The National Red List Project

Please note, this National Red List website contains a subset of data whilst we transition to national focal point driven data uploads. We thank you for your patience with this and welcome national contributors to get in touch to update their national dataset. Terms of Use including citation guidance are found here.

The previous dataset is available via: https://archive.nationalredlist.org/. This site is no longer updated but can help with most enquiries whilst we focus on redevelopment.

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Assessment ID
330315
Taxon name
Ziziphus spina-christi
(L.) Desf.
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Taxonomic information
Scientific name
Ziziphus spina-christi
(L.) Desf.
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Plants
Flowering Plants
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
tracheophyta
Class
magnoliopsida
Order
rosales
Family
rhamnaceae
Genus
Ziziphus
Species
spina-christi
Species authority
(L.) Desf.
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 generally widespread and very common within its range. It is also one of the most common species within the Wadi Wurayah National Park. Therefore, it is assessed as Least Concern. Confirmation of the origin of the species in the UAE requires confirmation, but here we consider it to be native to the country.
Assessment details
Year assessed
2019
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 UAE, this species is known from Jebel Hafeet (Stuart and Stuart 1998) and Das Island, Abu Dhabi Emirate (Western 1994), in addition to being widespread in the Hajar Mountains (Jongbloed et al. 2003). It has been recorded from elevations up to 1,500 m (Jongbloed et al. 2003). Continued presence on Das Island is unlikely given the extensive development of this island. This species is listed as an introduced landscape plant by MoCCaE (O. Al Shamsi pers. comm. 2018), although the species is potentially native to the UAE. CABI (2019) summarise that the species is thought to be endemic to Africa by some authors, whilst others consider its native range to extend to the Arabian Peninsula, the Middle East, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. Globally, the range of this species spans from Mauritania to Pakistan (Board of Trustees, RBG Kew 2019), although the native distribution is unclear.
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 small to medium evergreen tree species grows within wadi beds, coastal foothills, alluvial plains and in desert regions (Staurt and Stuart 1998, Karim and Dakheel 2006, Mahmoud et al. 2018). It can reach up to 12 metres in height and has spiny branches (Jongbloed et al. 2003, Karim and Dakheel 2006). The leaves are ovate-oblong in shape, the edible fruit is orange-yellow and ovoid, and small yellowish green flowers can be seen between September to November and March to May (Jongbloed et al. 2003, Karim and Dakheel 2006). This species is highly salt tolerant (Karim and Dakheel 2006) and is also a crop wild relative of the Jujube, Ziziphus jujuba (Kameswara Rao 2013). Ziziphus spina-christi is utilised by the Mediterranean Pierrot butterfly (Taruxus rosaceus) as a food plant for its caterpillars (Jongbloed et al. 2003).
Threats and conservation measures listed
Threats listed in assessment
There is no information available.
Publication
UAE National Red List of Vascular Plants
Allen, D.J., Westrip, J.R.S., Puttick, A., Harding, K.A., Hilton-Taylor, C. and Ali, H. 2021. UAE National Red List of Vascular Plants. Technical Report. Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, United Arab Emirates, Dubai.
Assessment ID
330314
Taxon name
Tamarix nilotica
(Ehrenb.) Bunge
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Taxonomic information
Scientific name
Tamarix nilotica
(Ehrenb.) Bunge
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Plants
Flowering Plants
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
tracheophyta
Class
magnoliopsida
Order
caryophyllales
Family
tamaricaceae
Genus
Tamarix
Species
nilotica
Species authority
(Ehrenb.) Bunge
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 widespread at lower altitudes in the UAE. Although data are lacking on the population size and trend, the species is assessed as Least Concern as it is thought unlikely that it will approach the thresholds for a threatened category.
Assessment details
Year assessed
2019
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
Brown and Sakkir (2004) cite the species from inland waters of Abu Dhabi Emirate. The draft Red Data Book for UAE plants (MEW 2010) considered this species as a junior synonym of T. arabica, common along the Gulf coast and adjacent to salt flats in the sandy deserts in the south of the Emirates. Jongbloed et al. (2003) considered T. nilotica the valid name with T. arabica a synonym, and gave a distribution along the Arabian Gulf coastline, as well as in sandy desert areas with near-surface brackish water. The species is a Saharo-Sindian element. It occurs from the eastern Mediterranean Greece (especially Crete), Lebanon, Palestine and Israel (Villar et al. 2014), south to Kenya in Africa, and east through the Arabian Peninsula (Board of Trustees, RBG Kew 2019). The species has been very widely introduced through cultivation.
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
Tamarix nilotica is found in brackish and saline sands and sabkha (Jongbloed et al. 2003).
Threats and conservation measures listed
Threats listed in assessment
Impacts from coastal development are likely to have been significant for this species.
Publication
UAE National Red List of Vascular Plants
Allen, D.J., Westrip, J.R.S., Puttick, A., Harding, K.A., Hilton-Taylor, C. and Ali, H. 2021. UAE National Red List of Vascular Plants. Technical Report. Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, United Arab Emirates, Dubai.
Assessment ID
330313
Taxon name
Tamarix aphylla
(L.) H.Karst.
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Taxonomic information
Scientific name
Tamarix aphylla
(L.) H.Karst.
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Plants
Flowering Plants
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
tracheophyta
Class
magnoliopsida
Order
caryophyllales
Family
tamaricaceae
Genus
Tamarix
Species
aphylla
Species authority
(L.) H.Karst.
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
Data Deficient
Abbreviated status
DD
Criteria system used
IUCN

(see Assessment details)

Assessment rationale/justification
It is unclear whether natural populations of this species occur within the UAE, particularly in terms of the Hajar Mountain range. Artificially planted trees are thought to occur in Liwa within the UAE, however this does not represent the wild population of the species. As such, confirmation and details of a wild population of this species within the UAE are needed in order to accurately assess this species. Therefore, it is currently assessed as Data Deficient.
Assessment details
Year assessed
2019
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 known from wadis within the Hajar Mountains and has also been recently been recorded from Jebel Hafeet (Jongbloed et al. 2003, Sakkir and Brown 2014). In addition, it is thought to have been artificially planted in the Liwa region and has been recorded on offshore islands of Abu Dhabi (no specific localities are given), which may also be the result of artificial planting (Jongbloed et al. 2003, Sakkir et al. 2017). Due to its range, it is possible that the natural occurrence of this species, within the Hajar Mountain range, actually lies across the border in Oman, rather than in the UAE specifically (G.R. Feulner, in litt, MEW 2010). Globally, the native range of this species spans from the Sahara to India (Board of Trustees, RBG Kew 2019).
Is there a map available in assessment?
Incomplete
Habitat and systems
Ecological system type
Terrestrial
Not_assigned
Freshwater
Not_assigned
Marine
Not_assigned
Habitat
Habitat details as listed in assessment
This tree species is known to grow within wadis, in sand and gravel plains, and on hillsides (Jongbloed et al. 2003, Mahmoud et al. 2018). It can reach up to 10 m in height, has reduced scale-like leaves, a conical fruit capsule and small pink flowers which can be seen between October and February (Jongbloed et al. 2003).
Threats and conservation measures listed
Threats listed in assessment
There is no information available.
Publication
UAE National Red List of Vascular Plants
Allen, D.J., Westrip, J.R.S., Puttick, A., Harding, K.A., Hilton-Taylor, C. and Ali, H. 2021. UAE National Red List of Vascular Plants. Technical Report. Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, United Arab Emirates, Dubai.
Assessment ID
330312
Taxon name
Rumex vesicarius
L.
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Taxonomic information
Scientific name
Rumex vesicarius
L.
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Plants
Flowering Plants
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
tracheophyta
Class
magnoliopsida
Order
caryophyllales
Family
polygonaceae
Genus
Rumex
Species
vesicarius
Species authority
L.
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 occurs in the Hajar Mountains and at least one protected area, where it is described as hyper-abundant. Elsewhere, it is also generally considered to be common. Therefore it is assessed as Least Concern.
Assessment details
Year assessed
2019
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 UAE, it is known to occur in the Hajar Mountains and the Ru'us al-Jibal, where it has been recorded at elevations up to 1,600 m (Feulner 2011, 2014). This species is listed as an introduced landscape plant by MoCCaE (O. Al Shamsi pers. comm. 2018). Globally, this species is native to Africa, tropical and temperature Asia and Western Australia (Board of Trustees, RBG Kew 2019).
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 annual herb species is known to grow on hillsides, ravine slopes and wadis (Mousa and Fawzi 2009, Feulner 2014, Judas 2016, Mahmoud et al. 2018). It can reach up to 0.5 m in height, has triangular, fleshy leaves and terminal inflorescence flowers on thin stalks which flower between February and April (Jongbloed et al. 2003). Rumex vesicarius is a crop wild relative of sorrel, Rumex acetosa (Kameswara Rao 2013).
Threats and conservation measures listed
Threats listed in assessment
Grazing by goats may affect this species within parts of its range (Shahid 2017).
Publication
UAE National Red List of Vascular Plants
Allen, D.J., Westrip, J.R.S., Puttick, A., Harding, K.A., Hilton-Taylor, C. and Ali, H. 2021. UAE National Red List of Vascular Plants. Technical Report. Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, United Arab Emirates, Dubai.
Assessment ID
330311
Taxon name
Rumex spinosus
L.
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Taxonomic information
Scientific name
Rumex spinosus
L.
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Plants
Flowering Plants
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
tracheophyta
Class
magnoliopsida
Order
caryophyllales
Family
polygonaceae
Genus
Rumex
Species
spinosus
Species authority
L.
Taxonomic notes and synonyms listed
This species is widely placed with the genus Emex, however, we follow Schuster et al. (2015) in retaining this species within Rumex.
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 widespread at lower altitudes in the UAE. Although data are lacking on the population size and trend, the species is assessed as Least Concern as it is thought unlikely that it will approach the thresholds for a threatened category.
Assessment details
Year assessed
2019
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
Widespread within the central desert of the UAE (Jongbloed et al. 2003). It has been recorded from a range of altitudes, up to c. 1,200 m (Feulner 2011). Also recorded in moist, disturbed grounds (MEW 2010). Its native range is Macaronesia, through the Mediterranean to the Arabian Peninsula (Board of Trustees, RBG Kew 2019).
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
It is found in sandy habitats including compacted sand, disturbed soils, wadis and the silt of plantations (Jongbloed et al. 2003, Norton et al. 2009). However, it is also recorded from agricultural areas (Perry 2008) and has been described as a weed in cultivated and abandoned fields (Feulner 2011). This annual herb species has a thick taproot, fleshy branches and rosette leaves (Ghazanfar and Fisher 1998, Jongbloed et al. 2003, Mahmoud et al. 2018). It can grow up to 30 cm in height, produces small green flowers between February to April in addition to both an above ground fruit and a below ground fruit (Jongbloed et al. 2003). It is a salt tolerant plant (Karim and Dakheel 2006) and is an important contributor to biomass in dune and stabilised sand environments (Ghazanfar and Fisher 1998).
Threats and conservation measures listed
Threats listed in assessment
There is no information available. Although this species likely occurs in the same area as browsing goats, it may be poisonous or inedible and therefore disliked by these animals (Shahid 2017).
Publication
UAE National Red List of Vascular Plants
Allen, D.J., Westrip, J.R.S., Puttick, A., Harding, K.A., Hilton-Taylor, C. and Ali, H. 2021. UAE National Red List of Vascular Plants. Technical Report. Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, United Arab Emirates, Dubai.
Assessment ID
330310
Taxon name
Boerhavia repens
L.
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Taxonomic information
Scientific name
Boerhavia repens
L.
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Plants
Flowering Plants
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
tracheophyta
Class
magnoliopsida
Order
caryophyllales
Family
nyctaginaceae
Genus
Boerhavia
Species
repens
Species authority
L.
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, although being described as rare and scattered, is able to grow within disturbed soil habitats in addition to cultivated areas. This may help to increase it tolerance to threats such as development of areas or land conversion. As such, it is assessed as Least Concern.
Assessment details
Year assessed
2019
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 UAE, it occurs in scattered locations throughout oases in the Hajar Mountains and along the east coast (Jongbloed et al. 2003). Globally, the native range of this species spans from Africa to the Pacific (Board of Trustees, RBG Kew 2019).
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 annual or perennial herb species is known to grow within disturbed soil habitats and cultivated fields (Jongbloed et al. 2003, Mahmoud et al. 2018). It can reach up to 80 cm in height and is sometimes observed climbing on surrounding vegetation (Jongbloed et al. 2003). This species has oval leaves with smooth edges, elongated ribbed fruit with short hairs and light pink flowers arranged in clusters, which can be seen between December and May (Jongbloed et al. 2003).
Threats and conservation measures listed
Threats listed in assessment
The species is likely to be a component of livestock grazing.
Publication
UAE National Red List of Vascular Plants
Allen, D.J., Westrip, J.R.S., Puttick, A., Harding, K.A., Hilton-Taylor, C. and Ali, H. 2021. UAE National Red List of Vascular Plants. Technical Report. Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, United Arab Emirates, Dubai.
Assessment ID
330309
Taxon name
Salsola schweinfurthii
Solms
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Taxonomic information
Scientific name
Salsola schweinfurthii
Solms
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Plants
Flowering Plants
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
tracheophyta
Class
magnoliopsida
Order
caryophyllales
Family
amaranthaceae
Genus
Salsola
Species
schweinfurthii
Species authority
Solms
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
Endangered
Abbreviated status
EN
Qualifying criteria (if given)
B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v)
Criteria system used
IUCN

(see Assessment details)

Assessment rationale/justification
This species is considered to be restricted Khor Kalba on the eastern coast of the UAE, in addition to the plains surrounding this area. The estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) for this locality is under 20 km<sup>2</sup>, with the AOO unlikely to exceed 18 km<sup>2</sup>. In addition, the species may well be experiencing loss in habitat availability due to development in this area. Without precise current distribution data, the number of locations are hard to define, but given the extensive recent development in the area, the number of locations is presumed to be five or fewer. It is therefore precautionary assessed as Endangered (EN B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v)) in order to highlight its existing restricted distribution, in addition to the potential for ongoing declines to this species. The species may also qualify for a threatened category under criterion D. The extent, if any, of regional rescue effect from populations in adjacent parts of Oman is not known.
Assessment details
Year assessed
2019
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 UAE, this species has been recorded from the Khor Kalba plain (Jongbloed et al. 2003, MEW 2010), with a first tentative identification in 1982 from a ""...roundabout next to Khor Kalba power station"" (Western 1987). The maximum EOO of the area of Khor Kalba was estimated at less than 20 km<sup>2</sup>, with the AOO likely to not exceed 18 km<sup>2</sup>. A second record of the species, also from Sharjah Emirate, requires confirmation, with the photograph of the record lost and no specimen found in SSBH (J. Pereira pers. comm. 2020). This species is native to Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula (Board of Trustees, RBG Kew 2019), with Ghazanfar et al. (2019) giving the distribution as mainly from eastern Saudi Arabia to Jordan, with an outlier recorded 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
This perennial shrub species can grow up to 0.5 m in height and has curved leaves in addition to winged fruits (Jongbloed et al. 2003, Norton et al. 2009). It is a crop wild relative of the saltwort, Salsola verniculata (Kameswara Rao 2013). A continuing decline in habitat quality and extent is inferred based on extensive coastal development on the plain around Khor Kalba.
Threats and conservation measures listed
Threats listed in assessment
As this species appears to occur within or near to the city of Khor Kalba, it is likely experiencing a decline in habitat availability as a result of development.
Publication
UAE National Red List of Vascular Plants
Allen, D.J., Westrip, J.R.S., Puttick, A., Harding, K.A., Hilton-Taylor, C. and Ali, H. 2021. UAE National Red List of Vascular Plants. Technical Report. Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, United Arab Emirates, Dubai.
Assessment ID
330308
Taxon name
Haloxylon salicornicum
(Moq.) Bunge ex Boiss.
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Taxonomic information
Scientific name
Haloxylon salicornicum
(Moq.) Bunge ex Boiss.
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Plants
Flowering Plants
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
tracheophyta
Class
magnoliopsida
Order
caryophyllales
Family
amaranthaceae
Genus
Haloxylon
Species
salicornicum
Species authority
(Moq.) Bunge ex Boiss.
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
The species is widespread in the UAE and assessed as Least Concern.
Assessment details
Year assessed
2019
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 common and widespread across the UAE in sandy gravelly habitats (Jongbloed et al. 2003, MEW 2010). Globally, the species occurs across North Africa, through the Arabian Peninsula, and in Pakistan (Board of Trustees, RBG Kew 2019).
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 sandy plains and in gravel except at higher altitudes (Jongbloed et al. 2003, MEW 2010). It is a perennial woody shrub up to 1.0 mor more in height (Jongbloed et al. 2003).
Threats and conservation measures listed
Threats listed in assessment
The species is likely to be a component of livestock grazing.
Publication
UAE National Red List of Vascular Plants
Allen, D.J., Westrip, J.R.S., Puttick, A., Harding, K.A., Hilton-Taylor, C. and Ali, H. 2021. UAE National Red List of Vascular Plants. Technical Report. Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, United Arab Emirates, Dubai.
Assessment ID
330307
Taxon name
Haloxylon persicum
Bunge ex Boiss. & Buhse
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Taxonomic information
Scientific name
Haloxylon persicum
Bunge ex Boiss. & Buhse
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Plants
Flowering Plants
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
tracheophyta
Class
magnoliopsida
Order
caryophyllales
Family
amaranthaceae
Genus
Haloxylon
Species
persicum
Species authority
Bunge ex Boiss. & Buhse
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
Near Threatened
Abbreviated status
NT
Qualifying criteria (if given)
B1a
Criteria system used
IUCN

(see Assessment details)

Assessment rationale/justification
This species occurs in a distinct, restricted area within the UAE, with an estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) of 2,322 km<sup>2</sup>: this estimate falls within the threshold for threatened categories under Criterion B1. However, it occurs in at least two protected areas, with a significant part of its range occurring within the Al Ghada Protected Area. Based on the ongoing threats of grazing and development, this species is considered to occur in 10-15 locations, and also experiences ongoing habitat decline outside of its protected area range. Therefore, it is currently assessed as Near Threatened.
Assessment details
Year assessed
2019
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 UAE, this species is restricted to an area from southern Abu Dhabi (including Al Wathba Wetland Reserve), west towards Tarif (Aspinall and Hellyer 2003, Böer and Saenger 2006). It is also recorded from the Al Ghada Protected Area within Abu Dhabi Emirate. The estimated Extent of Occurrence (EOO) for this species is 2,322 km<sup>2</sup>. Globally, this species is native to Egypt, the Arabian Peninsula and temperate Asia (Board of Trustees, RBG Kew 2019).
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 small tree species grows on sand sheets and sand dunes (Böer and Saenger 2006). It can reach heights of 3 m and has fleshy branches with drooping shoots, giving an appearance similar to a weeping willow (Jongbloed et al. 2003). It produces yellow winged fruits and flowers between February and May (Jongbloed et al. 2003).
Threats and conservation measures listed
Threats listed in assessment
Grazing by camels, in addition to ongoing development, threatens this species outside of protected areas.
History
This species would have been of a lower threat category in 1996 due to occupying a larger area. However, its distribution has now declined due to ongoing coastal development.
Publication
UAE National Red List of Vascular Plants
Allen, D.J., Westrip, J.R.S., Puttick, A., Harding, K.A., Hilton-Taylor, C. and Ali, H. 2021. UAE National Red List of Vascular Plants. Technical Report. Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, United Arab Emirates, Dubai.
Assessment ID
330306
Taxon name
Cornulaca monacantha
Delile
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Taxonomic information
Scientific name
Cornulaca monacantha
Delile
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Plants
Flowering Plants
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
tracheophyta
Class
magnoliopsida
Order
caryophyllales
Family
amaranthaceae
Genus
Cornulaca
Species
monacantha
Species authority
Delile
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 generally considered to be widespread in the UAE and can utilise a range of habitats. Although it has a variety of uses, there are no known major threats. In addition, its unpalatable characteristics help to protect the plant from grazing. Therefore, it is assessed as Least Concern.
Assessment details
Year assessed
2019
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 UAE, it is generally widespread along the Arabian Gulf coast (Brown et al. 2007). It can be seen south of Abu Dhabi island, at Hatta, Liwa and Jebel Nazwa (G. Brown pers. comm.), in addition to at Jebel Hafeet and its surrounding plain. Globally, its native range spans from the Sahara, through to the Arabian Peninsula and on to Pakistan (Board of Trustees, RBG Kew 2019).
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
It is a perennial dwarf shrub species that is able to grow within a wide range of habtiats. These include sand sheets and rocky headlands along the coast (Brown et al. 2007, Böer and Saenger 2006), in addition to coralline sands, limestone slopes and mountain terraces (G. Brown pers. comm. 2019). This species grows as a prickly shrub of up to 60 cm in height and flowers between October and December (Karim and Dakheel 2006). It is also considered to be a halophyte, salt-tolerant, species (Karim and Dakheel 2006). Cistanche tubulosa uses this species as a host plant (Brown et al. 2007). Cornulaca monacantha is generally an unpalatable species, which helps to protect it from grazers.
Threats and conservation measures listed
Threats listed in assessment
There is no available information.
Publication
UAE National Red List of Vascular Plants
Allen, D.J., Westrip, J.R.S., Puttick, A., Harding, K.A., Hilton-Taylor, C. and Ali, H. 2021. UAE National Red List of Vascular Plants. Technical Report. Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, United Arab Emirates, Dubai.