Wildlife

Wildlife is the very reason that WWF exists at all, established over 50 years ago to protect endangered animals.

From the mountains and mangroves to its desert and coastline, the UAE is home to many different ecosystems and unique wildlife. Many species thrive in the harsh conditions of the UAE, adapting fascinating features to cope with the heat and terrain. However, the fast pace of unplanned development and increased human-wildlife interactions is resulting in key habitats disappearing and the list of species of special concern is growing.

Their fragile environments are under threat from rapid growth, hunting, tourism, poaching and over-grazing by feral animals. So by working closely with partners and local communities, it’s our mission to save this marvelous array of nature.

Home to delicate ecosystems and endangered species, Wadi Wurayah in Fujairah is truly a treasure to the region. It is of considerable ecological significance allowing some of the rarest species found in the UAE, Arabian Peninsula and the world to survive this harsh climate.

Since 2009, 15 species of mammals have been confirmed in the wadi, through sightings, camera traps, and markings. Of those recorded, 60% are of international or national concern, including flagship species such as the Caracal, Blanford’s Fox and Brandt’s Hedgehog. In addition, the National Park is a hotspot for birds with 109 species recorded. It is also home to at least 25 of the 29 species of Odonates (dragonflies and damselflies) recorded in the UAE.

Besides the vast mountain areas, the UAE has a long coastline that is home to precious wildlife and habitats. For example, two out of the seven species of sea turtles exist in the Gulf waters: the Green turtle and the Hawksbill turtle.

The global population of sea turtles is in decline, due mainly to increased coastal development, urbanisation and industrialisation. Worldwide, the IUCN Red List (IUCN 2008) lists the Green turtle as critically endangered and the Hawksbill turtle as endangered. So measures are urgently needed to safeguard the few remaining turtle nesting, feeding and breeding sites on our beaches and at sea – as well as their migratory pathways.

Protected Area Networks (PANs) will be key to saving wildlife across the whole country. To start with, we need data about the lives, threats and needs of vulnerable species from coast to mountain. Emirates Nature-WWF is supporting the government in gathering this data and creating a central database.

For PANs to exist, it also requires the right national policy and legislative framework. We’re helping the government build this as part of a holistic approach, informing land use planners and coordinating the most effective areas.

Once they exist, PANs need to be properly restored and managed. Emirates Nature-WWF has played a critical role at Wadi Wurayah, the country’s first national park. Our pioneering partnership with Fujairah Municipality is in the process of building on the management and business plan developed earlier in the partnership along with developing a dedicated staff and integrated education and ecotourism. Natural resources, such as water, are carefully monitored. What’s more, research is being done to understand medium to long-term threats.

Our ambition is to help the country become a global leader in solutions for disrupting the supply chain of illegal wildlife. Globally there’s been a turning point. For the first time ever, the United Nations drafted a dedicated resolution for wildlife crime in 2015. And the Doha Declaration officially classed wildlife trafficking as a ‘serious crime’.

Proof of this momentum is a surge in conferences and workshops – and Emirates Nature-WWF is building on this in the UAE. Since 2013, we’ve been working closely with CITES authorities and local stakeholders to fully understand illegal wildlife trade in the UAE. This research has been instrumental in the government’s policy and we’ll continue to play a leading role on emerging issues.

Working locally, collaborating globally
Due to the trade’s international, rapidly changing nature, it’s critical to stay up to date on threatened species, routes, smuggling techniques and responses. Emirates Nature-WWF can capitalise on global resources and unique expertise. And we have a clear strategy, closely aligned to the international Wildlife Crime Initiative – a collaboration between WWF International and TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network.

Our three key areas of focus: 
1. Supporting customs officers in the battle against wildlife crime – helping to build detection skills and training special CITES units (in partnership with local NGOs and CITES authorities).

2. Supporting UAE-registered airlines to disrupt supply chains – such as our training workshops to enhance the knowledge and capabilities of their staff.

3. Supporting awareness campaigns – working with local and international partners to drive awareness about buying illegal exotic pets and illegal wildlife products. We’ll also create awareness materials for airline passengers to drive down global demand, and capitalise on the popularity of UAE airports, to educate millions of passengers a year.