Biodiversity study finds variety of species in Western Region

Environmentalists studying biodiversity in three areas of Al Gharbia have catalogued 38 different plants and 74 varieties of invertebrates.

The survey by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi covered the Baynuna Reserve, Tilal Liwa and Al Silaa.

It found that 25.6 per cent of species in the three areas were mammals, including livestock. Reptiles account for 11.1 per cent, birds 9 per cent, plants 5.2 per cent and invertebrates 1.9 per cent.

Dr Shaikha Al Dhaheri, executive director of the terrestrial and marine biodiversity sector at the agency, said such surveys enable the biodiversity situation to be studied and evaluated as part of the effort to preserve fauna and flora, and ensured reliable information for benchmarking.

“The terrestrial survey aims to establish a database about wild habitats and the main species that exist in the emirate of Abu Dhabi,” Dr Al Dhaheri told Al Ittihad, the sister newspaper of The National.

"Biodiversity on land is an issue of major interest for the emirate. It must be closely inspected and understood to allow for its protection and preservation."

She said the survey would also help decision makers in Abu Dhabi make knowledgeable decisions about the sustainable use of land.

The survey was conducted in January and February this year.