Conserving the Hidden Nature: An Overview on Conservation Efforts in United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The aim of the study is to document the threats faced by reptiles with other species in UAE and the
conservation efforts done by Barari Natural Resources (BNR). The study was conducted by reviewing
the factors affecting the existing wildlife in 34 different sites managed by Barari Natural Resources in
the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from March to July 2014. The data was collected
using a combination of methods which included participatory observations and group discussions with
the local community including the residents, farmers, foresters, wildlife rangers/staff, and field
workers. The findings/ results of the study indicate that the major threats faced by existing herpetofauna
and other associated wildlife in the study area were off-road driving (25%) followed by desert
safari (19%), human habitation (16%), illegal poaching (13%), human interaction (11%), habitat
degradation (9%) and disturbance (7%). Majority of people (44.80%) believed that off-road driving and
desert safari are the most common threats to these reptiles and other wildlife, whereas 32.20%
people thought that human interference and illegal poaching are the main cause of threats to reptiles
and mammals, while 23% people didn’t know about the threats to herpeto-fauna. According to our
findings, 89.20% of people liked wildlife including reptiles and mammals whereas, 10.80%
respondents were indecisive and did not show much interest.