United Arab Emirates

Official name
United Arab Emirates
ISO alpha-2 code
AE
ISO alpha-3 code
ARE
ISO numeric-3 code
784
Continent
Asia

Omanosaura jayakari | UAE National Red List of Herpetofauna: Amphibians & Terrestrial Reptiles, Sea Snakes & Marine Turtles

Publication
UAE National Red List of Herpetofauna: Amphibians & Terrestrial Reptiles, Sea Snakes & Marine Turtles
Location
Scope (Assessment)
National
Countries in Assessment
United Arab Emirates
Country ISO code(s)
ARE
Does the assessment cover a marine EEZ area(s)?
Off
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Ecological system type
Terrestrial system
No
Freshwater system
No
Marine system
No
Habitat
Habitat details as listed in assessment
The species is found in rocky and mountainous areas, including wadis and hillsides with vegetation (Gardner 2013). They have also been found in agricultural land and along drystone walls.It is a large omnivorous diurnal species, whose diet includes invertebrates, toads, lizards and plant material (Gardner 2013). The mating season is throughout the year, with the female laying several clutches of 7-10 eggs (Gardner 2013) which hatch after an incubation period of 60-65 days.
Taxon
Taxa
Omanosaura jayakari | (Boulenger, 1887)
Taxonomic Group
Vertebrates
Taxonomic Group Level 2
Reptiles
Assessed taxon level
Species
Taxon distribution as listed in assessment
Within the United Arab Emirates, the species occurs throughout the Hajar Mountains from 200 m to at least 1,200 m asl (Gardner 2013, Burriel-Carranza et al. in press).Globally the species is endemic to the Hajar Mountains of northern Oman and the United Arab Emirates (Sindaco and Jeremäenko 2008, Gardner 2013, Carranza et al. 2018).
Assessed status
Asessment status in full
Least Concern
Assessment status abreviation
LC
About the assessment
Assessment year
2018
Assessors/contributors/reviewers listed
UAE National Red List Workshop
Affliation of assessor(s)/contributors/reviewers listed on assessment
Government
IGO
Assessor affiliation specific
Government|IGO
Assessment rationale/justification
Within the United Arab Emirates, the species occurs throughout the Hajar Mountains. The species is listed as Least Concern in view of its presumed large and stable population, wide distribution range within the Hajar Mountains, limited threats, adaptability to habitat modification and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. This taxon is not a non-breeding visitor, and it is presumed 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).
Criteria system
Criteria system specifics
IUCN v3.1 + Regional Guidelines v4.0
Criteria system used
IUCN
Criteria Citation
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.
Endemism
Endemic to region
Not_assigned
Endemism Notes
Is an endemic?: Not_assigned
Conservation
Threats listed in assessment
There are no widespread threats, although some populations may be impacted by localized quarrying of their habitat.
Conservation Measures

Conservation measures:
Conservation measures notes:
Required conservation measures:

Verified entry
Off

Mesalina adramitana | UAE National Red List of Herpetofauna: Amphibians & Terrestrial Reptiles, Sea Snakes & Marine Turtles

Publication
UAE National Red List of Herpetofauna: Amphibians & Terrestrial Reptiles, Sea Snakes & Marine Turtles
Location
Scope (Assessment)
National
Countries in Assessment
United Arab Emirates
Country ISO code(s)
ARE
Does the assessment cover a marine EEZ area(s)?
Off
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Ecological system type
Terrestrial system
No
Freshwater system
No
Marine system
No
Habitat
Habitat details as listed in assessment
This species is found in sandy and gravel plains with sparse vegetation, including gravel plains within mountain areas, but avoiding sand dunes and mountain slopes (Gardner 2013).It is a diurnal species that can tolerate high temperatures, the critical maximum temperature being over 46'°C (Gardner 2013). They dig burrows at the base of small shrubs. Breeding season is presumed throughout the year with females laying a clutch of two to four eggs (Gardner 2013).
Taxon
Taxa
Mesalina adramitana | (Boulenger, 1917)
Taxonomic Group
Vertebrates
Taxonomic Group Level 2
Reptiles
Assessed taxon level
Species
Taxonomic Notes
A recent study (Sindaco et al. 2018) has shown that some populations from southern Arabia previously classified as Mesalina adramitana represent a distinct species (M. austroarabica) belonging to the M. guttulata species complex. Another still unpublished study (S. Carranza pers. comm. 2018) indicates that genetic variability within M. adramitana is very high and includes two clades (northern and southern) that split approximately 5.5 million years ago around the general area of Bar Al Hikman, Oman. The UAE populations belong to the northern clade.
Taxon distribution as listed in assessment
Within the United Arab Emirates, this species is widespread throughout the inland and coastal areas from sea level to 400 m asl (Gardner 2013, Burriel-Carranza et al. in press).This species is endemic to the Arabian Peninsula, where it is recorded from Yemen (type locality, Hadhramaut) Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia (Carranza et al. 2018). Some populations from southern Arabia previously classified as M. adramitana are now classified as M. austroarabica (Sindaco et al. 2018).
Assessed status
Asessment status in full
Least Concern
Assessment status abreviation
LC
About the assessment
Assessment year
2018
Assessors/contributors/reviewers listed
UAE National Red List Workshop
Affliation of assessor(s)/contributors/reviewers listed on assessment
Government
IGO
Assessor affiliation specific
Government|IGO
Assessment rationale/justification
Within the United Arab Emirates, the species is widespread throughout the inland and coastal areas. The species is listed as Least Concern, in view of its wide range and lack of significant threats to the population. This taxon is not a non-breeding visitor, and it is presumed 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).
Criteria system
Criteria system specifics
IUCN v3.1 + Regional Guidelines v4.0
Criteria system used
IUCN
Criteria Citation
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.
Endemism
Endemic to region
Not_assigned
Endemism Notes
Is an endemic?: Not_assigned
Conservation
Threats listed in assessment
There are no significant threats to this species, although there are localised impacts from development.
Conservation Measures

Conservation measures:
Conservation measures notes:
Required conservation measures:

Verified entry
Off

Acanthodactylus gongrorhynchatus | UAE National Red List of Herpetofauna: Amphibians & Terrestrial Reptiles, Sea Snakes & Marine Turtles

Publication
UAE National Red List of Herpetofauna: Amphibians & Terrestrial Reptiles, Sea Snakes & Marine Turtles
Location
Scope (Assessment)
National
Countries in Assessment
United Arab Emirates
Country ISO code(s)
ARE
Does the assessment cover a marine EEZ area(s)?
Off
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Ecological system type
Terrestrial system
No
Freshwater system
No
Marine system
No
Habitat
Habitat details as listed in assessment
The species is found in aeolian sand habitats, including sandy plains, sand sheets and dunes (Gardner 2013). It is a diurnal and ground-dwelling species. During hot seasons, activity starts one to two hours after sunrise and continues for four to five hours, with another period of activity in the late afternoon (Gardner 2013). The species predates on invertebrates. Burrows are dug into the sand often on firm, sloping surfaces or at the base of vegetation (Gardner 2013). No information is known about their reproduction, presumed similar to other Acanthodactylus species.
Taxon
Taxa
Acanthodactylus gongrorhynchatus | Leviton & Anderson, 1967
Taxonomic Group
Vertebrates
Taxonomic Group Level 2
Reptiles
Assessed taxon level
Species
Taxon distribution as listed in assessment
Within the United Arab Emirates, this species is widespread with scattered localities throughout the sandy areas from near the western borders of Abu Dhabi with Saudi Arabia to Al Ain and Dubai (Gardner 2013, Burriel-Carranza et al. in press). It occurs from sea level to 400 m asl.This species is endemic to the Arabian Peninsula, where it has been recorded from eastern Saudi Arabia and western United Arab Emirates (Sindaco and Jeremäenko 2008). There are at present no records from Oman, but presence there is likely.
Assessed status
Asessment status in full
Least Concern
Assessment status abreviation
LC
About the assessment
Assessment year
2018
Assessors/contributors/reviewers listed
UAE National Red List Workshop
Affliation of assessor(s)/contributors/reviewers listed on assessment
Government
IGO
Assessor affiliation specific
Government|IGO
Assessment rationale/justification
Within the United Arab Emirates, this species is widespread, with scattered localities throughout the sandy areas (aeolian sand habitats, including sandy plains, sand sheets and dunes) from near the western borders of Abu Dhabi with Saudi Arabia to Al Ain and Dubai. The species is listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. This taxon is not a non-breeding visitor, and it is presumed 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).
Criteria system
Criteria system specifics
IUCN v3.1 + Regional Guidelines v4.0
Criteria system used
IUCN
Criteria Citation
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.
Endemism
Endemic to region
Not_assigned
Endemism Notes
Is an endemic?: Not_assigned
Conservation
Threats listed in assessment
The species is threatened with real estate development in the United Arab Emirates.
Conservation Measures

Conservation measures:
Conservation measures notes:
Required conservation measures:

Verified entry
Off

Trachylepis tessellata | UAE National Red List of Herpetofauna: Amphibians & Terrestrial Reptiles, Sea Snakes & Marine Turtles

Publication
UAE National Red List of Herpetofauna: Amphibians & Terrestrial Reptiles, Sea Snakes & Marine Turtles
Location
Scope (Assessment)
National
Countries in Assessment
United Arab Emirates
Country ISO code(s)
ARE
Does the assessment cover a marine EEZ area(s)?
Off
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Ecological system type
Terrestrial system
No
Freshwater system
No
Marine system
No
Habitat
Habitat details as listed in assessment
This species is found in well-vegetated, rocky areas, often close to water (Gardner 2013). It has also been encountered in urban gardens along the east coast. A small diurnal species that preys on invertebrates. Little is known about their natural history. Gardner (2013) reported a female from Rustaq which had four thick-shelled eggs.
Taxon
Taxa
Trachylepis tessellata | (Anderson, 1895)
Taxonomic Group
Vertebrates
Taxonomic Group Level 2
Reptiles
Assessed taxon level
Species
Taxon distribution as listed in assessment
Within the United Arab Emirates, this species is recorded throughout most parts of the Hajar Mountains and its foothills, and at the base of Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain (Gardner 2013, Burriel-Carranza et al. in press). It occurs from sea level to 1,000 m asl.Globally, this species is distributed in Yemen, Oman and the United Arab Emirates (Sindaco and Jeremäenko 2008, Carranza et al. 2018).
Assessed status
Asessment status in full
Least Concern
Assessment status abreviation
LC
About the assessment
Assessment year
2018
Assessors/contributors/reviewers listed
UAE National Red List Workshop
Affliation of assessor(s)/contributors/reviewers listed on assessment
Government
IGO
Assessor affiliation specific
Government|IGO
Assessment rationale/justification
This species is listed as Least Concern for the UAE on the basis that it is widespread, abundant, somewhat adaptable, and not subject to any major threats. This taxon is not a non-breeding visitor, and it is presumed 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).
Criteria system
Criteria system specifics
IUCN v3.1 + Regional Guidelines v4.0
Criteria system used
IUCN
Criteria Citation
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.
Endemism
Endemic to region
Not_assigned
Endemism Notes
Is an endemic?: Not_assigned
Conservation
Threats listed in assessment
There appear to be no significant threats to this species, although quarrying activities are known from within its distribution range.
Conservation Measures

Conservation measures:
Conservation measures notes:
Required conservation measures:

Verified entry
Off

Stenodactylus leptocosymbotes | UAE National Red List of Herpetofauna: Amphibians & Terrestrial Reptiles, Sea Snakes & Marine Turtles

Publication
UAE National Red List of Herpetofauna: Amphibians & Terrestrial Reptiles, Sea Snakes & Marine Turtles
Location
Scope (Assessment)
National
Countries in Assessment
United Arab Emirates
Country ISO code(s)
ARE
Does the assessment cover a marine EEZ area(s)?
Off
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Ecological system type
Terrestrial system
No
Freshwater system
No
Marine system
No
Habitat
Habitat details as listed in assessment
The species is found on hard substrates such as consolidated sands, alluvial and gravel plains, from sea level to 400 m asl (Gardner 2013). It is a ground-dwelling nocturnal species that avoids soft, windblown sands. Breeding occurs during the warmer months, with females laying a clutch of two oval hard-shelled eggs.
Taxon
Taxa
Stenodactylus leptocosymbotes | Leviton & Anderson, 1967
Taxonomic Group
Vertebrates
Taxonomic Group Level 2
Reptiles
Assessed taxon level
Species
Taxon distribution as listed in assessment
This is a widespread species within the eastern United Arab Emirates, found on harder surfaces from Sham in northern Ras Al Khaimah to Ghantoot (Gardner 2013, Burriel-Carranza et al. in press). Inland, it is found around the base of the mountains such as Jebel Faiyah, Qarn Nazwa and Jebel Hafeet. It also occurs along the eastern coast from Khor Kalba to Khor Fakkan, and on the interdunal plain near Um as Zumul. It occurs from sea level to 400 m asl.This lowland species is endemic to the Arabian Peninsula, from Ras Ghanada in the United Arab Emirates through Oman to southeastern Yemen (Metallinou et al. 2014).
Assessed status
Asessment status in full
Least Concern
Assessment status abreviation
LC
About the assessment
Assessment year
2018
Assessors/contributors/reviewers listed
UAE National Red List Workshop
Affliation of assessor(s)/contributors/reviewers listed on assessment
Government
IGO
Assessor affiliation specific
Government|IGO
Assessment rationale/justification
This species is assessed as Least Concern for the United Arab Emirates as it is abundant and widespread, and is not subject to any major threats. This taxon is not a non-breeding visitor, and it is presumed 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).
Criteria system
Criteria system specifics
IUCN v3.1 + Regional Guidelines v4.0
Criteria system used
IUCN
Criteria Citation
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.
Endemism
Endemic to region
Not_assigned
Endemism Notes
Is an endemic?: Not_assigned
Conservation
Threats listed in assessment
There are no major threats to this abundant and widespread gecko.
Conservation Measures

Conservation measures:
Conservation measures notes:
Required conservation measures:

Verified entry
Off

Pristurus celerrimus | UAE National Red List of Herpetofauna: Amphibians & Terrestrial Reptiles, Sea Snakes & Marine Turtles

Publication
UAE National Red List of Herpetofauna: Amphibians & Terrestrial Reptiles, Sea Snakes & Marine Turtles
Location
Scope (Assessment)
National
Countries in Assessment
United Arab Emirates
Country ISO code(s)
ARE
Does the assessment cover a marine EEZ area(s)?
Off
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Ecological system type
Terrestrial system
No
Freshwater system
No
Marine system
No
Habitat
Habitat details as listed in assessment
Mountain slopes, wadis with large boulders and cliffs (Gardner 2013) from sea level to at least 1,400 m asl. It is a diurnal species that perches on rock boulders or vertical rock faces. Females lay one egg per clutch multiple times throughout the year.
Taxon
Taxa
Pristurus celerrimus | Arnold, 1977
Taxonomic Group
Vertebrates
Taxonomic Group Level 2
Reptiles
Assessed taxon level
Species
Taxon distribution as listed in assessment
Within the United Arab Emirates, the species is widely distributed throughout the Hajar Mountains, from the north at the Musandam Peninsula border to the Oman border in the south (Gardner 2013, Burriel-Carranza et al. in press). It occurs from sea level to at least 1,400 m asl. Globally, the species is endemic to the Hajar Mountains of Oman and the United Arab Emirates (Gardner 2013).
Assessed status
Asessment status in full
Least Concern
Assessment status abreviation
LC
About the assessment
Assessment year
2018
Assessors/contributors/reviewers listed
UAE National Red List Workshop
Affliation of assessor(s)/contributors/reviewers listed on assessment
Government
IGO
Assessor affiliation specific
Government|IGO
Assessment rationale/justification
Within the United Arab Emirates, the species is widely distributed throughout the Hajar Mountains. The species is listed as Least Concern as there are no significant widespread threats and the species is not considered to be declining. This taxon is not a non-breeding visitor, and it is presumed 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).
Criteria system
Criteria system specifics
IUCN v3.1 + Regional Guidelines v4.0
Criteria system used
IUCN
Criteria Citation
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.
Endemism
Endemic to region
Not_assigned
Endemism Notes
Is an endemic?: Not_assigned
Conservation
Threats listed in assessment
There are no major threats to this species. Some populations might be threatened by very localized habitat loss due to quarrying.
Conservation Measures

Conservation measures:
Conservation measures notes:
Required conservation measures:

Verified entry
Off

Pristurus minimus | UAE National Red List of Herpetofauna: Amphibians & Terrestrial Reptiles, Sea Snakes & Marine Turtles

Publication
UAE National Red List of Herpetofauna: Amphibians & Terrestrial Reptiles, Sea Snakes & Marine Turtles
Location
Scope (Assessment)
National
Countries in Assessment
United Arab Emirates
Country ISO code(s)
ARE
Does the assessment cover a marine EEZ area(s)?
Off
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Ecological system type
Terrestrial system
No
Freshwater system
No
Marine system
No
Habitat
Habitat details as listed in assessment
The species is mostly found in sandy plains with clumps of grass or other low shrubby vegetation. It has also been recorded from a rocky hillside on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates (Gardner 2013).It is predominantly a diurnal species which may be active during the summer at night. It preys on small insects including termites and ants (Gardner 2013). Females lay a single egg and reproduction apparently occurs throughout the year (Gardner 2013).
Taxon
Taxa
Pristurus minimus | Arnold, 1977
Taxonomic Group
Vertebrates
Taxonomic Group Level 2
Reptiles
Assessed taxon level
Species
Taxon distribution as listed in assessment
Within the United Arab Emirates, this species occurs inland from Sharjah south to Abu Dhabi inwards to Al Ain (Gardner 2013) from sea level to 300 m asl, with an isolated record also known from the vicinity of Khor Fakkan on the east coast (Böhme and Leptien 1990, Gardner 2013, Burriel-Carranza et al. in press).Globally, the species is endemic to the Arabian Peninsula, where it has been recorded from the United Arab Emirates, Oman (including Masirah Island) and eastern Yemen (Arnold 1977, 1980; Carranza et al. 2018). There is a questionable record from the northern Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia. It is very localised in Yemen, where only one record is known.
Assessed status
Asessment status in full
Least Concern
Assessment status abreviation
LC
About the assessment
Assessment year
2018
Assessors/contributors/reviewers listed
UAE National Red List Workshop
Affliation of assessor(s)/contributors/reviewers listed on assessment
Government
IGO
Assessor affiliation specific
Government|IGO
Assessment rationale/justification
This species is listed as Least Concern as it is moderately widespread in the UAE and locally abundant and subject to no major threats. This taxon is not a non-breeding visitor, and it is presumed 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).
Criteria system
Criteria system specifics
IUCN v3.1 + Regional Guidelines v4.0
Criteria system used
IUCN
Criteria Citation
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.
Endemism
Endemic to region
Not_assigned
Endemism Notes
Is an endemic?: Not_assigned
Conservation
Threats listed in assessment
There are no major threats to this species.
Conservation Measures

Conservation measures:
Conservation measures notes:
Required conservation measures:

Verified entry
Off

Pristurus carteri | UAE National Red List of Herpetofauna: Amphibians & Terrestrial Reptiles, Sea Snakes & Marine Turtles

Publication
UAE National Red List of Herpetofauna: Amphibians & Terrestrial Reptiles, Sea Snakes & Marine Turtles
Location
Scope (Assessment)
National
Countries in Assessment
United Arab Emirates
Country ISO code(s)
ARE
Does the assessment cover a marine EEZ area(s)?
Off
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Ecological system type
Terrestrial system
No
Freshwater system
No
Marine system
No
Habitat
Habitat details as listed in assessment
The species is found on a barren alluvial outwash plain, containing cobbles and gravels from the Semail nappe of the Hajar Mountains. The general vegetation of the area falls into the Vachellia tortilis-Rhazya stricta-Fagonia indica zone typical of the foothills of northern Oman and United Arab Emirates (Gardner 2009). The species is active throughout the year and both diurnal and nocturnal and preys on invertebrates. Females lay one or two eggs in multiple clutches throughout the year.
Taxon
Taxa
Pristurus carteri | (Gray, 1863)
Taxonomic Group
Vertebrates
Taxonomic Group Level 2
Reptiles
Assessed taxon level
Species
Taxon distribution as listed in assessment
Within the United Arab Emirates, this species has only been found in the gravel outwash of Wadi Agran, within a few hundred meters of the Oman border (Gardner 2013, Burriel-Carranza et al. in press). It occurs from 300-400 m asl. The species has marginal occurrence with the UAE.This species is endemic to the southern Arabian Peninsula, where it ranges from northwestern Oman (Ibri area) and Dibab (on the Gulf of Oman coast) southwards, via Masirah Island, to Dhofar, where it is common (Carranza et al. 2018). A disjunct population occurs in north Yemen, where it is known from two records (Arnold 1980, 1986).
Assessed status
Asessment status in full
Critically endangered
Assessment status abreviation
CR
Assessment status criteria
B1ab(iii,v)c(iv)+2ab(iii,v)c(iv)
About the assessment
Assessment year
2018
Assessors/contributors/reviewers listed
UAE National Red List Workshop
Affliation of assessor(s)/contributors/reviewers listed on assessment
Government
IGO
Assessor affiliation specific
Government|IGO
Assessment rationale/justification
Within the United Arab Emirates, this species is only known from a single location in the gravel outwash of Wadi Agran near Al Ain, eastern UAE. The species is assessed as Endangered (EN B1ab(iii,v)c(iv)+2ab(iii,v)c(iv)) due to its very restricted extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) within the United Arab Emirates, which are restricted to a single known location, which is divided by the Oman and UAE border. On either side of the country borders, the habitat of this most northerly population of the species is under threat due to gravel extraction, construction, overgrazing and farms. This UAE national assessment is upgraded by one category to CR (B1ab(iii,v)c(iv)+2ab(iii,v)c(iv)) because it is a sink population supported by the adjacent population in Oman.
Criteria system
Criteria system specifics
IUCN v3.1 + Regional Guidelines v4.0
Criteria system used
IUCN
Criteria Citation
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.
Endemism
Endemic to region
Not_assigned
Endemism Notes
Is an endemic?: Not_assigned
Conservation
Threats listed in assessment
This species is threatened by habitat loss and degradation resulting from gravel extraction, construction, over-grazing and farms, as well as vehicle tracks.
Conservation Measures

Conservation measures:
Conservation measures notes:
Required conservation measures:

Verified entry
Off

Asaccus gallagheri | UAE National Red List of Herpetofauna: Amphibians & Terrestrial Reptiles, Sea Snakes & Marine Turtles

Publication
UAE National Red List of Herpetofauna: Amphibians & Terrestrial Reptiles, Sea Snakes & Marine Turtles
Location
Scope (Assessment)
National
Countries in Assessment
United Arab Emirates
Country ISO code(s)
ARE
Does the assessment cover a marine EEZ area(s)?
Off
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Ecological system type
Terrestrial system
No
Freshwater system
No
Marine system
No
Habitat
Habitat details as listed in assessment
Rocky terrain in mountains and coastal wadis, and on small cliffs on open hillsides (Gardner 2013) from sea level to 600 m asl. The species has also been encountered on stony walls surrounding farms, on the external walls of houses and abandoned buildings within their distribution range. It is a small nocturnal species that predates on invertebrates. Breeding season is during spring and summer, with females laying a single egg that is glued to the surrounding surface at intervals of four weeks (Gardner 2013). The species is sexual dimorphic in that the adult males have a yellow tail and females a white tail with dark bands.
Taxon
Taxa
Asaccus gallagheri | (Arnold, 1972)
Taxonomic Group
Vertebrates
Taxonomic Group Level 2
Reptiles
Assessed taxon level
Species
Taxonomic Notes
Populations from the Eastern Hajar Mountains in Oman are now referred to A. arnoldi (Simó-Riudalbas et al. 2018).
Taxon distribution as listed in assessment
Within the United Arab Emirates, the species occurs throughout the Hajar Mountains from sea level to 600 m asl (Gardner 2013, Burriel-Carranza et al. in press). Globally, the species is endemic to the central and western Hajar Mountains, ranging from the Musandam Peninsula in Oman through the United Arab Emirates to Jebel Akhdar in Oman (Gardner 2013, Carranza et al. 2018). It has been found from sea level up to 1,700 m asl.
Assessed status
Asessment status in full
Least Concern
Assessment status abreviation
LC
About the assessment
Assessment year
2018
Assessors/contributors/reviewers listed
UAE National Red List Workshop
Affliation of assessor(s)/contributors/reviewers listed on assessment
Government
IGO
Assessor affiliation specific
Government|IGO
Assessment rationale/justification
In the United Arab Emirates, this species is restricted to the Hajar Mountains, with an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 3,165 km<sup>2</sup> and an area of occupancy (AOO) of 168 km<sup>2</sup>. Populations are thought to be stable, and there are no known widespread threats. The species is assessed as Least Concern. This taxon is not a non-breeding visitor, and it is presumed 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).
Criteria system
Criteria system specifics
IUCN v3.1 + Regional Guidelines v4.0
Criteria system used
IUCN
Criteria Citation
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.
Endemism
Endemic to region
Not_assigned
Endemism Notes
Is an endemic?: Not_assigned
Conservation
Threats listed in assessment
There are no major threats to the species, except for localised quarrying which will not have a significant impact on the population throughout its area of occurrence.
Conservation Measures

Conservation measures:
Conservation measures notes:
Required conservation measures:

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Echis omanensis | UAE National Red List of Herpetofauna: Amphibians & Terrestrial Reptiles, Sea Snakes & Marine Turtles

Publication
UAE National Red List of Herpetofauna: Amphibians & Terrestrial Reptiles, Sea Snakes & Marine Turtles
Location
Scope (Assessment)
National
Countries in Assessment
United Arab Emirates
Country ISO code(s)
ARE
Does the assessment cover a marine EEZ area(s)?
Off
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Ecological system type
Terrestrial system
No
Freshwater system
No
Marine system
No
Habitat
Habitat details as listed in assessment
This species is common in mountain wadis and surrounding rocky terrain, especially in areas having permanent or semi-permanent surface water. They are primarily nocturnal hunters but in cool weather they can be found on bedrock or gravel beside surface water or damp hollows, where they may bask, but also wait in ambush. Their diet consists of small vertebrates, particularly toads, and they emerge in wadi beds during or after light rain to feed on toads which emerge at the same time. Individual snakes have been observed to maintain territories and regular resting place over several years. They are presumably oviparous.
Taxon
Taxa
Echis omanensis | Babocsay, 2004
Taxonomic Group
Vertebrates
Taxonomic Group Level 2
Reptiles
Assessed taxon level
Species
Taxon distribution as listed in assessment
Within the United Arab Emirates, this species occurs throughout the Hajar Mountains (Babocsay 2004, Gardner 2013, Burriel-Carranza et al. in press) from sea level to 1,000 m asl. The species also occurs in Jebel Hafeet near Al Ain.This species is endemic to the Hajar Mountain of Oman and the United Arab Emirates (Egan 2007). The animals are seldom found above 800 m asl.
Assessed status
Asessment status in full
Least Concern
Assessment status abreviation
LC
About the assessment
Assessment year
2018
Assessors/contributors/reviewers listed
UAE National Red List Workshop
Affliation of assessor(s)/contributors/reviewers listed on assessment
Government
IGO
Assessor affiliation specific
Government|IGO
Assessment rationale/justification
Within the United Arab Emirates, this species occurs throughout the Hajar Mountains, and was recently recorded from Jebel Hafeet. The species is listed as Least Concern in view of its wide range and lack of significant threats. This taxon is not a non-breeding visitor, and it is presumed 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). The species population density may be increasing where irrigation projects occur.
Criteria system
Criteria system specifics
IUCN v3.1 + Regional Guidelines v4.0
Criteria system used
IUCN
Criteria Citation
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.
Endemism
Endemic to region
Not_assigned
Endemism Notes
Is an endemic?: Not_assigned
Conservation
Threats listed in assessment
There are no widespread threats, although some populations may be impacted by localized quarrying and major infrastructure projects within their habitat. Over-extraction of water may have an impact on the species within certain parts of its range. It is persecuted throughout most of its range due to human fear of this venomous species.
Conservation Measures

Conservation measures:
Conservation measures notes:
Required conservation measures:

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