Rare species of birds and flowers have been found and recorded for the first time in the Abu Dhabi's Zirku and Arzanah Islands at the end of a two-year research programme.

The study was jointly conducted by the Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency (Erwda) and Zakum Development Company (Zadco).


A joint scientific study gives details about Abu Dhabi's Zirku and Arzanah Islands' ecological resources, including vegetation, birds, mammals, reptiles and insects. Picture: WAM
The project was aimed at monitoring and documenting changes in biodiversity of the two islands, according to a report issued by Erwda here yesterday.

The study gives details about the two islands' ecological resources, including vegetation, birds, mammals, reptiles and insects, many of which were not previously recorded.

"During the survey carried out during 2003-2004 by Erwda's Terrestrial Environment Research Centre, the main habitat types were described as endangered, and rare plant community on the beach used by Hawksbill Turtles was discovered on Zirku Island," the report said.

Of particular interest on Zirku, the report added, is the sandy beach vegetation with Halopyrum mucronatum and adjacent coastal plain vegetation with Sphaerocoma aucheri. In addition, a number of new plant species were found on both islands.


Majid Al Mansouri, Erwda's secretary general, said the project serves as a model to demonstrate the value of effective cooperation and partnership. "All this is being done to meet the environmental strategy of Abu Dhabi, developed by Erwda and other agencies in the emirate."

Referring to reptiles, the report said, four species of geckos and one lizard were recorded on Zirku, and two geckos and one lizard on Arzanah. Twenty-seven new bird species were recorded on Arzanah during the survey.

After a gap of several years, nesting Red-billed Tropicbirds were also recorded on the island.

A pair of Houbara Bustards was seen on Arzanah for the first time. When compared to the 2001 survey, 15 new bird species were recorded on Zirku. The overall bird list for the island reached 52 species, represented by 22 families.

"A 10-fold increase in the number of breeding White-cheeked Terns was recorded on Zirku Island during the current survey," the report said.

"Also a new colony of the Bridled Tern, approximately 50 pairs, was found on Zirku."

Based on these results, the coastal zone of Zirku was recognised as being highly important for breeding terns and wintering Socotra Cormorant.

The survey revealed Zirku and Arzanah provide habitat for only three terrestrial mammal species – Feral Cat (Felis cattus), Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus) and House Mouse (Mus musculus) – all introduced by man.

"Protection of the natural environment on Zirku is a primary aim and focus of all Zirku staff," said Jamal Al Amari, site manager of Zirku Island. "We strive in our day-to-day operations here to institute a proactive approach to eco-awareness."

Gift of nature
* Rare species of different flora and fauna were discovered on Abu Dhabi's Zirku and Arzanah Islands.

* The project was launched in 2001, following an agreement signed between Erwda and Zadco.

* The project aims to gain a greater understanding of the biodiversity and ecological resources and status of the islands, and develop environmental management plans for future improvement.