirsadeghi.com
Email: breeding@epaa-shj.gov.ae Mobaraki, Asghar
Department of Environment
Mallon, David Tehran, Iran
IUCN/SSC Antelope Specialist Group Email: amobaraki@yahoo.com
Manchester, United Kingdom
Email: d.mallon@zoo.co.uk Mohamed, Lamya Faisal
Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy
Mardonov, Bakhityor Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Management of Nature Conservation Email: lmohamed@emiratesfoundation.ae
Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Email: bakhtim02@yahoo.com Mohammed, Hunayda
Maunder, Michael
Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort Mohammed, Osama Badri
Al Ain, United Arab Emirates King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre
Email: michael.maunder@awpr.ae Thumamah, Saudi Arabia
Email: obmkkwrc@yahoo.co.uk
May, Heidi
Al Bustan Zoological Centre Moukayed, Meis
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates American University of Dubai
Email: bustan55@eim.ae Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Email: mmoukayed@aud.edu
Mayo, Nahed Suleiman
Emirates Marine Environmental Group Nasher, Abdul Karim
Dubai, United Arab Emirates Sana’a University
Email: nahed@emeg.ae Sana’a, Yemen
Email: Karimnasher@yahoo.com
McCann, Sean Patrick
Tourism, Development & Investment Company Mousa, Mohamed Taher
(TDIC) - Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort & Spa UAE University
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Email: smccann@tdic.ae Email: mohamed.mousa@uaeu.ac.ae
76
Muzaffar, Sabir Bin Razack, Nasreem Abdul

UAE University Alphamed Company
Al Ain, United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Email: s_muzaffar@uaeu.ac.ae Email: Nasreemabdulrazack@yahoo.co.in
Natoli, Ada Resueno, Annabel Dimapilis

Conservation Genetics The Scientific Centre Management Company
Email: ada.natoli@gmail.com Kuwait City, Kuwait
Email: annabel@tsck.gov.kw
Nicholson, Angela
URS Corporation Reimer, Robert Walter
Email: angela_nicholson@urscorp.com UAE University
Nollet, Melissa Fransceska Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Email: melissa_nollet@hotmail.co.uk Email: bob.reimer@uaeu.ac.ae
Obaidalla, Qusai M. Richards, Christina

Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship Change Associates
Dubai, United Arab Emirates Email: christina.richards@gmail.com
Email: qusai.obaidalla@dwtc.com
Riou, Samuel
O’Donovan, Declan National Avian Research Centre
Wadi Al Safa Wildlife Centre Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Dubai, United Arab Emirates Email: sriou@ead.ae
Email: declan@shp.ae
Roosenschoon, Peter
Othman, Yassar Ahmed Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Email: warthogg10@yahoo.com
Email: yothman@ead.ae
Saji, Anitha
Paillat, Patrick Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi
National Avian Research Centre Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Email: asaji@ead.ae
Email: paillat@emirates.net.ae
Samara, Fatin
Paipai, Eleni American University of Sharjah
Halcrow International Partnership Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Email: paipaie@halcrow.com Email: fsamara@aus.edu
Pas, An Sambas, Anas Zubeir

Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife Saudi Wildlife Commission
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Riyadh, United Arab Emirates
Email: an.pas@bceaw.ae Email: newlook01@gmail.com
Perry, Lisa Samraoui, Boudjéma

Emirates Wildlife Society - WWF University of Guelma
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Algeria
Email: lperry@ewswwf.ae Email: bsamraoui@yahoo.fr
Porter, Kerwin Sawaf, Moaz

Sharjah Aquarium Emirates Wildlife Society - WWF
kporter@sharjahmuseums.ae Email: msawaf@ewswwf.ae
Raouf, Mohamed A. Schneider, Eveline

Gulf Research Centre United Arab Emirates
Email: raouf@grc.ae
77
Seddon, Philip Sorenson, Mark

Zoology Department, University of Otago Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi
Dunedin, New Zealand Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Email: philip.seddon@stonebow.otago.ac.nz Email: GPCI@aol.com
Serhal, Assad Soorae, Pritpal Singh

Society of the Protection of Nature in Lebanon Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi
Beirut, Lebanon Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Email: spnlorg@cyberia.net.lb Email: psoorae@ead.ae
Shahzad, Quratulain Soroor, Doaa Hamdi

American University of Sharjah Ministry of Environment & Water
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Email: g00028000@aus.edu
Spalton, Andrew
Shaikh, Sharlene Office for Conservation of the Environment, Diwan
URS Corporation of Royal Court
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Muscat, Oman
Email: sharlene_shaikh@urscorp.com Email: spalton@mac.com
Shepley, Mike Stanley Price, Mark

Forth International University of Oxford
Dubai, United Arab Emirates Oxford, United Kingdom
Email: forth@eim.ae Email: Mark.Stanleyprice@zoo.ox.ac.uk
Shobrak, Mohamed Stanton, David

Taif University Foundation for the Protection of the Arabian
taif, Saudi Arabia Leopard in Yemen
Email: mshobrak@gmail.com Sana’a, Yemen
Email: ylrp@yemenileopard.org
Shuriqi, Maral Khaled
Environment Protection and Development Steer, Maureen
Department United Arab Emirates
Fujairah, United Arab Emirates mosteer@gmail.com
Email: 1geologist@gmail.com
Strick, Jackie
Simkins, Gregory Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Dubai, United Arab Emirates Email: breeding@epaa-shj.gov.ae
Email: greg.simkins@emirates.com
Stuart, Simon
Smart, Emma IUCN Species Survival Commission
Emirates Wildlife Society-WWF Email: simon.stuart@iucn.org
Email: esmart@ewswwf.ae Suleiman, Eisa
Sobhan, Istiak
Dubai Municipality Swanson, William
Dubai, United Arab Emirates Centre for Conservation and Research of
Email: istiak_sobhan@yahoo.com Endangered Wildlife
Cincinnati, United States of America
Solatre, Jimson S. Email: bill.swanson@cincinnatizoo.org
Dubai Municipality
Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tatwany, Hany
Email: jssolatre@dm.gov.ae King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre
Thummah, Saudi Arabia
Email: hany.tatwany@gmail.com
78
Tavkar, Amruta Zahlawi, Nisreen

United Arab Emirates Emirates Wildlife Society - WWF
Thesye, Isabelle Email: nalzahlawi@ewswwf.ae
Email: breeding@epaa-shj.gov.ae
Tourenq, Christophe
Emirates Wildlife Society-WWF
Email: ctourenq@ewswwf.ae
Whelan, Robert
University of Wollongong
Email: robwhelan@uowdubai.ac.ae
Wilson, Keith DP
Email: kdpwilson@gmail.com
Wranik, Wolfgang
University of Rostock
Rostock, Germany
Email: wolfgang.wranik@uni-rostock.de
Wronski, Torsten
King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre
Thummah, United Arab Emirates
Email: t_wronski@gmx.de
Vasudevan, Raju Palanthinkara

Hatta Conservation Area
Email: drrajuvasudevan@yahoo.com
van Damme, Kay

Ghent University
Ghent, Belgium
Email: Kay.VanDamme@UGent.be
van Harten, Antonius

UAE Insect Project
Email: tonyvanharten@gmail.com
Van Riet, Willem

Peace Parks Foundation
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Email: wvanriet@ppf.org.za
Vanneyre, Laurence
Email: laurence@emeg.ae
79
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Biodiversity Conservation in the Arabian Peninsula

Research · July 2015

Conservation Translocations View project

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

January 31 - February 4, 2010

11th Conservation Workshop for the Fauna of Arabia

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

January 31 - February 4, 2010

Philip Seddon1 and Kevin Budd2

Red List Training Workshop 1

GIS & Systematic Conservation Planning Workshop 8

First Conference on Biodiversity Conservation in the Arabian

Red List Training Workshop

Caroline Pollock1, Rebecca Miller1 &

Conservation Workshop for the Fauna of Arabia

Workshop venue: University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Day 1 - Sunday, 31 January 2010

Presentation 2: Introduction to the IUCN Red List process

Report back and discussion:

Report back and discussion:

Plenary session: Navigation of the IUCN Red List website

Summary and discussion:

All participants were given a certificate of attendance, and a CD containing:

Abtin, Elham Al Shamlan, Mohammad Mubarak

Hammer, Catrin Sobhan, Istiak

Khassim, Ali Soroor, Doaa Hamdi

Resueno, Annabel Dimapilis

Sambas, Anas Zubeir

GIS & Systematic Conservation

Stephen Holness1,2, Mark Sorensen3, Mike Knight1,2 &

Workshop venue: University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Day 1 - Sunday, 31 January 2010

What is systematic conservation planning?

What are the potential benefits of systematic conservation

The workshop went through the following process:

The following datasets were used in the conservation planning process:

Al Busaidi, Hamed Bin Abdulla Holness, Stephen

Al Daherie, Ahmed Judas, Jacky

Al Midfa, Abdulaziz Kabbara, Lina Radwan

Al Jahdhami, Mansoor Hamed Khafaga, Tamer Ali

Nasher, Abdul Karim Zahlawi, Nisreen

Othman, Yassar Ahmed

Shuriqi, Maral Khaled

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

February 3-4, 2010

Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA)

Dr Philip Seddon (Otago University)

Abdulaziz Al Midfa (EPAA)

Day 1 - Wednesday, 3 February 2010

Important Plant Areas in the Arabian Peninsula

Biography: Othman Abd-ar-Rahman Llewellyn is an environmental planner in Saudi Arabia’s

Hotspots and Species

Conservation International has identified 32 global hotspots, defined as areas containing

Regional Environmental Agreements: Towards Collective Action

Protected Area Networks in Arabia

Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative

Mark Sorenson & Yassar Othman

Towards a Systematic Conservation Assessment for the Arabian Peninsula

Peace Parks in Southern Africa: Lessons Learnt in Conservation Planning

Red List Training Workshop 1

GIS & Systematic Conservation Planning Workshop 8