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Assessment ID
330719
Taxon name
Ptyodactylus orlovi
Nazarov, Melnikov & Melnikova, 2013
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Taxonomic information
Scientific name
Ptyodactylus orlovi
Nazarov, Melnikov & Melnikova, 2013
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Vertebrates
Reptiles
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
chordata
Class
reptilia
Order
squamata
Family
phyllodactylidae
Genus
Ptyodactylus
Species
orlovi
Species authority
Nazarov, Melnikov & Melnikova, 2013
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)
Country ISO code(s)
ARE
Does the assessment cover a marine EEZ area(s)?
Not_assigned
Conservation Status
Assessed as
Least Concern
Abbreviated status
LC
Criteria system used
IUCN

(see Assessment details)

Assessment rationale/justification
Within the United Arab Emirates, this species occurs in the Hajar Mountains (excluding the Musandam Peninsula) from the southern edge of the Musandam in the Hajar Mountains southwards from the Masafi/Dibba depression to Oman. The species is listed as Least Concern, due to its large distribution range with area of occupancy (AOO) 180 km<sup>2</sup> and extent of occurrence (EOO) of 5,463 km<sup>2</sup>, and with no major threats to the presumed large population that may result in it declining fast enough in the near future to qualify for listing in a 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).
Assessment details
Year assessed
2018
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 range of this species is within the Hajar Mountains south of the Masafi/Dibba depression, extending down south towards Oman, from sea level to 1,000 m asl (Simó-Riudalbas et al. 2017).Globally, the species is endemic to the United Arab Emirates and Oman. It is distributed throughout the length of the Hajar Mountains (excluding the Musandam peninsula), south of the Masafi/ Dibba depression southwards into Oman, until north of Al Ashkarah on the Arabian Sea coast.
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Habitat and systems
Ecological system type
Terrestrial
Not_assigned
Freshwater
Not_assigned
Marine
Not_assigned
Habitat
Habitat details as listed in assessment
Cliffs, cave and boulders on mountains, mountain wadis and rocky outcrops (Gardner 2013). Also found in old building and forts (Gardner 2013). It is a nocturnal species that may be encountered during the cooler months outside its retreats during late afternoons (Gardner 2013). They are excellent climbers typically encountered on vertical or overhanging rock surfaces and also on rocky ground or scree (Gardner 2013). Females lay clutches of two hard-shelled eggs in summer that are glued to vertical rock surfaces within caves or in deep crevices (Gardner 2013). These egg-laying sites are often used communally and the remains of old eggs show they may have been in use over long periods of time (Gardner 2013).
Threats and conservation measures listed
Threats listed in assessment
There are no widespread threats to the species that are known to cause a decline in the population. Quarrying is the only known potential threat to the species within a minority of its wide distribution range.
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
Assessment ID
330717
Taxon name
Asaccus margaritae
Carranza, Simó-Riudalbas, Jayasinghe, Wilms & Els, 2016
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Taxonomic information
Scientific name
Asaccus margaritae
Carranza, Simó-Riudalbas, Jayasinghe, Wilms & Els, 2016
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Vertebrates
Reptiles
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
chordata
Class
reptilia
Order
squamata
Family
phyllodactylidae
Genus
Asaccus
Species
margaritae
Species authority
Carranza, Simó-Riudalbas, Jayasinghe, Wilms & Els, 2016
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)
Country ISO code(s)
ARE
Does the assessment cover a marine EEZ area(s)?
Not_assigned
Conservation Status
Assessed as
Vulnerable
Abbreviated status
VU
Qualifying criteria (if given)
D2
Criteria system used
IUCN

(see Assessment details)

Assessment rationale/justification
Within the United Arab Emirates, the species is currently only known from the Wadi Al Helo area. The species is listed as Vulnerable (VU D2) due to its small area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) of 4 km<sup>2</sup>. 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). Despite occurring at low densities, the population appears stable at present. There are potential threats from infrastructure development, that could significantly impact the population size of the species.The species is new to science with the possibility that more populations may be discovered in similar habitat in the future. The species should be reassessed if new data become available.
Assessment details
Year assessed
2018
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 known from a single locality, the Wadi Al Helo area from 300-400 m asl (Burriel-Carranza et al. in press). No further records are known in the UAE, but further survey is required.This newly-described species is endemic to the northern Hajar Mountains in Oman and the United Arab Emirates (Carranza et al. 2016). It has only been found in a very few high altitude localities (1,315-“1,434 m asl) in the Musandam Peninsula, Oman (surrounded by A. gardneri at lower elevations) and in two other localities 75 and 120 km further south in Oman and the UAE, respectively, both at relatively low elevations (122 and 374 m asl) (Carranza et al. 2016).
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Habitat and systems
Ecological system type
Terrestrial
Not_assigned
Freshwater
Not_assigned
Marine
Not_assigned
Habitat
Habitat details as listed in assessment
Strictly nocturnal, this species has been found on the rocky sides of wadis, stony substrates and on larger boulders in the wadi (Carranza et al. 2016). The species breeds throughout the year, with a peak during spring (J. Els pers. comm. 2018). Females lay a single round, hard-shelled egg multiple times during the year (J. Els pers. comm. 2018).
Threats and conservation measures listed
Threats listed in assessment
There are no current threats to the species that might cause significant declines in the near future, however, there is pressure for infrastructure development that could impact the species in the future, especially if accompanied by road developments.
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
Assessment ID
330716
Taxon name
Asaccus gardneri
Carranza, Simó-Riudalbas, Jayasinghe, Wilms & Els, 2016
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Taxonomic information
Scientific name
Asaccus gardneri
Carranza, Simó-Riudalbas, Jayasinghe, Wilms & Els, 2016
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Vertebrates
Reptiles
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
chordata
Class
reptilia
Order
squamata
Family
phyllodactylidae
Genus
Asaccus
Species
gardneri
Species authority
Carranza, Simó-Riudalbas, Jayasinghe, Wilms & Els, 2016
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)
Country ISO code(s)
ARE
Does the assessment cover a marine EEZ area(s)?
Not_assigned
Conservation Status
Assessed as
Least Concern
Abbreviated status
LC
Criteria system used
IUCN

(see Assessment details)

Assessment rationale/justification
This species is endemic to the Hajar Mountains, from the Musandam Peninsula in Oman to the northeastern United Arab Emirates. Although impacted locally by quarrying, with a restricted known area of occupancy, there are no significant widespread threats, and the species is considered 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).
Assessment details
Year assessed
2018
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 occurs along the northeastern Hajar Mountains, north of the Masafi/Dibba depression towards the Musandam Peninsula, Oman, where records are from 100 m to 600 m asl (Gardner 2013, Burriel-Carranza et al. in press). This species is endemic to Oman and the United Arab Emirates. The species range extends in the Hajar Mountains from the Musandam Peninsula, Oman, to the northeastern United Arab Emirates (Carranza et al. 2016). It occurs from sea level to 1,000 m.
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Habitat and systems
Ecological system type
Terrestrial
Not_assigned
Freshwater
Not_assigned
Marine
Not_assigned
Habitat
Habitat details as listed in assessment
This is a strictly nocturnal species that has been found on the rocky sides of wadis, stony substrates, lower down on large boulders, and hiding in caves (Carranza et al. 2016). The species occurs from 100 m to 600 m asl. The species lays a single egg in summer that is glued to a rock. In captivity, females laid eggs every three to eight weeks from spring to autumn (Gardner 2013).
Threats and conservation measures listed
Threats listed in assessment
There are no direct threats to the species, although limited quarrying is known from certain areas within the species range.
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
Assessment ID
330715
Taxon name
Asaccus caudivolVulnerablelus
Arnold & Gardner, 1994
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Taxonomic information
Scientific name
Asaccus caudivolVulnerablelus
Arnold & Gardner, 1994
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Vertebrates
Reptiles
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
chordata
Class
reptilia
Order
squamata
Family
phyllodactylidae
Genus
Asaccus
Species
caudivolVulnerablelus
Species authority
Arnold & Gardner, 1994
Taxonomic notes and synonyms listed
A recent systematic revision by Carranza et al. (2016), using an integrative approach including molecular (mitochondrial and nuclear markers) and morphological data, indicated that the species originally classified as Asaccus caudivolVulnerablelus (Arnold and Gardner 1994, Gardner 2013) was an assemblage of three different species that started diversifying during the Mid-Miocene. The analyses uncovered a very old diversification event that resulted in a case of microendemicity, where three morphologically and ecologically similar medium-sized species previously classified within A. caudivolVulnerablelus coexist in a very short and narrow mountain stretch.As a result of this study, two new species -“ A. gardneri and A. margaritae -“ were described, both of them widely distributed across the northern tip of the Hajar Mountains. Conversely the third species - Asaccus caudivolVulnerablelus sensu stricto - appears to be restricted to a small coastal area of the United Arab Emirates (the) under heavy development, where the only two localities in which the species has ever been recorded occur. The molecular analyses indicate that A. caudivolVulnerablelus has been evolving independently from its sister taxon, A. gardneri, for approximately four million years.
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)
Country ISO code(s)
ARE
Does the assessment cover a marine EEZ area(s)?
Not_assigned
Conservation Status
Assessed as
Critically endangered
Abbreviated status
CR
Qualifying criteria (if given)
B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v)
Criteria system used
IUCN

(see Assessment details)

Assessment rationale/justification
This species is the only reptile currently known to be endemic to the United Arab Emirates. It is only known from two localities along a narrow strip of the east coast of the United Arab Emirates. No specimens have been recorded from the type locality (near Khor Fakkan, Emirates of Sharjah) since 1973, with the only recent records being from a second known locality, a few kilometres further north of Sharm, Emirates of Fujairah. The only confirmed specimens that have been found in the past 45 years are therefore restricted to the second locality and the species is consequently considered to survive at a single location defined by the threat from development. It is possible that the species occurs in other potentially suitable habitats along the same coastal stretch, or persists at the type locality, and additional survey in these areas is urgently required. The species has been found between sea level up to 20 m in elevation. Both the extent of occurrence (EOO) and the area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated at 8 km<sup>2</sup> based on a 2x2 km grid drawn around the two localities, however both the EOO and the AOO are in reality very much more restricted, with the species found on isolated rocky outcrops and presumed to have been lost from one of these.The species is listed as Critically Endangered (CR B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v)) as a result of its restricted EOO and AOO, with both of the known localities, as well as areas along the east coast of the United Arab Emirates with apparently similar habitat characteristics, under heavy transformation or have already been converted for industrial, residential or tourist development. The species is currently considered to persist at a single location defined by the described threats, which are resulting in a continuing decline in the extent and quality of this species' habitat, and inferred to be causing a continuing decline in the number of mature individuals.Conservation actions are urgently required for this species, including ex situ conservation, and the potential for the establishment of new sub-populations should be investigated.
Assessment details
Year assessed
2018
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
This species is only known from two localities along a narrow strip of the east coast of the United Arab Emirates: the type locality at Jebel Ra's, 2.5 km south of Khor Fakkan, Emirates of Sharjah; and a second locality (named ""locality 29"" by Carranza et al. 2016) a few kilometres further north of Sharm, Emirates of Fujairah. No specimens have been recorded from the type locality since 1973, and it is considered likely to have been extirpated from this locality (see Threats). Consequently, the only confirmed specimens that have been found in the past 45 years are restricted to the second locality. It is possible that the species occurs in other putatively suitable areas of the same coastal stretch that have not been surveyed as a result of restricted access due to development. The species has been found between sea level up to 20 m in elevation.
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Habitat and systems
Ecological system type
Terrestrial
Not_assigned
Freshwater
Not_assigned
Marine
Not_assigned
Habitat
Habitat details as listed in assessment
The species is currently considered to be restricted to an isolated rocky outcrop along the Hajar Mountains on the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates. It occurs from sea level up to 20 m in elevation and appears to prefer sea-facing rock cliffs with large boulders. It is strictly nocturnal: all specimens have been seen during the night and avoided surveyors' torch beams, retreating into crevices and holes or fleeing across boulders. Females breed year-round, laying a single egg multiple times a year.
Threats and conservation measures listed
Threats listed in assessment
The only locality where an extant population has been confirmed is under severe transformation (Carranza et al. 2016 shows an image of the locality with construction machinery in the foreground) and is zoned for development and road construction. The site is subject to dynamite blasting as part of the construction and is already under heavy transformation. This may be one of the only areas retaining suitable habitat for this species.The type locality, a mountain outcrop, is surrounded by quarrying, industrial development and harbour (importation port) which destroyed most of the suitable habitat for the species. Access to the area due to the harbour and quarrying activities is now restricted, which prevents surveys at the type locality.Marine pollution, primarily oil pollution, is an additional likely threat, with significant numbers of oil spoils known in the area.
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
Assessment ID
330673
Taxon name
Pseudotrapelus jensvindumi
Melnikov, Ananjeva & Papenfuss, 2013
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Taxonomic information
Scientific name
Pseudotrapelus jensvindumi
Melnikov, Ananjeva & Papenfuss, 2013
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Vertebrates
Reptiles
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
chordata
Class
reptilia
Order
squamata
Family
agamidae
Genus
Pseudotrapelus
Species
jensvindumi
Species authority
Melnikov, Ananjeva & Papenfuss, 2013
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)
Country ISO code(s)
ARE
Does the assessment cover a marine EEZ area(s)?
Not_assigned
Conservation Status
Assessed as
Least Concern
Abbreviated status
LC
Criteria system used
IUCN

(see Assessment details)

Assessment rationale/justification
Pseudotrapelus jensvindumi within the United Arab Emirates is listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population and because it is unlikely to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. This taxon is not a non-breeding visitor, and it is assumed 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).
Assessment details
Year assessed
2018
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
In the United Arab Emirates, this species is found from sea level to at least 1,100 m asl (Gardner 2013, Tamar et al. 2016, Burriel-Carranza et al. in press) in the Hajar Mountains with a disjunct record from the central valley of Jebel Hafeet.Globally, the species occurs throughout the Hajar Mountains from the Musandam Peninsula of Oman, United Arab Emirates, and south to Sharqiyah in Oman.
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Habitat and systems
Ecological system type
Terrestrial
Not_assigned
Freshwater
Not_assigned
Marine
Not_assigned
Habitat
Habitat details as listed in assessment
The species is found in rocky areas, hills and mountains which range from well-vegetated wadis and slopes to barren, rocky hillsides (Gardner 2013). The species is found from sea level to 1,100 m asl.It is a diurnal species whose diet includes a wide range of invertebrates. The reproductive season is spring to summer, with females laying small clutches of three to five eggs.
Threats and conservation measures listed
Threats listed in assessment
There are not thought to be any widespread threats to this species.
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
Assessment ID
330170
Taxon name
Omanosaura cyanura
(Arnold, 1972)
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Taxonomic information
Scientific name
Omanosaura cyanura
(Arnold, 1972)
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Vertebrates
Reptiles
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
chordata
Class
reptilia
Order
squamata
Family
lacertidae
Genus
Omanosaura
Species
cyanura
Species authority
(Arnold, 1972)
Taxonomic notes and synonyms listed
Mendes et al. (2018) undertook a genetic study across the Hajar Mountains and found this species to comprise of two very distinct genetic lineages that may correspond to two independent species.
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)
Country ISO code(s)
ARE
Does the assessment cover a marine EEZ area(s)?
Not_assigned
Conservation Status
Assessed as
Least Concern
Abbreviated status
LC
Criteria system used
IUCN

(see Assessment details)

Assessment rationale/justification
Within the United Arab Emirates, this species occurs throughout the Hajar Mountains. The species is listed as Least Concern as there are no significant threats within the majority of its area of occupancy (100 km<sup>2</sup>) 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).
Assessment details
Year assessed
2018
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, this species occurs throughout the Hajar Mountains from 200 m to 700 m asl (Gardner 2013, Mendes et al. 2018, 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, Mendes et al. 2018).
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Habitat and systems
Ecological system type
Terrestrial
Not_assigned
Freshwater
Not_assigned
Marine
Not_assigned
Habitat
Habitat details as listed in assessment
The species is found on bedrock wadi banks and coarse gravel wadi beds, particularly near areas with permanent or intermittent surface water pools from 200 m to 700 m asl. The species has also been recorded from plantations in the Hajar Mountains. It is a small and elusive diurnal species, which upon detection of a potential threat will rapidly retreat into rock cracks and crevices. Combined with its small size, long flight distance and the rocky habitat it occupies, the species is often under-sampled during surveys. It is active throughout the year, although during the summer months, activity is limited to the early mornings and late afternoons. They appear to be predominantly solitary, with pairing observed during the cooler months from October to May. Females lay several clutches of two to three large eggs measuring 9 by 4 mm (Gardner 2013). Hatchling measured 25 mm snout to tail length with a tail length of 55 mm (Gardner 2013).
Threats and conservation measures listed
Threats listed in assessment
The species is threatened by quarrying for rocks in some parts of its range. Populations surrounding permanent or seasonal water bodies may be subject to disturbance from recreational activities, although this will influence a small percentage of the total population.
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
Assessment ID
330169
Taxon name
Omanosaura jayakari
(Boulenger, 1887)
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Taxonomic information
Scientific name
Omanosaura jayakari
(Boulenger, 1887)
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Vertebrates
Reptiles
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
chordata
Class
reptilia
Order
squamata
Family
lacertidae
Genus
Omanosaura
Species
jayakari
Species authority
(Boulenger, 1887)
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)
Country ISO code(s)
ARE
Does the assessment cover a marine EEZ area(s)?
Not_assigned
Conservation Status
Assessed as
Least Concern
Abbreviated status
LC
Criteria system used
IUCN

(see Assessment details)

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).
Assessment details
Year assessed
2018
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 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).
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Habitat and systems
Ecological system type
Terrestrial
Not_assigned
Freshwater
Not_assigned
Marine
Not_assigned
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.
Threats and conservation measures listed
Threats listed in assessment
There are no widespread threats, although some populations may be impacted by localized quarrying of their habitat.
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
Assessment ID
330168
Taxon name
Mesalina adramitana
(Boulenger, 1917)
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Taxonomic information
Scientific name
Mesalina adramitana
(Boulenger, 1917)
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Vertebrates
Reptiles
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
chordata
Class
reptilia
Order
squamata
Family
lacertidae
Genus
Mesalina
Species
adramitana
Species authority
(Boulenger, 1917)
Taxonomic notes and synonyms listed
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.
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)
Country ISO code(s)
ARE
Does the assessment cover a marine EEZ area(s)?
Not_assigned
Conservation Status
Assessed as
Least Concern
Abbreviated status
LC
Criteria system used
IUCN

(see Assessment details)

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).
Assessment details
Year assessed
2018
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, 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).
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Habitat and systems
Ecological system type
Terrestrial
Not_assigned
Freshwater
Not_assigned
Marine
Not_assigned
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).
Threats and conservation measures listed
Threats listed in assessment
There are no significant threats to this species, although there are localised impacts from development.
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
Assessment ID
330167
Taxon name
Acanthodactylus gongrorhynchatus
Leviton & Anderson, 1967
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Taxonomic information
Scientific name
Acanthodactylus gongrorhynchatus
Leviton & Anderson, 1967
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Vertebrates
Reptiles
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
chordata
Class
reptilia
Order
squamata
Family
lacertidae
Genus
Acanthodactylus
Species
gongrorhynchatus
Species authority
Leviton & Anderson, 1967
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)
Country ISO code(s)
ARE
Does the assessment cover a marine EEZ area(s)?
Not_assigned
Conservation Status
Assessed as
Least Concern
Abbreviated status
LC
Criteria system used
IUCN

(see Assessment details)

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).
Assessment details
Year assessed
2018
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, 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.
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Habitat and systems
Ecological system type
Terrestrial
Not_assigned
Freshwater
Not_assigned
Marine
Not_assigned
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.
Threats and conservation measures listed
Threats listed in assessment
The species is threatened with real estate development in the United Arab Emirates.
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
Assessment ID
330166
Taxon name
Trachylepis tessellata
(Anderson, 1895)
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Taxonomic information
Scientific name
Trachylepis tessellata
(Anderson, 1895)
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Vertebrates
Reptiles
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
chordata
Class
reptilia
Order
squamata
Family
scincidae
Genus
Trachylepis
Species
tessellata
Species authority
(Anderson, 1895)
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)
Country ISO code(s)
ARE
Does the assessment cover a marine EEZ area(s)?
Not_assigned
Conservation Status
Assessed as
Least Concern
Abbreviated status
LC
Criteria system used
IUCN

(see Assessment details)

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).
Assessment details
Year assessed
2018
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, 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).
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Habitat and systems
Ecological system type
Terrestrial
Not_assigned
Freshwater
Not_assigned
Marine
Not_assigned
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.
Threats and conservation measures listed
Threats listed in assessment
There appear to be no significant threats to this species, although quarrying activities are known from within its distribution range.
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