Wildlife issues 'not well understood'

Abu Dhabi: School students in the UAE are more aware of waste-related issues than nature and wildlife, suggests a survey initiated by the Emirates Wildlife Society - Worldwide Fund for Nature (EWS-WWF).

Some 750 students under 15 took part in the survey on UAE wildlife and the environment which revealed "concerning gaps in student knowledge on the specific subject."

The survey was carried out in English and Arabic at public and private schools in late 2008.

Only one in ten children were able to identify a native UAE species beyond the camel and falcon. Some 29 per cent of pupils claimed goldfish lived in the sea off the coastline and waterways of the UAE.

Only 8 per cent recognised the ghaf tree as desert flora with 24 incorrectly stating the rose tree and 21 per cent the oak tree as being native to the UAE.

The awareness level on waste-related issues was higher with 72 per cent knowing the '3 Rs' 'Reduce, Re-use, Recycle', 65 per cent agreed pollution was a problem and 62 per cent belonged to households that recycled.

Although the survey revealed a clear lack of recognition of species and plants distinct to the UAE, the good news is over 86 per cent of respondent showed an interest to learn more. Also, encouragingly some 74 per cent of students recognised the need to protect the environment.

Rashmi De Roy, EWS-WWF, said in a statement: "For us, the most significant findings are those that refer to a genuine interest in wildlife and the desire of students to protect the environment in which they live."