New breeding colony of greater flamingo discovered in Abu Dhabi

14/09/2009 12:28:47 800 Chicks and More than 1,800 Flamingos Found

September 2009. A new breeding colony of the Greater Flamingo has been found by biologists Abu Dhabi's Environment Agency (EAD). The colony was discovered within the 'Bu Al Siaief' Marine Protected Area, during a routine monitoring survey of the coastal areas of Abu Dhabi.

Dr. Salim Javed, EAD's Deputy Manager, Bird Conservation said "The entire inter-tidal mudflat and salt marsh areas to the west of the Musaffah channel are highly important for the flamingos as well as many other shorebirds. Importance of the newly discovered breeding site was already recognized based on satellite tracking of flamingos, undertaken by EAD since 2005."

10,000 birds 

Since the discovery, EAD has regularly monitored the flamingo numbers in the area. According to Dr. Javed, the numbers have remained high with around 10,000 birds present throughout the summer months.

"This discovery once again demonstrates the importance of the area. It also highlights the urgency with which such areas need to be protected, as rapid development engulfs the coastal areas of Abu Dhabi, particularly in the coastal area of Musaffah," added Al Mansouri.

1954 nests
"Our biologists counted 224 active nests on a sandbar located within the Bu Al Siaief Marine Protected Area. Altogether, they counted 1,954 nests at two sites in the new breeding colony for the flamingo including currently active nests. Many of the nests were already used while the majority of them were abandoned after damage from a storm, We also recorded more than 18,000 flamingos in the inter-tidal areas between Musaffah and Bu Al Siaief Musaffah, the biggest numbers of flamingos recorded to date," Al Mansouri noted.

"The fact that there were more than 800 chicks in the colony makes this the biggest successful nesting in the UAE and possibly in the entire Arabian Peninsula," added Al Mansouri.

"The discovery of this successful breeding colony is significant because flamingos have only bred twice in the UAE. The first time was almost a decade ago at Abu Dhabi's Al Wathba Wetland Reserve and the second time in Shahama," said H.E Majid al Mansouri, EAD's Secretary General.

EAD is also collaborating with the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council on coastal profiling of areas earmarked for protection within the Abu Dhabi capital area. EAD regularly monitors important sites and key species such as flamingo to keep collecting data, to assess the current situation, and to develop a strategic plan to identify priorities for protection of species and important areas in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Greater flamingo chicks in Abu Dhabi. Photo credit EAD