CR
Assessment ID
330958
Taxon name
Cordia quercifolia
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Publication
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
330895
Taxon name
Pavonia arabica
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Scientific name
Pavonia arabica
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Plants
Flowering Plants
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
tracheophyta
Class
magnoliopsida
Order
malvales
Family
malvaceae
Genus
Pavonia
Species
arabica
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
Assessed as
Critically Endangered
Abbreviated status
CR
Qualifying criteria (if given)
B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii); D
Criteria system used
IUCN
(see Assessment details)
Assessment rationale/justification
This species is restricted to a single location within the UAE. It is rare, with no more than 25 mature individuals seen, and is now thought to be threatened by human disturbance as a result of improved access to the area for leisure activities, such as hiking. Based on this, the species habitat is inferred to decline in quality. This decline, combined with an estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of 4 km<sup>2</sup>, this species is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii), D). The species is also considered threatened elsewhere in the Gulf region, and no regional rescue effect is applied.
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.
Endemic to region
Not assigned
Taxon distribution as listed in assessment
Within the UAE, this species has only been recorded from a single location: coastal sands close to Khor Fakkan, by G.R. Feulner (Jongbloed et al. 2003, MEW 2010). The estimated extent of occurrence of this species is 4 km<sup>2</sup>. Despite the locality undergoing change, the species persists (G.R. Feulner pers. comm. 2019). Globally, the native range of the species spans from Tanzania to Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula, to Pakistan and India (Board of Trustees, RBG Kew 2019).
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Terrestrial
Not_assigned
Freshwater
Not_assigned
Marine
Not_assigned
Habitat details as listed in assessment
This plant is generally found growing in sand near the base of slopes or cliffs. It is a perennial species, covered with hair and glands and can reach up to 40 cm in height (Jongbloed et al. 2003). It has oval leaves with pointed tips and toothed edges, in addition to round mericarp fruits and solitary pink or white flowers, which can be seen between January and April (Jongbloed et al. 2003).
Threats listed in assessment
The site where this species is found has recently become more accessible to tourist activities and human disturbance (G.R. Feulner, in litt, MEW 2010), including management for amenity use. This may negatively impact the species, although it is unclear to what extent.
History
The population is thought to have always always been small (and hence qualify as CR), although the declines are more recent.
Publication
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
330858
Taxon name
Grewia tenax
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Scientific name
Grewia tenax
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Plants
Flowering Plants
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
tracheophyta
Class
magnoliopsida
Order
malvales
Family
malvaceae
Genus
Grewia
Species
tenax
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
Assessed as
Critically Endangered
Abbreviated status
CR
Qualifying criteria (if given)
B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)
Criteria system used
IUCN
(see Assessment details)
Assessment rationale/justification
This species has a very restricted distribution within the UAE, having only been recorded from Jebel Qitab and Wadi Hayl. Its estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) is 24 km<sup>2</sup> and area of occupancy (AOO) is 8 km<sup>2</sup>. According to the most important threat to this species (drought and extreme weather), it is considered to occur at one threat-based location. In addition, this species is experiencing an ongoing decline in the extent and quality of available habitat due to ongoing droughts and grazing by animals. Therefore, this species is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)). There is not considered to be any rescue effect from subpopulations in Oman, meaning that no regional adjustment is required for the assessment and it remains as Critically Endangered.
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.
Endemic to region
Not assigned
Taxon distribution as listed in assessment
This species has been recorded from slopes within the north-east of Jebel Qitab (Feulner 2011) and from nearby Wadi Hayl in 2015 (Sharjah Seedbank & Herbarium) in the Olive Highlands. The species appears to be restricted to this specific habitat within the UAE (Feulner 2011), however it is also found in Ru'us al-Jibal in northern Oman (Jongbloed et al. 2003), e.g. the Wadi Khaab Shamsi gorge in Oman. Generally, the species is found in a few scattered montane locations (Jongbloed et al. 2003, MEW 2010) in the region. The native range for this species extends from the Sahara to Tanzania and the Arabian Peninsula, in addition to from southern Africa to the Indian subcontinent (Board of Trustees, RBG Kew 2019).
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Terrestrial
Not_assigned
Freshwater
Not_assigned
Marine
Not_assigned
Habitat details as listed in assessment
This species grows as a large shrub (Feulner 2011). It is known from moist ravines and cliffs of mountainous areas, such as Jebel Qitab (Jongbloed et al. 2003, Feulner 2011). A perennial and woody species, this plant can grow up to 200 cm in height (Jongbloed et al. 2003). Between November to March, small white flowers are present, and it also produces an orange-yellow fruit with multiple lobes (Jongbloed et al. 2003). The species is associated with outer range-restricted species that have also been subject to drought in recent years.
Threats listed in assessment
This species is threatened by ongoing drought, in addition to grazing by feral animals.
History
Although the species may have been in better condition as a result of higher rainfall in the 1990s, the species is considered to also have been CR in 1996.
Publication
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
330775
Taxon name
Maerua crassifolia
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Scientific name
Maerua crassifolia
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Plants
Flowering Plants
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
tracheophyta
Class
magnoliopsida
Order
brassicales
Family
capparaceae
Genus
Maerua
Species
crassifolia
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
Assessed as
Critically Endangered
Abbreviated status
CR
Qualifying criteria (if given)
D
Criteria system used
IUCN
(see Assessment details)
Assessment rationale/justification
The only records of this species within the UAE are from to adjacent wadis in northern Ras al Khaimah, where a few scattered individuals are reported (Feulner and Roobas 2013). The total number of mature individuals is inferred to be less than 50. The species also occurs in the Ru'us al-Jibal at lower altitudes (Feulner 2011), however confirmation of presence within the UAE is required as its possible that these occurrences are the result of cultivation, due to most or all occurring in anthropogenic habitats. Based on the occurrence in the Wadi Ghalilah area, the extent of occurrence (EOO) and areas of occupancy AOO) are likely to be highly restricted, however these metrics have not been estimated as detailed locality records are not available. Based on the number of mature individuals being inferred to be less than 50, the species is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR D) and it is likely that the species may also qualify for a threatened category under criterion B based on the probably restricted EOO and AOO. Further research and survey work is needed for this species to confirmation its distribution, origin, and population status. No rescue effect from populations in Oman is considered likely because the nearest known populations are in Oman close to Al Ain.
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.
Endemic to region
Not assigned
Taxon distribution as listed in assessment
Jongbloed et al. (2003) recorded this species within the UAE from four very localised records in the Wadi Ghalilah and Wadi Sha'am, in the area of northern Ras al Khaimah by Allestree Fisher (Karim and Fawzi 2007, G.R. Feulner, in litt, MEW 2010, Feulner and Roobas 2013). The species also occurs in Oman in the Ru'us al-Jibal at lower altitudes (Feulner 2011), where it is common. Feulner (2011) notes that the main range of the species in the eastern Arabian Peninsula is south of the Al-Ain/Buraimi area, outside of the UAE. The species occurs close to Al Ain in Oman, at Jebel Qatar, and especially from Wadi Jizzi southwards (Feulner 2016). Globally, this species is distributed across Africa, through the Arabian Peninsula, to Iran and Pakistan (Board of Trustees, RBG Kew 2019).
Is there a map available in assessment?
Incomplete
Terrestrial
Not_assigned
Freshwater
Not_assigned
Marine
Not_assigned
Habitat details as listed in assessment
Maerua crassifolia is a tree that can reach up to 9 m, found on the lower mountain slopes (Jongbloed et al. 2003) in the UAE. It also occurs on gravel terraces in Oman.
Threats listed in assessment
An extensive quarry operates in the lower parts of Wadi Ghalilah and dust from this may impact the species given the prevailing wind in the area. Grazing also impacts the species.
History
The situation for this species in 1996 is likely to have been similar to its current situation.
Publication
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
330762
Taxon name
Ehretia obtusifolia
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Scientific name
Ehretia obtusifolia
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Plants
Flowering Plants
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
tracheophyta
Class
magnoliopsida
Order
boraginales
Family
ehretiaceae
Genus
Ehretia
Species
obtusifolia
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
Assessed as
Critically Endangered
Abbreviated status
CR
Qualifying criteria (if given)
D
Criteria system used
IUCN
(see Assessment details)
Assessment rationale/justification
This species was first recorded for the UAE in 1996; this single know location at Jebel Qitab, from c. 650 m to c. 1,000 m asl, still remains. The species has an extent of occurrence (EOO) and an area of occupancy (AOO) of less than 20 km<sup>2</sup> and occurs in one location, based on drought and the potential threats of grazing. G.R. Feulner (in litt, MEW 2010) reported a maximum of 30 plants, perhaps fewer than 20, and there was little or no regeneration seen. The species is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR D) based on the number of mature individuals being less than 50. Whilst the species occurs at other sites within the Hajar Mountains in Oman, it is thought that there is little opportunity for a rescue effect, and the assessment remains CR.
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.
Endemic to region
Not assigned
Taxon distribution as listed in assessment
This species was first recorded for the UAE in 1996 from cliffs on Jebel Qitab at c. 1,000 m asl (Feulner 1997) and this remains the single known site for the species in the UAE. The species is locally common at a small number of localities above c. 800 m elsewhere in Hajar Mountains in Oman (including Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Ghaweel; Feulner 1997). It is absent from the Ru'us al-Jibal in the UAE (Feulner 2011). The species has an EOO and an AOO of less than 20 km<sup>2</sup>. Jongbloed et al. (2003) show the species in the Wadi Khabb Shamsi gorge, in Oman. The native range of this species is from southern Africa, through the Arabian Peninsula, to northwestern India (Board of Trustees, RBG Kew 2019).
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Terrestrial
Not_assigned
Freshwater
Not_assigned
Marine
Not_assigned
Habitat details as listed in assessment
The species is found on moist and sheltering northeast facing slopes, summit cliffs and ravines at Jebel Qitab (Feulner 2014). It generally grows amongst rocks, where it is often found spread below other large shrubs or trees (Feulner 2014), and is often associated with olive trees (G.R. Feulner, in litt, MEW 2010). Little or no regeneration is seen.
Threats listed in assessment
The species has been impacted in the past by periods of drought (Feulner 2014). Grazing by feral donkeys and goats may also pose a threat.
History
The species was first seen in 1997, when they were in better condition (wetter years) but with the same or similar number of individuals.
Publication
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
330273
Taxon name
Gymnarrhena micrantha
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Scientific name
Gymnarrhena micrantha
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Plants
Flowering Plants
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
tracheophyta
Class
magnoliopsida
Order
asterales
Family
asteraceae
Genus
Gymnarrhena
Species
micrantha
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
Assessed as
Critically Endangered
Abbreviated status
CR
Qualifying criteria (if given)
B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)
Criteria system used
IUCN
(see Assessment details)
Assessment rationale/justification
This species was recorded in 1988 from a single location on Jebel Hafeet, where it was found near the lower radio tower. The species has not apparently been recorded by subsequent surveys on the mountain. The species is considered to occur in a single location, based on the primary threat of grazing, and with a restricted area of occupancy and extent of occurrence estimated at just 4 km<sup>2</sup>, with a continuing decline in the quality of habitat as a result of grazing pressure. The species is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)), Regionally Possibly Extinct due to the extent of habitat conversion that has occurred in the area where the species was recorded. The species was reported (Jongbloed 1988) from adjacent parts of Oman, on Jebel Qatar, however the status of those populations is not known, and no regional rescue adjustment is applied.
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.
Endemic to region
Not assigned
Taxon distribution as listed in assessment
This species has been recorded from Jebel Hafeet, where it was found near the lower radio tower (Jongbloed 1988). Jongbloed (1988) reported that the species is also known from adjacent parts of Oman, on Jebel Qatar. The species has not apparently been recorded by subsequent surveys on the mountain. The global range of this species is across North Africa, through much of the Arabian Peninsula (including the UAE) to Pakistan and central Asia (Board of Trustees, RBG Kew 2019).
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Terrestrial
Not_assigned
Freshwater
Not_assigned
Marine
Not_assigned
Habitat details as listed in assessment
This small prostrate annual was found on silt among rocks (Jongbloed et al. 2003).
Threats listed in assessment
The primary threat is from development (road construction and other works) and recreational use of the area. Grazing by wild (tahr and gazelles) and feral (goats) animals (Sakkir et al. 2018) is an additional threat.
History
When first recorded, it was considered to be rare and Critically Endangered. Failure to rediscover this species since its initial discovery in 1988 has led it to be considered as 'Possibly Extinct' now, although in 1996 it may have been considered as still extant.
Publication
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
330233
Taxon name
Cutandia dichotoma
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Scientific name
Cutandia dichotoma
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Plants
Flowering Plants
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
tracheophyta
Class
liliopsida
Order
poales
Family
poaceae
Genus
Cutandia
Species
dichotoma
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
Assessed as
Critically Endangered
Abbreviated status
CR
Qualifying criteria (if given)
B1ab(iii)
Criteria system used
IUCN
(see Assessment details)
Assessment rationale/justification
This species is known to occur in Umm Al Quwain within the northeast of the UAE. This coastal area is experiencing ongoing development which poses a threat to the species. As a result, the extent and quality of this species' habitat is declining. In addition, its restricted distribution (EOO: 43 km<sup>2</sup>) means that this species occurs in a single threat-based location. Therefore, Cutandia dichotoma is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR B1ab(iii)). No regional adjustment is made as the extent of any rescue effect is not known.
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.
Endemic to region
Not assigned
Taxon distribution as listed in assessment
This species was recorded in Umm Al Quwain within the UAE (Brown et al. 2006). The estimated EOO for this species is 43 km<sup>2</sup>. It is considered to occur at one threat-based location in regards to ongoing development. Globally, the native range of this species spans from across northern Africa to Iran, including the Arabian Peninsula (Board of Trustees, RBG Kew 2019).
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Terrestrial
Not_assigned
Freshwater
Not_assigned
Marine
Not_assigned
Habitat details as listed in assessment
The species has been recorded as growing within sand dunes and near to coastal dunes (Brown et al. 2006, G. Brown pers comm. 2019). This annual grass species rarely exceeds 0.1 m in height (Brown et al. 2006).
Threats listed in assessment
This species is as risk from ongoing coastal development in the Umm Al Quwain area.
History
This species is only known to currently occur in one area: Umm Al Quwain. This area is subject to ongoing coastal development and, it is assumed that this area had not yet been extensively developed (included construction of buildings and infrastructure, such as roads) in 1996.
Publication
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
330030
Taxon name
Cladium mariscus
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Scientific name
Cladium mariscus
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Plants
Flowering Plants
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
tracheophyta
Class
liliopsida
Order
poales
Family
cyperaceae
Genus
Cladium
Species
mariscus
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
Assessed as
Critically Endangered
Abbreviated status
CR
Qualifying criteria (if given)
D
Criteria system used
IUCN
(see Assessment details)
Assessment rationale/justification
Within the UAE, this species is known from a single site within the Wadi Wurayah National Park, where it was found in and around small bedrock pools near the base of the permanent waterfall. The species is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR D) on the basis of the small number of mature individuals, which was estimated to number fewer than ten. The species was not re-found at the site following heavy rains in 2014, but was present later in 2019. It is not known if there is a potential rescue effect from populations outside the UAE, although the potential for this is low given the small populations in Oman and their distance from this site. Establishment of the species at other sites with suitable habitat in the UAE is possible but, to date, the species has not been found at other freshwater sites (G.R. Feulner pers. comm. 2019).
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.
Endemic to region
Not assigned
Taxon distribution as listed in assessment
Within the UAE, this species is confirmed from a single site (small rocky pools at the base of the waterfall and adjacent rocks) in Wadi Wurayah (first reported by V. Chalmers in 2009 (Feulner 2016); <a href=""http://data.rbge.org.uk/herb/E00647674"">RBG Edinburgh Herbarium</a> specimen collected 2013). The species was also recorded by Gallacher from the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, however this area represents a very different habitat and altitude, and the record requires confirmation. On a global scale, the species is native to temperate Eurasia, the Americas, North Africa, Australia and to the southwest Pacific (Board of Trustees, RBG Kew 2018). In the Arabian Peninsula, this species is also known from scattered localities in Saudi Arabia (Chaudhary 2001) and from isolated springs and waterbodies in Oman (Patzelt 2014) and on Socotra (Miller and Morris 2004). The nearest confirmed locality to Wadi Wurayah is at the Jazirah oasis in Oman (Jongbloed et al. 2003, Feulner 2016), more than 100 km away.
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Terrestrial
Not_assigned
Freshwater
Not_assigned
Marine
Not_assigned
Habitat details as listed in assessment
This is a perennial plant species with sturdy rhizomes (Jongbloed et al. 2013). It a graminaceous herb that grows to c. 2 m in height, found growing c. 5 m below permanent pools, between rocks and beside a permanent waterfall (<a href=""http://data.rbge.org.uk/herb/E00647674"">RBG Edinburgh Herbarium</a>). The species requires standing water (G.R. Feulner pers. comm. 2019). The dispersal ability of the plant seeds is uncertain, but both wind dispersal and dispersal by bird are possible.
Threats listed in assessment
The habitat of this species is prone to change and damage from human disturbance (MEW 2010). Feulner (2016) notes that the species locality at the base of a waterfall is vulnerable to flash floods and the species was not found during survey following heavy rain in November 2014, nor in more recent surveys (G.R. Feulner pers. comm. 2019), but was found later in 2019. Feulner (2016) notes that the waterfall area where this species is found is subject to heavy recreational use.
History
The species was not recorded in the UAE in 1996 but it is possible that the species was present either in the seedbank or as underground rhizomes or, alternatively, it was simply not found or identified in surveys. We consider that it is likely to have been present but in similarly small numbers, or as propagules, and would have qualified as CR in 1996.
Publication
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
330683
Taxon name
Alaudala rufescens
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Scientific name
Alaudala rufescens
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Vertebrates
Birds
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
chordata
Class
aves
Order
passeriformes
Family
alaudidae
Genus
Alaudala
Species
rufescens
Taxonomic notes and synonyms listed
Calandrella rufescens (AERC TAC [2003]; Cramp et al. [1977-1994]; Dowsett & Forbes-Watson [1993]; Sibley & Monroe [1990, 1993]) and C. cheleensis (Sibley & Monroe [1990, 1993]) have been lumped into Alaudala rufescens following del Hoyo and Collar (2016).
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
Assessed as
Critically Endangered
Abbreviated status
CR
Qualifying criteria (if given)
D
Criteria system used
IUCN
(see Assessment details)
Assessment rationale/justification
This species has a small non-breeding population that would warrant a listing as Endangered under criterion D. However, the species is thought to have previously bred in the UAE, and the breeding status takes precedence here. The species is suspected to no longer be a breeding species in the country, but lack of sufficient survey work to confirm its disappearance from the whole country means that it is tentatively treated here as being still extant. Any remaining breeding population is still thought to be tiny. Therefore, the species is listed here as Critically Endangered under criterion D.
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.
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 migrant individuals on passage to and from the breeding grounds in September-November and March-April (Richardson 1990, Pedersen et al. 2017). It is also a common wintering bird in the country (Pedersen et al. 2017). Since 1993, there was a small resident population of about 20 pairs in the UAE, which bred on Taweela Island/Ras Ghanada (Abu Dhabi) and Siniyah Island (Umm al-Quwain), as well as along the coast from Umm al-Quwain to Ras al-Khaimah emirates (Richardson and Aspinall 1998, Jennings 2010, Pedersen et al. 2017). However, it is now believed that the species no longer breeds regularly in the UAE, if it still breeds at all (R. Sheldon;in litt.;2019). There hasn't been sufficient surveying work, though, to confirm its disappearance from the country as a breeding species, and it is quite possible that there could be individuals breeding in unsurveyed areas. Therefore, for this process it is tentatively treated as being still extant.
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Terrestrial
Not_assigned
Freshwater
Not_assigned
Marine
Not_assigned
Habitat details as listed in assessment
This species occurs on open plains of sand or gravel, covered with a dense layer of grasses and herbs (Jennings 2010). It is often found on cultivated areas, near rain pools and on saltflats (Jennings 2010, Aspinall and Porter 2011). It avoids areas with dense vegetation of bushes and trees, and is rare in rocky deserts and on hillsides (Jennings 2010). It is often found in association with other larks, especially the Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla (Jennings 2010). In winter, the species can form flocks of up to several thousand individuals (Jennings 2010). There is no information available on its diet in the UAE. Elsewhere, the diet varies seasonally between invertebrates and seeds. In the spring it feeds mostly on invertebrates and in winter mostly seeds with a mix of the two consumed in summer. Fruits and bulbs are also taken. The breeding season lasts from February to August. The nest is a small scrape on the ground beside a small shrub or tuft, or in the open and lined with vegetation. Normally four to five eggs are laid.
Threats listed in assessment
Development around Ras Ghanada could encroach on breeding sites, but this was thought to be likely to only have a negligible impact on the population, and Aspinall (1996) believed that unless there is to be any significant change in land-use in the near future it is unlikely that the species will face any severe threats. Given that the species has now potentially gone extinct within the UAE as a breeding species either Aspinall (1996) underestimated the impact of development on this species or there are further unidentified threats that have driven the species's potential disappearance as a breeding bird in UAE. Predation by cats,;Felis catus,;has been noted to cause local declines on the Arabian Peninsula for Crested Lark (Symes;et al.;2015), and this is another possible threat to 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, as while there was still confirmed breeding in 1996, the population size would still likely have met the thresholds for listed as Critically Endangered.
Publication
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
330677
Taxon name
Calandrella brachydactyla
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Scientific name
Calandrella brachydactyla
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Vertebrates
Birds
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
chordata
Class
aves
Order
passeriformes
Family
alaudidae
Genus
Calandrella
Species
brachydactyla
Taxonomic notes and synonyms listed
Calandrella brachydactyla and C. dukhunensis (del Hoyo and Collar 2016) were previously lumped into C. brachydactyla following AERC TAC (2003), Cramp et al. (1977-“1994), Dowsett and Forbes-Watson (1993), and Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993).Closely related to C. cinerea, with which often previously merged, and to C. blanfordi, C. eremica and C. acutirostris; until recently considered conspecific with C. dukhunensis (see related note). Geographical variation slight and clinalà¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬becoming paler and greyer to E, more rufous and streaked above to Wà¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬but greatly complicated by strong influence of wear, considerable individual variation and lack of natural boundaries; described ranges of listed taxa somewhat arbitrary. We follow Donald and Alström (in prep) in treating Greater Short-toed Lark as monotypic, finding no support for the usually accepted subspecies woltersi, hungarica, hermonensis, rubiginosa, artemisiana and longipennis. Note that the breeding range does not extend so far east into Mongolia as previously thought, indeed it is unclear whether it occurs in Mongolia at all. The species is monotypic.
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
Assessed as
Critically Endangered
Abbreviated status
CR
Qualifying criteria (if given)
D
Criteria system used
IUCN
(see Assessment details)
Assessment rationale/justification
This species has a small non-breeding population that would warrant a listing as Endangered under criterion D. However, the species is thought to have previously bred in the UAE, and the breeding status takes precedence here. Any remaining breeding population is still thought to be tiny, and there have been recent reports of individuals in suitable habitat in the breeding season. Therefore, the species is listed here as Critically Endangered under criterion D.
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.
Endemic to region
Not assigned
Taxon distribution as listed in assessment
The majority of occurrences of this species in the UAE are of migrating individuals on passage to and from the breeding sites. The abundance is highest in early April and in mid-August to November (Pedersen et al. 2017). It occasionally winters in the country, but numbers vary (Richardson 1990, Jennings 2010). It was thought to be likely that at least 5-20 pairs regularly breed in the country (Jennings 2010, Pedersen et al. 2017), but it is now believed that the species may no longer breed regularly in the UAE (R. Sheldon;in litt.;2019). Any remaining breeding population is still thought to be tiny, but there have been recent reports of individuals in suitable habitat in the breeding season.
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Terrestrial
Not_assigned
Freshwater
Not_assigned
Marine
Not_assigned
Habitat details as listed in assessment
During migration and winter, it is found in semi-desert plains (Jennings 2010, Aspinall and Porter 2011). During the breeding season, it favours lush vegetation, like cultivated and irrigated zones which experienced above average rainfall during the previous winter (Jennings 2010). During migration, it can form flocks of up to 5,000 individuals, which cross the country in April and August-November (Jennings 2010, Pedersen et al. 2017). It feeds on the ground and in low vegetation. There is no information available on its diet in the UAE, but elsewhere it feeds mainly on invertebrates, supplementing them with seeds and the green parts of plants (Jennings 2010). Little is known about its breeding biology in the UAE and Arabian Peninsula. The breeding period may last from March to June (Jennings 2010). Elsewhere, the nest is built by the female, of grasses, rootlets and similar vegetation, lined with softer material and placed in a shallow scrape on the ground, usually beside a shrub or grass tuft. It often has a small rampart of sticks or stones. Clutch size is about three eggs in Arabia (Jennings 2010).
Threats listed in assessment
Within the UAE, predation by cats,;Felis catus,;has been noted to cause local declines on the Arabian Peninsula for Crested Lark (Symes;et al.;2015), and this is another possible threat to this species. Overgrazing outside of Protected Areas could also pose a threat. As a migratory species, individuals that over-winter in UAE but breed elsewhere may be subject to threats outside of the country too - although the scope and severity of impact on the UAE population is essentially unknown. From BirdLife International (2015), in Europe the main threats to the species are from agricultural intensification (leading to loss of fallows, increased number of irrigation schemes, increase in surface area covered by crops, etc.), afforestation of wastelands (de Juana;et al. 2012), and residential expansion (Tucker and Heath 1994).
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
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