Arabian eagle owl adds to UAE’s rich natural diversity
For the first time in recorded history, an Arabian eagle owl (Bubo africanus milesi) has been seen in the country, in the Hajar mountains of the Eastern Region.
The elusive bird was identified by Anthony Stoquert during a survey organised by the Emirates Wildlife Society in co-operation with World Wildlife Fund, after a surprise sighting of the Omani owl (Strix omanensis) in Wadi Wurayah National Park in 2015.
Mr Stoquert was supported by Sami Majeed, a Wadi Wurayah National Park ranger from the Fujairah Municipality.
“This recent finding has been quite exciting for the society’s team, as it is undoubtedly just one of many undiscovered species that call the UAE home,” said Jacky Judas, manager and scientific adviser at the collaboration. “In spite of a hot and arid climate, a wide variety of resilient and fascinating species thrive in our deserts and mountain areas – not only species resident in the Arabian Peninsula, but also wintering or migrant species on their way between Asia and Africa.”
The sighting reinforces the importance of further research on the country’s biodiversity, Mr Judas said.
“It is crucial now more than ever that we ramp up collective efforts to protect key habitats and endangered species, all of which constitute the UAE’s rich natural heritage,” he said.
The owl survey is funded by the Mohammed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund and is part of a broader survey of species distribution and abundance in the Hajar mountains.
It is hoped that the survey data will be used to create protected areas with high biodiversity for threatened species.
The Arabian eagle owl can grow to 45 centimetres tall and weigh up to 800 grams.