Animal protection

    Whale shark stranded on UAE beach saved by fishermen

    Fishermen in Sharjah have rescued a whale shark after it became stranded on a beach. Videos shared on social media show the whale shark, which measured about six metres in length, near Luluyah Beach in the exclave of Khor Fakkan. The whale shark became beached after it was caught in the fishing nets, with about 10 men pushing […]

    Feeling world-weary? Here are five reasons to be optimistic about the future

    As climate change wreaks havoc, plastic pollution blights oceans and biodiversity losses pile up, it is all too easy to fear for the future. But amid the gloomy forecasts there is hope on the horizon as society bands together to successfully tackle issues that once plagued the planet. From acid rain to precipitous declines in whale populations, progress has […]

    Hawksbill turtles hatch at EGA Al Taweelah beach

    ABU DHABI, 5th September, 2022 (WAM) — Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has announced that it welcomed the successful hatching of over 200 Hawksbill turtles on the shorelines near the company’s Al Taweelah site in Abu Dhabi. Hawksbill turtles are a critically endangered species of sea turtle that visit the UAE shorelines each year to lay […]

    71 falcons released into wilds of Kazakhstan under SZFRP

    ABU DHABI, 15th June, 2022 (WAM) — The Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme (SZFRP) continues to enhance its contribution to nature conservation by releasing 71 falcons into the wilds of Kazakhstan, reinforcing its position as one of the largest wildlife conservation programmes in the world. The onset of rain and mild temperatures in the wild […]

    Sir Bu Nair Island, a safe haven for rare creatures

    SHARJAH, 6th June, 2022 (WAM) — Declared a nature reserve by a Government decree, Sir Bu Nair Island is one of the most important breeding grounds for the endangered hawksbill turtle and features on the International Union for Conservation of Nature list. On 1st June, a hawksbill turtle landed on the island as one of […]

    New species of soft-winged flower beetle discovered in the UAE

    The discovery of a new species of tiny beetle in Sharjah, measuring little more than the width of a credit card, could offer further insight into the biodiversity of the region, according to the scientist who confirmed its authenticity. When Dr Sergei Tshernyshev, based in Siberia, received a small vial containing a tiny creature from […]

    Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi celebrates continued success of world’s largest mammal reintroduction programme

    ABU DHABI, 20th May, 2022 (WAM) — The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) continues to progress with the world’s largest mammal reintroduction programme, as it has successfully translocated 20 Scimitar-Horned Oryx (SHO) and 25 Addax to Chad’s Ouadi Rime-Ouadi Achim Game Reserve during last March. Due to the programme’s efforts, the numbers of Scimitar-Horned […]

    UAE: New Eagle Ray species discovered in Abu Dhabi waters

    Abu Dhabi: The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has found a new Eagle Ray species in Abu Dhabi’s waters, reflecting the unique biodiversity and health of waters in the emirate. The discovery was made from specimens collected during a Fisheries Resource Assessment, a survey of fish stocks in UAE territorial waters. The new species […]

    One in five reptiles threatened with extinction

    More than one in five of all reptile species around the world are threatened with extinction, according to a new study. Researchers found that crocodiles and turtles are most at risk with half of those species threatened by hunting and habitat loss. Turtles were particularly at risk as they are hunted for food and for use […]

    Half the insect population wiped out in areas hit by climate warming and intense farming

    Climate change and intensive agricultural practices have wiped out nearly half of the insects in some parts of the world, a report published Wednesday suggests. The warning is the first time a study has tested the link between rising temperatures and land use, and swingeing losses across numerous insect groups around the world. Limited available evidence […]