The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) marked the International Day for Biodiversity celebrated all over the world on 22nd of May, by launching an awareness campaign to highlight the possible risks posed by alien species in the UAE.
Alien species are not native and were probably introduced accidentally or on purpose by humans. They are harmful because they can possibly introduce new diseases into the ecosystem and can harm people. They also compete with native species for resources, breeding sites and food. It is estimated that 40% of wildlife extinctions around the world is due to invasion by species that are not native.
To raise awareness about alien species of the UAE, EAD will be distributing an educational poster about alien species to government organizations and schools across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The poster highlights the most common alien species in the UAE such as the Common Mynah, Red-back Spider and Samsum Ant. It also raises awareness about the possible risks each species may pose and advises the public on how they can help.
As part of its ongoing research in wildlife conservation, EAD assessed and reviewed over 120 of the UAE’s alien species. This included invertebrates, birds, plants, mammals, freshwater fish, reptiles and amphibians. The most notable alien species were the Red Palm Weevil from Tropical Asia and Red-back Spider from Australia. The main invasive plant species recorded was the Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora), which can reproduce rapidly and occupy large areas of disturbed ground and habitats such as wadis.
EAD also recorded various reptiles and an amphibian species in its survey. The species recorded so far are escapees from the pet trade. Lizard species from Tanzania, Royal python from West Africa, Iguanas from Central America and Nile crocodiles from Africa were recorded. Among the freshwater fish species, there were records of Tilapia species being found in the wadis of the Northern Emirates.
It is know that humans have deliberately or accidentally moved tens of thousands of kinds of organisms around the world. Deliberate introductions include crops, ornamental plants, domestic livestock and pets. Many of these generally survive if they are actively cared for. However, some may adapt well to new areas and develop self-sustaining populations, while others may become serious pests.
