Taxon name
Mesalina brevirostris
Blanford, 1874
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Taxonomic information
Scientific name
Mesalina brevirostris
Blanford, 1874
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Vertebrates
Reptiles
Species authority
Blanford, 1874
Taxonomic notes and synonyms listed
This species is in need of taxonomic review as it is almost certainly a complex of species (S. Baha El Din pers. comm. 2009). There are three subspecies.
Location and scope
Specific locality or subnational name or regional name
United Arab Emirates (the)
Scope (of the Assessment)
National
Countries included within the scope of the assessment
United Arab Emirates (the)
Does the assessment cover a marine EEZ area(s)?
Not_assigned
Conservation Status
Assessed as
Least Concern
Criteria system used
IUCN
(see Assessment details)
Assessment rationale/justification
Within the United Arab Emirates, the species is widespread along the coastal areas of the Arabian Gulf. The species is listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution and presumed large populations. The species has undergone population declines as a result of habitat loss and degradation, however, these declines are unlikely to be sufficient to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. This taxon is not a non-breeding visitor, and it is thought that any immigration from populations outside the UAE is not significant, and therefore there is no adjustment to the Category according to the IUCN regional and national Guidelines (IUCN 2012).Given the coastal distribution of this species, further research and monitoring are recommended.
Assessment details
Assessors/contributors/reviewers listed
UAE National Red List Workshop
Criteria system used
IUCN
Reference for methods given
IUCN. 2012. IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria: Version 3.1, Second edition. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK. iv + 32pp pp. And IUCN. 2012. Guidelines for Application of IUCN Red List Criteria at Regional and National Levels: Version 4.0. Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK: IUCN. iii + 41pp.
Further information
Endemism (according to assessment)
Endemic to region
Not assigned
Taxon distribution as listed in assessment
Within the United Arab Emirates, the species is widespread along the coastal areas of the Arabian Gulf (Gardner 2013, Burriel-Carranza et al. in press) from Dubai westwards to the Saudi Arabian border. It has been recorded from the Gulf islands: Abu al Abyad, Al Aryam, Al Yasat North, Arzanah, Dalma, Ghasha, Jenanah, Marawah, Muhayyamat South, Reem, Sir Bani Yas, Umm al Hate, Umm al Qassar, Umm Kirkum, Ushsh and Zirku (Gardner 2013). There are older records (Sharjah Creek, 1970s; Arnold 1984) from Sharjah, but it is unlikely that the species persists there. The species occurs from sea level to 200 m asl. Globally, the species distribution range includes the United Arab Emirates, southeastern Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and southwestern and southern Iran (Å míd et al 2017).
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Habitat and systems
Ecological system type
Habitat
Habitat details as listed in assessment
The species is found in mesic coastal areas of the Arabian Gulf, along the strand line, sabkhas and on saline plains with succulent halophytic vegetation behind the beach crest (Gardner 2013).It is a diurnal species that feeds on invertebrates. The breeding season is presumed to extend throughout the year (Gardner 2013) and females may lay several clutches of one to four eggs per year. Specimens have been observed clearing burrow entrances and may cover their burrows when they vacate them (Gardner 2013).
Threats and conservation measures listed
Threats listed in assessment
There are local threats to some populations due to coastal development from Abu Dhabi city to Dubai, including urban and industrial development, as well as the development of beaches for tourism. Populations west of Abu Dhabi city towards the Saudi Arabian border along the coast and the Gulf islands may be susceptible to infrastructure development. Marine pollution, particularly oil spills, will impact some populations.
Publication
Els, J., Allen, D., Hilton-Taylor, C., Harding, K. (2019). UAE National Red List of Herpetofauna: Amphibians & Terrestrial Reptiles, Sea Snakes & Marine Turtles. MOCCAE, UAE
