VU

Subscribe to VU

Assessment ID

329914

Taxon name

Olea europaea

Uploaded by

National Red List Database

Taxonomic information

Scientific name

Olea europaea

Assessed taxon level

Species

Higher level taxonomic groupings

Plants

Flowering Plants

Kingdom

Plantae

Phylum

tracheophyta

Class

magnoliopsida

Order

lamiales

Family

oleaceae

Genus

Olea

Species

europaea

Species authority

Taxonomic notes and synonyms listed

Olea taxonomy is far from being clearly understood. Some molecular studies (Balboni et al. 2006, Besnard et al. 2009, Besnard et al. 2013) strongly suggest that there have been successive episodes of cross-breeding among wild, feral and cultivated forms of Olea europaea, throughout the Mediterranean region for several centuries. As the cultivated forms were brought from the eastern to the western Mediterranean, they also crossbred with spontaneous Olea subspecies and then became feral. As centuries passed, this process resulted in the gradual dilution of oriental haplotypes into the western haplotypes. However, it is considered that some of the conclusions presented in the above molecular studies are not robust, since they may lack some taxonomic accuracy regarding the sampled taxa (with different taxa sampled as the same taxon) (J. Capelo pers. comm. 2016) and therefore molecular studies are not yet conclusive in terms of the taxonomy of this species; we follow the classical taxonomic treatment from Green (2002). Four subspecies and one variety of Olea europaea L. are considered native to Europe (WCSP 2016):<ul><li>O. europaea subsp. cerasiformis G.Kunkel & Sunding</li><li>O. europaea subsp. europaea</li><li>O. europaea subsp. guanchica P.Vargas, J.Hess, Muñoz Garm. & Kadereit</li><li>O. europaea var. sylvestris Brot.</li></ul>These taxa are related to cultivated Olive.

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

Qualifying criteria (if given)

Criteria system used

IUCN

(see Assessment details)

Assessment rationale/justification

This species was first recorded for the UAE in 1997 and is now known to be largely restricted to the 'Olive Highlands' area of the Hajar Mountains in eastern UAE, with additional records from northern slopes of Jebel Jabsah and north of Wadi Ham on the outskirts of Fujairah city. The extent of occurrence (EOO) is less than 200 km2. The area of occupancy (AOO) has not been measured as detailed locality records are not available, but it is likely to be less than 200 km2. The impact of current and potential threats are not known, however grazing by livestock and feral animals may account for the poor regeneration that was observed in the early 2000's. The species is assessed as Vulnerable (VU D1) because there are thought to be c. 500 mature individuals. No rescue effect is applied as, although the species occurs in Oman, no young trees have been seen. Conservation action and research is required for this species in order to protect significant subpopulations, and to understand the impacts of hybridisation and climate change in the mountains.

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

The species is found at higher elevations along connected high elevation ridges in the 'Olive Mountains' of the UAE. This species was first recorded for the UAE in 1997 at sites including the summit of Jebel Qitab (at c. 1,000 m asl), and above Wadi al-Iyeli; at each of these localities approximately two dozen specimens were present in adjacent ravines, and observations suggested that limited numbers were present in the intervening area (Feulner 1997). In general, it is restricted to the highest ridges of the Hajar Mountains southwest of Fujairah above 600 m (G.R. Feulner, in litt, MEW 2010, Feulner 2014). Records from the ""Olive Highlands"" area include the higher ridges above Wadi Mayy, Wadi Hayl and Wadi Saham, on north-facing cliffs of Jebel Al-Iyeli and on the northern slopes and ravines of Jebel Sfai (Feulner 2014). Individual small specimens have been found at wadi level in Wadi Hayl (M.A.R. Khan pers. comm. in Feulner 2014). The only other records are of two small trees (<1.5 metres tall) on the northern slopes of Jebel Jabsah, and north of Wadi Ham on the outskirts of Fujairah city (Feulner 2014). The species is absent from Wadi Wurayah National Park (Feulner 2016) and from the Ru's al-Jibal (Feulner 2011). The EOO is less than 200 km2. The AOO has not been measured as detailed locality records are not available, but it is likely to also be 200 km2. It is considered to be native to the UAE. The species has been very widely cultivated so it is difficult to determine its full native range, but currently it is considered native to parts of Africa, Europe and western Asia.

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

A tree that grows to at least 3-4 m in height in the UAE (G.R. Feulner pers. comm. 2019). The species is generally found along ridge tops, summit cliffs, and north and east-facing slopes and ravines of the Hajar Mountains above 800 m as well as, occasionally, in ravine beds in wadi bottoms at Wadi Hayl and Wadi Mayy (Feulner 2014).

Threats and conservation measures listed

Threats listed in assessment

The species is at the northern extent of its range in these mountains. Individuals in wadi beds and the lower parts of ravines are vulnerable to grazing, development (housing, roads etc), and other threats. Grazing by livestock and feral animals might be the cause of the poor regeneration observed by G.R. Feulner (in litt, MEW 2010). There has been localised loss of individuals as a result of development (radio mast construction). In parts of the Olive Highlands, introduced (e.g., from Spain and Italy) olive plantations have been developed. Hybridisation between wild olives and planted olive trees is highly likely by pollinators and wind pollination.

History

Same population size, although the individual trees were in better condition as a a result of higher rainfall.

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

330681

Taxon name

Anthus similis

Jerdon, 1840

Uploaded by

National Red List Database

Taxonomic information

Scientific name

Anthus similis

Jerdon, 1840

Assessed taxon level

Species

Higher level taxonomic groupings

Vertebrates

Birds

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

chordata

Class

aves

Order

passeriformes

Family

motacillidae

Genus

Anthus

Species

similis

Species authority

Jerdon, 1840

Taxonomic notes and synonyms listed

Anthus similis and A. nyassae (del Hoyo and Collar 2016) were previously lumped as A. similis following AERC TAC (2003); Cramp and Simmons (1977-1994); Dowsett and Forbes-Watson (1993). Anthus longicaudatus is no longer recognized as a species, following del Hoyo and Collar (2016); available material in museums is an amalgam of specimens of A. vaalensis and A. similis.

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

Qualifying criteria (if given)

Criteria system used

IUCN

(see Assessment details)

Assessment rationale/justification

This species's breeding population within the UAE is small enough to trigger a listing as Endangered under Criterion D. However, the species is likely a recipient of immigration from outside of the country which would provide a rescue effect. Therefore, the category has undergone a regional adjustment, and the species is listed here as Vulnerable under Criterion D1.

Assessment details

Year assessed

2019

Assessors/contributors/reviewers listed

UAE National Red List Workshop

Criteria system used

IUCN

Reference for methods given

Further information

Endemism (according to assessment)

Endemic to region

Not assigned

Taxon distribution as listed in assessment

This species is an uncommon to fairly common resident in the northern highlands as well as in the eastern part of the UAE. Occasionally, individuals stop in the country during migration or for wintering (Pedersen et al. 2017). The occurrence of wintering individuals in the lowland plains along the coast might be of local altitudinal migrants within the country (Jennings 2010).

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 inhabits rocky hills, slopes and terraced fields in the highlands (Jennings 2010, Aspinall and Porter 2011). It favours areas with bushes, sparse trees and a dense vegetation cover on the ground (Jennings 2010). Its diet includes invertebrates (grasshoppers and other insects), which it takes from the ground, sometimes even by running and chasing (Jennings 2010). Within the UAE, it breeds above c. 500 m, ranging to he highest elevations (Jennings 2010). During winter, highland birds migrate to lower elevations (Jennings 2010). In general, the breeding season of this species varies across regions and the onset of breeding in the UAE remains largely unknown. It has been suggested that the species is double-brooded, with a first clutch produced at lower altitudes with juveniles hatching between October and April, and a second clutch produced subsequently after moving to higher altitudes from late March/April on (Jennings 2010). The nest is usually loosely constructed of grass and placed in a natural hollow on a hillside, concealed by a boulder or bush (Jennings 2010). There is the possibility that locally nests might be parasitised by the Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), which is assumed to breed in Musandam (Oman) and maybe ranging into northern UAE (Jennings 2010).

Threats and conservation measures listed

Threats listed in assessment

Development in montane areas may potentially pose a threat, as may coastal development in its wintering range. Overgrazing outside of Protected Areas potentially could also have an impact.

History

It is assessed that in 1996, the national Red List status of this species would have been the same as in this assessment.

Publication

UAE National Red List of Birds

Burfield, I.J., Westrip, J., Sheldon, R.D., Hermes, C., Wheatley, H., Smith, D., Harding, K.A. Allen, D.J. and Alshamsi, O. 2021. UAE National Red List of Birds. Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Assessment ID

330678

Taxon name

Riparia riparia

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Uploaded by

National Red List Database

Taxonomic information

Scientific name

Riparia riparia

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Assessed taxon level

Species

Higher level taxonomic groupings

Vertebrates

Birds

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

chordata

Class

aves

Order

passeriformes

Family

hirundinidae

Genus

Riparia

Species

riparia

Species authority

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Taxonomic notes and synonyms listed

Riparia riparia and R. diluta (del Hoyo and Collar 2016) were previously lumped as R. riparia following AERC TAC (2003), AOU (1998 and supplements), Cramp and Simmons;(1977-“1994), Dowsett and Forbes-Watson (1993), SACC (2005 and updates), Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993), and Stotz et al. (1996).

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

Qualifying criteria (if given)

Criteria system used

IUCN

(see Assessment details)

Assessment rationale/justification

This species has a relatively small non-breeding population within the UAE. On average, this would appear to even out at a level that would trigger Endangered under Criterion D, although accurately estimating the population size and trend of this species is hindered by its movement habits. A regional adjustment has been applied as it is deemed likely that a rescue effect from the wider breeding population could occur. Therefore, it is listed as Vulnerable under criterion D1.

Assessment details

Year assessed

2019

Assessors/contributors/reviewers listed

UAE National Red List Workshop

Criteria system used

IUCN

Reference for methods given

Further information

Endemism (according to assessment)

Endemic to region

Not assigned

Taxon distribution as listed in assessment

The majority of occurrences of this species within the UAE are likely to be of wintering birds and migrant individuals on passage to and from the breeding grounds (Pedersen et al. 2017). Numbers are highest between August to May, when it is common over open land or waterbodies (Aspinall and Porter 2011, Pedersen et al. 2017). The species has been recorded in all months though (Pedersen et al. 2017).

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 occurs over open country and wetlands, including cultivations, parks or sewage treatment plants (Richardson 1990, Aspinall and Porter 2011). There is no information available about its feeding habits in the UAE; elsewhere it forages approximately 15 m above ground, feeding mainly on insects and spiders (Tucker and Heath 1994, Turner 2004). The species is migratory; it breeds between late April and August in Eurasia (Tucker and Heath 1994).

Threats and conservation measures listed

Threats listed in assessment

Outside of the country, breeding sites are generally ephemeral and can often be lost through human activities (e.g. flood control, erosion control on rivers), and this could also be true for artificial sites where the species may occur within the UAE. Globally, the use of pesticides, causing declines in prey species, may impact the species (Tucker and Heath 1994), but this is not thought to be pertinent to the UAE. In Europe, it is often dependent on artificial breeding sites such as quarries (Turner 2004), however quarry work can adversely affect breeding, though workers often take measures to prevent this. In the past, droughts in wintering areas have caused severe large-scale population declines in western Europe (Tucker and Heath 1994, Turner 2004), and so this could be a further threat to the species within UAE.

History

It is assessed that in 1996, the national Red List status of this species would have been the same as in this assessment.

Publication

UAE National Red List of Birds

Assessment ID

330612

Taxon name

Curruca curruca

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Uploaded by

National Red List Database

Taxonomic information

Scientific name

Curruca curruca

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Assessed taxon level

Species

Higher level taxonomic groupings

Vertebrates

Birds

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

chordata

Class

aves

Order

passeriformes

Family

sylviidae

Genus

Curruca

Species

curruca

Species authority

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Taxonomic notes and synonyms listed

Previously placed in Sylvia (del Hoyo and Collar 2016) but moved to current genus following Cai et al. (2019). Until recently considered to constitute several species, with splits of althaea and minula (with margelanica) (Sibley and Monroe 1990, 1993) from curruca (AOU 1998 and supplements; Dowsett and Forbes-Watson 1993; Sibley and Monroe 1990, 1993), and this may ultimately be more appropriate. Nuclear DNA, however, fails to support clades based on mtDNA, and, although althaea is relatively well marked, characters used to define species (and subspecies) limits prove too weak for taxa to pass tests of diagnosability (Olsson et al. 2013b). Treatment of these forms under a single species currently therefore inevitable (Dickinson and Christidis 2014).Geographical variation largely clinal, subspecies halimodendri intergrading widely with nominate in S Siberia. Proposed subspecies caucasica (Turkey, Caucasus and N Iran) and zagrossiensis (SW Iran) barely separable from nominate; similarly, telengitica (Russian Altai and Mongolia) included in margelanica. Proposed subspecies snigirewskii (Turkmenistan) largely inseparable from minula, and jaxartica (S Kazakhstan) falls within range of clinal variation of halimodendri; poorly differentiated chuancheica (upper R Huang He, S of Gobi, in N China) included in margelanica. Birds from Alai and Pamir Ranges E to Tien Shan sometimes separated as subspecies monticola, but not reliably distinguishable from those in rest of range of althaea. Six subspecies recognized.

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

Qualifying criteria (if given)

Criteria system used

IUCN

(see Assessment details)

Assessment rationale/justification

The small non-breeding population size of this species in the UAE means that the species triggers the threshold for Vulnerable under Criterion D.

Assessment details

Year assessed

2019

Assessors/contributors/reviewers listed

UAE National Red List Workshop

Criteria system used

IUCN

Reference for methods given

Further information

Endemism (according to assessment)

Endemic to region

Not assigned

Taxon distribution as listed in assessment

Two/three subspecies occur during passage and winter in wooded areas throughout the UAE. Subspecies curruca/blythi is fairly common on passage between mid-February and mid-May and between September and November. In winter, it is uncommon (Pedersen et al. 2017). Subspecies halimodendri is common on passage and winter, occurring in the UAE between mid-September and mid-April (Pedersen et al. 2017). Individuals wintering in or passing through the UAE breed throughout Eurasia.

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 inhabits a variety of lightly wooded, bushy country, including woodland, dense undergrowth, acacia scrubland, thick bushes, parks, large gardens, oases and cultivations (Richardson 1990, Aspinall and Porter 2011). There is no information available about its diet in the UAE; elsewhere the diet is made up of mostly insects in the breeding season and fruits at other times of the year, although it is generally considered less frugivorous than many congeners. The species is a long-distance migrant, breeding between late April and early August throughout Eurasia (Aymí and Gargallo 2015).

Threats and conservation measures listed

Threats listed in assessment

The intensification of modern agricultural techniques has driven habitat loss and declines in this species in some areas within its global range (Hagemeijer and Blair 1997), but it is unknown whether individuals that visit UAE are impacted by this threat. Overgrazing outside of Protected Areas may have an impact on this species.

History

It is assessed that in 1996, the national Red List status of this species would have been the same as in this assessment.

Publication

UAE National Red List of Birds

Assessment ID

330596

Taxon name

Anthus cervinus

(Pallas, 1811)

Uploaded by

National Red List Database

Taxonomic information

Scientific name

Anthus cervinus

(Pallas, 1811)

Assessed taxon level

Species

Higher level taxonomic groupings

Vertebrates

Birds

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

chordata

Class

aves

Order

passeriformes

Family

motacillidae

Genus

Anthus

Species

cervinus

Species authority

(Pallas, 1811)

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

Qualifying criteria (if given)

Criteria system used

IUCN

(see Assessment details)

Assessment rationale/justification

This species has a very small non-breeding population size within the UAE, small enough that it falls below the threshold for listing as Endangered under Criterion D. However, it is likely that there is the chance for a rescue effect for this population and so the category has undergone a regional adjustment. Therefore, the species is listed here as Vulnerable under Criterion D1.

Assessment details

Year assessed

2019

Assessors/contributors/reviewers listed

UAE National Red List Workshop

Criteria system used

IUCN

Reference for methods given

Further information

Endemism (according to assessment)

Endemic to region

Not assigned

Taxon distribution as listed in assessment

This species occurs in the UAE during winter and on passage. Numbers are highest between mid-September and early May, when the species is common to very common in humid areas throughout the country (Pedersen et al. 2017). Individuals wintering in or migrating through the UAE breed in the Arctic.

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 occurs in humid areas and usually near water, favouring marshes, damp grassland, wet hollows, surface water margins and cultivations (Richardson 1990, Aspinall and Porter 2011). During winter, the species forms small flocks at its preferred locations (Richardson 1990). There is no information available about its feeding habits in the UAE; elsewhere it forages on the ground and its prey is mainly insects but also other invertebrates, and some vegetable matter (Tyler 2016). The species is migratory and breeds between late May and July in the arctic tundra.

Threats and conservation measures listed

Threats listed in assessment

Artificial habitats that favour this species may be transient, so monitoring of such habitats will be important. The species is also vulnerable to future climate change (Virkkala et al. 2008).

History

It is assessed that in 1996, the national Red List status of this species would have been the same as in this assessment.

Publication

UAE National Red List of Birds

Assessment ID

330594

Taxon name

Motacilla cinerea

Tunstall, 1771

Uploaded by

National Red List Database

Taxonomic information

Scientific name

Motacilla cinerea

Tunstall, 1771

Assessed taxon level

Species

Higher level taxonomic groupings

Vertebrates

Birds

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

chordata

Class

aves

Order

passeriformes

Family

motacillidae

Genus

Motacilla

Species

cinerea

Species authority

Tunstall, 1771

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

Qualifying criteria (if given)

Criteria system used

IUCN

(see Assessment details)

Assessment rationale/justification

Retained in the UAE list because of its regional status as a breeding bird in the Arabian Peninsula, within the UAE this species has an extremely small non-breeding population size. This tiny population size meets the threshold for listing as Critically Endangered under Criterion D. However, after regional adjustment it is listed here as Vulnerable under Criterion D, as it has a relatively small population size in UAE compared to the regional and global population.

Assessment details

Year assessed

2019

Assessors/contributors/reviewers listed

UAE National Red List Workshop

Criteria system used

IUCN

Reference for methods given

Further information

Endemism (according to assessment)

Endemic to region

Not assigned

Taxon distribution as listed in assessment

The majority of occurrences of this species within the UAE are likely to be of wintering birds and migrant individuals on passage to and from the breeding grounds (Pedersen et al. 2017). Numbers are highest between late August and April, when the species is fairly common at freshwater sites throughout the country. The species is rarely observed in May (Pedersen et al. 2017). Individuals wintering in or passing through the UAE breed throughout Eurasia.

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 occurs on inland freshwater sites, including wooded streams, mountain wadis near rivers, pools and pool margins, sewage treatment plants and wet grassland (Richardson 1990, Aspinall and Porter 2011). There is no information available about its diet in the UAE; elsewhere it feeds mainly on insects, but also takes freshwater shrimps (Gammarus), terrestrial snails and spiders. The species is migratory and breeds between late March and August near watercourses in Eurasia.

Threats and conservation measures listed

Threats listed in assessment

Symes et al. (2015) do not note any specific threats for this species despite it being considered Near Threatened as a breeding bird in the Arabian Peninsula due to a small population size; and indeed it has been suggested that stream pollution may not significantly impact the species (del Hoyo et al. 2004). Artificial habitats that favour this species may be transient, so monitoring of such habitats will be important.

History

It is assessed that in 1996, the national Red List status of this species would have been the same as in this assessment.

Publication

UAE National Red List of Birds

Assessment ID

330593

Taxon name

Motacilla citreola

Pallas, 1776

Uploaded by

National Red List Database

Taxonomic information

Scientific name

Motacilla citreola

Pallas, 1776

Assessed taxon level

Species

Higher level taxonomic groupings

Vertebrates

Birds

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

chordata

Class

aves

Order

passeriformes

Family

motacillidae

Genus

Motacilla

Species

citreola

Species authority

Pallas, 1776

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

Qualifying criteria (if given)

Criteria system used

IUCN

(see Assessment details)

Assessment rationale/justification

This species has a non-breeding population size that is small enough to qualify as Endangered under Criterion D. However, the species is considered likely to receive a rescue effect from breeding populations outside of the country and so the species's category has undergone a regional adjustment. It is therefore listed as Vulnerable under Criterion D1.

Assessment details

Year assessed

2019

Assessors/contributors/reviewers listed

UAE National Red List Workshop

Criteria system used

IUCN

Reference for methods given

Further information

Endemism (according to assessment)

Endemic to region

Not assigned

Taxon distribution as listed in assessment

The majority of occurrences of this species within the UAE are likely to be of wintering birds and migrant individuals on passage to and from the breeding grounds. Numbers are highest between mid-August and April, when the species is common at wetlands throughout the country (Aspinall and Porter 2011, Pedersen et al. 2017). In other months, the species is rare (Pedersen et al. 2017). Individuals wintering in, or migrating through, the UAE breed throughout central Eurasia.

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 occurs near waterbodies or wet areas, including swampy and damp meadows or fields, marshes, exposed pond edges, river and lake margins, public parks, golf courses, lagoons, sewage ponds and water treatment plants (Richardson 1990, Aspinall and Porter 2011). There is no information available about its diet in the UAE; elsewhere the diet includes a wide variety of invertebrates, often aquatic, and their larvae. The species is migratory and breeds from April to June in central Eurasian grasslands.

Threats and conservation measures listed

Threats listed in assessment

There are currently no known significant threats to this species, however, artificial habitats that favour this species may be transient, so monitoring of such habitats will be important.

History

It is assessed that in 1996, the national Red List status of this species would have been the same as in this assessment.

Publication

UAE National Red List of Birds

Assessment ID

330580

Taxon name

Acrocephalus scirpaceus

(Hermann, 1804)

Uploaded by

National Red List Database

Taxonomic information

Scientific name

Acrocephalus scirpaceus

(Hermann, 1804)

Assessed taxon level

Species

Higher level taxonomic groupings

Vertebrates

Birds

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

chordata

Class

aves

Order

passeriformes

Family

acrocephalidae

Genus

Acrocephalus

Species

scirpaceus

Species authority

(Hermann, 1804)

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

Qualifying criteria (if given)

Criteria system used

IUCN

(see Assessment details)

Assessment rationale/justification

The relatively small breeding population for this species meets the threshold for listing as Endangered under criterion D. However, the population is thought to be continuing to increase, and there is likely a rescue effect for this species. Therefore, after regional adjustment, the species is listed here as Vulnerable under criterion D1.

Assessment details

Year assessed

2019

Assessors/contributors/reviewers listed

UAE National Red List Workshop

Criteria system used

IUCN

Reference for methods given

Further information

Endemism (according to assessment)

Endemic to region

Not assigned

Taxon distribution as listed in assessment

The majority of occurrences of this species within the UAE are of migrant individuals on passage to and from the breeding grounds, with highest numbers between February and May and between July and November (Pedersen et al. 2017). Since 1992, the species is regularly breeding in the UAE, and it has been suggested that a part of this population could be resident within the country (Jennings 2010, Pedersen et al. 2017).

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 breeds in thick beds of reed (Phragmites particularly P. australis) on damp soil near water (Jennings 2010, Aspinall and Porter 2011). It also prefers this habitat during migration, but additionally uses any thick vegetation, bushes or undergrowth (Jennings 2010). There is no information available on its diet in the UAE, but elsewhere it mainly feeds on insects and spiders, which are taken from reeds or nearby vegetation, and occasionally on vegetable matter (Jennings 2010). The breeding period lasts from February to July or even longer, suggesting that the species is double-brooded (Jennings 2010). No nest has been described in the UAE, but elsewhere it is a deep cup neatly woven from split reed blades, reed inflorescences, plant down and grass stems and lined with finer material. It is suspended from two to eight vertical reed stems, usually 15-“200 cm over shallow water. Outside Arabia, clutches can be three to five eggs, but are most commonly four.

Threats and conservation measures listed

Threats listed in assessment

Loss of wetland sites due to development is likely to be the main threat to this species (see Aspinall 1996), and potential turnover in certain artificial wetland habitats could impact the species's habitat.

History

This species has increased its population size since 1996 due to increasing availability of suitable irrigated habitat, and it is suspected that the population size (accounting for regional adjustments) may have been sufficiently small in 1996 that it would have warranted a listing as Endangered under criterion D then, whereas now (2019) it is assessed as Vulnerable.

Publication

UAE National Red List of Birds

Assessment ID

330578

Taxon name

Scotocerca inquieta

(Cretzschmar, 1827)

Uploaded by

National Red List Database

Taxonomic information

Scientific name

Scotocerca inquieta

(Cretzschmar, 1827)

Assessed taxon level

Species

Higher level taxonomic groupings

Vertebrates

Birds

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

chordata

Class

aves

Order

passeriformes

Family

scotocercidae

Genus

Scotocerca

Species

inquieta

Species authority

(Cretzschmar, 1827)

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

Qualifying criteria (if given)

Criteria system used

IUCN

(see Assessment details)

Assessment rationale/justification

The potentially very small resident population within the UAE means that the species triggers the threshold for listing as Endangered under Criterion D. However, there is the potential for rescue effect from outside the country and so a regional adjustment has been made. The species is therefore listed here as Vulnerable under Criterion D1.

Assessment details

Year assessed

2019

Assessors/contributors/reviewers listed

UAE National Red List Workshop

Criteria system used

IUCN

Reference for methods given

Further information

Endemism (according to assessment)

Endemic to region

Not assigned

Taxon distribution as listed in assessment

This species is a fairly common resident in the UAE. It occurs in mountains and wadis in the northern and eastern part of the country (Pedersen et al. 2017).

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 inhabits rocky wadis and hillsides with acacia and other bushes. It prefers dry habitats. While it generally avoids human-modified environments, it is sometimes found in gardens and cultivations (Jennings 2010). The species forms family groups of up to eight birds and keeps in close contact when moving through the territory (Jennings 2010). There is no information available on its diet in the UAE, but it is reported to feed on invertebrates and sometimes seeds elsewhere. It is able to survive in dry environments, where water sources are absent most of the year (Jennings 2010). The breeding behaviour in the UAE is not well known; in Arabia the breeding period differs between regions, with the peak activity between January and September (Jennings 2010).

Threats and conservation measures listed

Threats listed in assessment

While Aspinall (1996) reports the species to be relatively common above 500m, and it could be assumed that these areas are less susceptible to development and disturbance (R. Sheldon;in litt.;2019), there is the potential threat of development of montane sites, and the possibility that overgrazing outside of Protected Areas may be having an impact on this species.

History

It is assessed that in 1996, the national Red List status of this species would have been the same as in this assessment.

Publication

UAE National Red List of Birds

Assessment ID

330573

Taxon name

Sturnus vulgaris

Linnaeus, 1758

Uploaded by

National Red List Database

Taxonomic information

Scientific name

Sturnus vulgaris

Linnaeus, 1758

Assessed taxon level

Species

Higher level taxonomic groupings

Vertebrates

Birds

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

chordata

Class

aves

Order

passeriformes

Family

sturnidae

Genus

Sturnus

Species

vulgaris

Species authority

Linnaeus, 1758

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

Qualifying criteria (if given)

Criteria system used

IUCN

(see Assessment details)

Assessment rationale/justification

This species's non-breeding population is suspected to be sufficiently large that it would not approach the thresholds for listing as Vulnerable, and so would be listed as Least Concern. However, the breeding population takes precedence here. This species colonised the UAE as a breeding species in the early 1990s, and has increased since. The population size does remain small, low enough that it would trigger a listing as Endangered. However, there is a good likelihood for a rescue effect for this population and so, after regional adjustment, it is listed here as Vulnerable under Criterion D1.

Assessment details

Year assessed

2019

Assessors/contributors/reviewers listed

UAE National Red List Workshop

Criteria system used

IUCN

Reference for methods given

Further information

Endemism (according to assessment)

Endemic to region

Not assigned

Taxon distribution as listed in assessment

Occurrences of this species within the UAE are mainly of wintering individuals between November and February. From 1991 on, there has been a small resident population of up to 50 pairs breeding in Ras al-Khaimah Emirate (Jennings 2010). While the persistence of this population has been unclear in recent years, breeding was confirmed again in May 2019 (S. Alam (Dubai Municipality) pers. comm. 2019, R. Khan (Dubai Safari, Dubai Municipality) pers. comm. 2019). Moreover, there is evidence of a new breeding population in Dubai (Pedersen et al. 2017).

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

During the non-breeding season, this species occupies a wide variety of habitats, including heavily modified areas like cultivations, garbage dumps, urban gardens, villages and palm groves (Jennings 2010). The breeding population near Hamraniyah (Ras al-Khaimah) inhabited irrigated fodder fields in close proximity to farm buildings and old Ghaf (Prosopis cineraria) trees (Jennings 2010). The species roosts in large flocks, partly together with other species, in large trees close to human settlements (Jennings 2010). It feeds in flocks on the ground. It is omnivorous, taking plant material (grains, grass, fruits and berries) as well as animals (invertebrates and small lizards), but also feeds on food waste and visits bird tables (Snow and Perrins 1998, Jennings 2010). Breeding occurs mostly between March and June. There is no information available on nests or nest sites in the UAE; elsewhere the nest is a bulky structure of dry grasses and leaves, lined with softer materials such as feathers, hair and fibres. It is typically built in a hole in a tree or building. Clutches are normally four to six eggs (Craig and Feare 2015).

Threats and conservation measures listed

Threats listed in assessment

No threats are known to be affecting this species in the UAE.

History

Having initially colonised the country as a breeding species in the early 1990's, the population of this species has continued to grow. After taking into account regional adjustments, it is thought that the species would have been assessed as Endangered in 1996, whereas now it is listed as Vulnerable. It has potentially done so as a result of increasing levels of suitable habitat within the country.

Publication

UAE National Red List of Birds