Abu Dhabi’s environmentalists are buzzing with excitement following the discovery of a new species at a local wetland reserve.
Researchers at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) were surprised to find a metallic-coloured Cuckoo Wasp while carrying out seasonal wildlife trappings at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve.
The insect, which has been added to the global list of invertebrates, measures just under 4mm and joins hundreds of other invertebrates already recorded on the reserve.
The insect has been named Hedychridium anithaae, after the scientist who led the team that discovered it, Dr Anita Saji, assistant scientist at EAD.
“This discovery indicates how much remains both unknown and unexplored from Abu Dhabi’s biodiversity,” said Dr Saji. “To have this species named after me is a big honour and we are already preparing for further study of its biology.”
Al Wathba Wetland Reserve was declared a protected area by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 1998 in order to safeguard the migratory bird population and maintain a safe breeding area for the Greater Flamingo. EAD has been managing the site ever since, recording 238 invertebrate, 11 mammal, 10 reptile and over 250 bird species in the reserve.
“This discovery further enhances Al Wathba Wetland Reserve’s status as a biodiversity hotspot that must remain protected,” said Dr Shaikha Al Dhaheri, executive director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD. “The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi is proud of this discovery and will continue to ensure the effective management and monitoring of species, water quality and vegetation on the reserve.”
In 2013, the reserve was internationally recognised, becoming the first Abu Dhabi reserve to be added to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands’ list of internationally documented wetlands.
