The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has revealed that the Greater flamingo has successfully bred once again at the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve in Abu Dhabi.
Around 200 chicks were born in the last six weeks – the highest number ever recorded since the species first returned to the Reserve to breed back in 2011.
EAD recorded that the first chicks hatched on 1st June, 2013 and by 16th July, a total of 201 chicks were observed. The numbers are significantly higher than the 39 chicks born during the last breeding season in 2012-2013.
Today, around 2,000 Greater flamingos can be spotted residing in Al Wathba, with a high percentage of these being adult breeding birds.
“The 200 chicks born in Al Wathba is the biggest breeding of flamingos ever recorded in the reserve and is a result of sustained efforts to improve habitat conditions and management in the reserve. This record further enhances Al Wathba’s status as a key bird site,” said Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, executive director, Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD.
Flamingos successfully bred for the first time in 1998 at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, and following this successful breeding, the reserve, which is around 45 minutes’ drive from Abu Dhabi city, was established as a Protected Area by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
EAD undertakes monitoring on key elements of the reserve’s wildlife and runs a successful flamingo tracking programme. By monitoring and tracking this species, EAD was able to acquire valuable data about trends, the number of flamingos that visit the Emirate’s shores as well as the route they travel.
In April 2013, the reserve was recognised internationally and declared as a Ramsar site, the first in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It was recognised for its contribution to the conservation of biological diversity and cemented EAD’s efforts to preserve the UAE’s natural heritage.
