A number of rare animal and plant species have been found across the UAE. The most exclusive of these discoveries are:
Arabian Tahr
By using advanced thermal infra-red trap cameras fitted with motion sensors, the EAD’s experts have managed to capture significant data about the Arabian Tahr since 2012. It is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, which indicates that the species is “possibly extinct in the wild”.
Pygmy Shrew
This is an insectivore mammal that was found for the first time in Abu Dhabi in 2010 at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. Its presence in that area is a sign of a healthy ecological habitat. The Pygmy Shrew is one of the world’s smallest mammals and is famous for its pointed nose.
Southern Grass Skink
Found for the first time in the UAE in 2005. This reptile was discovered on Abu Dhabi’s Jernain Island.
Herniaria maskatensis
This plant was first spotted in Al Ain in 2014 on a gravel plain near the borders with Oman. Its presence suggests a healthy ecological habitat.
Maidenhair fern
This plant was discovered on Jebel Hafeet for the first time in 2012. It is a fern species listed as threatened that is also found in the Hajar Mountains.
Hover Fly
This two-winged fly was first spotted on the flowers of Rhazya stricta plants in Mezyad in Al Ain in 2014. It is very important as a pollinator for wild flowering plants. Hover flies are frequent flower visitors and are considered the second most important group of pollinators after wild bees.
Camel spider (Solifugae)
It was caught in 2010 in a pitfall trap in Umm Ghafa, Mezyad in Al Ain. It was a new record for the UAE. Experts have suggested this is one of several new species that belongs to genus Rhagodes distributed in the UAE. Camel spiders are one of the fastest running Arthropods in the world that have adapted to live in the desert. They can be found in areas where there is little vegetation. Despite their fearsome appearance and painful bites, Solifugids are unlikely to harm humans.
Dipcadi lily
A plant first found in 2010 in Jebel Hafeet’s Wadi Tarabat. It is close to extinction and is considered endemic to the region. The species is threatened due to loss of habitat.
Schweinfurthia imbricata
This plant was first spotted in 2009 in a gravel plain in Jebel Hafeet. It is a seasonal plant that is famous for its round, overlapping and succulent leaves. This plant is now on Abu Dhabi’s red list for endangered species and is usually found at the foothills of Al Hajar Mountains.
Dwarf palm
Found on Jebel Hafeet in 2002. It is a vulnerable and rare species.
Great stone-curlew
Found for the first time in 2011 during a routine bird monitoring survey in Bu Syayeef area. It is a threatened species that was recorded for the first time in the UAE.
