Nationwide Conservation Initiatives: Safeguarding the UAE’s Diverse Ecosystems

From coastal mangroves and coral reefs to mountain wadis, desert plains, and urban green spaces, the UAE’s conservation strategy spans every terrain. Federal and emirate agencies—alongside research institutions, NGOs, and community groups—conduct systematic wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration (mangrove reforestation, wadi rehabilitation, dune stabilization), and marine-protected-area management. Strict protected zones and Ramsar-designated wetlands ensure critical breeding grounds for migratory birds and marine species, while outreach and citizen-science programs foster public stewardship. Together, these collaborative efforts secure ecological resilience across the nation’s varied landscapes.

UAE Local Red List Assessment - Partial List

  • Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

    Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Critically Endangered

    Global Red List Assessment: 2018 Least Concern (LC)

  • Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx)

    Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Vulnerable

    Global Red List Assessment: 2018 Vulnerable (VU)

  • Cream-colored Courser (Cursorius cursor)

    Cream-colored Courser (Cursorius cursor)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Critically Endangered

    Global Red List Assessment: 2016 Least Concern (LC)

  • Sand Partridge (Ammoperdix heyi)

    Sand Partridge (Ammoperdix heyi)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Vulnerable

    Global Red List Assessment: 2016 Least Concern (LC)

  • Arabian Gazelle

    Arabian Gazelle (Gazella arabica)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Vulnerable

    Global Red List Assessment: 2018 Vulnerable (VU)

  • Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)

    Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Vulnerable

    Global Red List Assessment: 2016 Near threatened (NT)

  • Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)

    Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Vulnerable

    Global Red List Assessment: 2016 Least Concern (LC)

  • Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)

    Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Vulnerable

    Global Red List Assessment: 2016 Least Concern (LC)

  • Socotra Cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis)

    Socotra Cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Endangered

    Global Red List Assessment: 2018 Vulnerable (VU)

  • Pharaoh Eagle-Owl (Bubo ascalaphus)

    Pharaoh Eagle-Owl (Bubo ascalaphus)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Critically Endangered

    Global Red List Assessment: 2016 Least Concern (LC)

  • Arabian Sand Gazelle (Gazella marica)

    Arabian Sand Gazelle (Gazella marica)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Vulnerable

    Global Red List Assessment: 2018 Vulnerable (VU)

  • Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus)

    Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Critically Endangered

    Global Red List Assessment: 2016 Endangered (EN)

  • Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)

    Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Endangered

    Global Red List Assessment: 2016 Least concern (LC)

  • Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca)

    Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Vulnerable

    Global Red List Assessment: 2017 Near threatened (NT)

  • Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)

    Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Vulnerable

    Global Red List Assessment: 2016 Least concern (LC)

  • Greater Spotted Eagle (Clanga clanga)

    Greater Spotted Eagle (Clanga clanga)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Critically Endangered

    Global Red List Assessment: 2016 Vulnerable (VU)

  • Western Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

    Western Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Endangered

    Global Red List Assessment: 2016 Least Concern (LC)

  • Green-backed Heron (Butorides striata)

    Green-backed Heron (Butorides striata)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Vulnerable

    Global Red List Assessment: 2016 Least Concern (LC)

  • Western Marsh-harrier (Circus aeruginosus)

    Western Marsh-harrier (Circus aeruginosus)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Vulnerable

    Global Red List Assessment: 2016 Least Concern (LC)

  • Egyptian Spiny-tailed Lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia)

    Egyptian Spiny-tailed Lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Vulnerable

    Global Red List Assessment: 2018 Vulnerable (VU)

  • Wonder Gecko (Teratoscincus keyserlingii)

    Wonder Gecko (Teratoscincus keyserlingii)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Critically Endangered

    Global Red List Assessment: 2018 Critically Endangered (CR)

  • Camel Spider (Galeodes arabs)

    Camel Spider (Galeodes arabs)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Endangered

    Global Red List Assessment: 2018 Not Evaluated (NE)

  • Arabian Black Fat-tailed Scorpion (Androctonus crassicauda)

    Arabian Black Fat-tailed Scorpion (Androctonus crassicauda)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Vulnerable

    Global Red List Assessment: 2018 Not Evaluated (NE)

  • Bonelli’s Eagle (Aquila fasciata)

    Bonelli’s Eagle (Aquila fasciata)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Endangered

    Global Red List Assessment: 2016 Least concern (LC)

  • Crab Plover (Dromas ardeola)

    Crab Plover (Dromas ardeola)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Vulnerable

    Global Red List Assessment: 2016 Least Concern (LC)

  • Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarius)

    Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarius)

    Local Red List Assessment Category: Critically Endangered

    Global Red List Assessment: 2018 Critically Endangered (CE)

Reference - Full List
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“Wildlife documentation is a cornerstone of conservation and public awareness. As a wildlife photographer, I bring an artistic vision to every project—because for me, it’s not about ticking boxes on a species checklist but embracing a true lifestyle. From the initial research and planning, to gear selection and packing the car, to the long drive, camouflage, and patient waits in the field, every moment leads up to the decisive click. Even after the shot, careful editing transforms a good image into a great one. In my experience, one powerful photograph can inspire far more action and emotion than dozens of mediocre snapshots ever could.
Beyond the gallery, we lead guided wildlife and bird photography trips across the Emirates.
Whether you’re a birder, photographer, adventurer, or simply seeking to escape the city and reconnect with nature, our trips offer the perfect balance of exploration, learning, and unforgettable memories.”
— Bachar Bouka

Discover Our Species Collection

Want to Explore More? Browse Species by Habitat