Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi reports rare red-footed booby bird sighting on Qarnain Island, Al Dhafra Region

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has reported that it has spotted a red-footed booby, a rare member of the booby family, during periodic monitoring operations on Qarnain Island in the Arabian Gulf region.

Considered one of the rarest and smallest booby species, the red-footed booby species are widespread on the coasts and islands of tropical areas, yet remain rare in the region, due to the lack of resident groups in the country.

Consisting of mainly fish and squid, the red-footed booby’s diet confirms its important role in the balance of the marine ecosystem, and although rare, the species is not considered threatened according to the IUCN Red List. The monitoring of this bird represents a unique opportunity for a deeper understanding of wildlife and the importance of preserving natural habitats.

Ahmed Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, said: "This bird, which gets its name due to the red colour of its feet, has been added to the list of 426 bird species recorded in Abu Dhabi. Since 2005, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi has implemented a long-term programme to monitor migratory birds and major breeding species with the aim of protecting and preserving them. This helps to assess the status of breeding species and monitor migratory birds, including birds of prey and waterfowl that are important regionally and globally. Tracking important species assists EAD identify important places located within the Zayed Network of Natural Reserves managed by the agency."

Al Hashemi emphasised that natural reserves, such as Al Wathba Wetland Reserve and Bul Syayeef Marine Protected Area, are of great importance to many types of migratory and resident birds. More than 260 species have been recorded so far in Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, which is considered the only location in the Arabian Gulf where the great flamingo breeds continuously. This breeding activity represents an important sign of the tireless efforts made by the agency to conserve these species.

Qarnain Island, a small island located 180 kilometres northwest of Abu Dhabi, is home to many birds, turtles, and other wildlife. In 2003, the International Union for Conservation of Nature announced the inclusion of the island and its surrounding waters into 81 groups of global reserves. The union has recognised these worldwide reserves since 1996 under various environmental topics such as forest protection, fresh water, marine ecosystems, and the protection of endangered species.