The most relevant threats within UAE are changes in coastal land-use and the possibility of oil pollution, but the severity of these threats towards this species is unknown.Globally, however, the species faces a very wide range of threats, which could impact upon individuals that visit UAE:It is thought that the primary factors that have led to the global decline in this species are most likely to be a combination of: (i) loss of breeding habitat in eastern Europe, and (ii) changes in water chemistry (especially from hyper-eutrophication caused by agricultural runoff). The loss of habitat is thought to primarily result from changes in land management; either the abandonment or intensification of management of lowland marshes and fish ponds (Fox et al. 2016). The abandonment of traditional lowland grazing marshes results in succession to scrub and other unsuitable habitats, whilst greater agricultural intensification leads to marshes being drained. Negative changes to fish pond management also arise from either a reduction in fish production or an intensification that leads to greater use of fish food and medication treatments, and an increase in nutrient inputs. (Fox et al. 2016).Increased predation levels may be partly related to declines in Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus colonies, with which Pochard often associate for the benefits of predator deterrence (Fox et al. 2016). Invasive carp may also provide competition for resources with this species (see Fox et al. 2016).The species may also be threatened by disturbance from hunting (del Hoyo;et al.;1992, Evans and Day 2002, Kear 2005), water-based recreation (Fox;et al.;1994, Kear 2005) and from machinery noise from urban development (Marsden 2000), as well as by habitat destruction (del Hoyo;et al.;1992) on its wintering grounds due to eutrophication (partially as a result of nutrient run-off from agricultural land) (Kear 2005, L. Raudonikis;in litt. 2015). Adults are poisoned by ingesting lead shot (Mateo et al. 1998) and drowned in freshwater fishing nets with mesh sizes greater than 5 cm (Quan et al. 2002). The species is also susceptible to avian influenza, so may be threatened by future outbreaks of the disease (Melville and Shortridge 2006). It is also hunted in numerous countries across its range (e.g. Mateo;et al. 1998, Evans and Day 2002, Balmaki and Barati 2006, Sorrenti;et al.;2006, H. Ibrahim in litt. 2016).