Al Ain Zoo detects 5 new migratory and birds species

Al Ain: Al Ain Zoo recently monitored 108 migrant and resident birds, of which five are classified as new species, as part of its annual study carried out to monitor biodiversity and examine the status of the Zoo’s environment as a habitat for wildlife and migratory birds, specifically in terms of their species, numbers and attractive habitats, and ways to provide protection and apply for conservation programs.

Hessa Ahmed Al Qahtani, Unit Head of Conservation Programs Development at Al Ain Zoo, noted that this monitoring process shows the degree to which the zoo’s environments are suitable for migratory and local birds travelling long distances in the winter to find areas with moderate climate, some coming from Europe and others from Asia and Africa.

She added, “Some various species have been observed, some local, others habituated the area, but none are native. Five new species have come to the Zoo for the first time such as the Greater Whitethroat, Eurasian Spoonbill, Dunlin, Bonelli’s Eagle and Eurasian Nightjar.”

Al Ain Zoo is a safe habitat for migratory birds amid the extinction threats they face around the world, as it built suitable vegetation and manmade lakes that attract many species of birds. That is why it is important to continuously monitor new species that are attracted to the Zoo to make sure that the conservation efforts exerted are paying off in terms of numbers and species.

It is worth mentioning that the Conservation Team of Al Ain Zoo has been implementing a long-term wild bird study program since 2017. The outputs of these studies are used in the International Bird Census, the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi and the eBird database, thus providing an important reference base that contributes to bird conservation efforts in the country and globally.

About Al Ain Zoo:

Al Ain Zoo is the first zoo of its kind in the Middle East. The Zoo is known and respected internationally for its efforts in the conservation of nature and wildlife, and its care of about 4,000 animals. Al Ain Zoo is a unique educational, recreational, and environmental destination thanks to its range of facilities and services that cater to individuals and institutions. Today, our visitors of all ages and interests enjoy discovering the wildlife in our Zoo in an atmosphere of fascination and adventure, full of diverse learning experiences.

The Zoo has joined many distinguished international and local conservation organizations, and are member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).

Al Ain Zoo has entered into strategic partnerships with local and international organizations that focus on and implement wildlife conservation programmes, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature – Species Survival Commission (IUCN- SSC), Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya, Sahara Conservation Fund, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and the Conservation Planning Specialist Group.

As part of the UAE’s commitment to preserving wildlife locally and globally, the Zoo is working to develop and expand the current park with new habitats and experiences that will create a unique educational journey about wildlife conservation for its visitors.