Five new bird species spotted at Al Ain Zoo after annual study

The survey has been taking place since 2017 and provides data to improve conservation efforts

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  The Bonell's eagle is one of five new bird species spotted at Al Ain Zoo. All photos: Shutterstock via Al Ain Zoo

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  As is the Eurasian spoonbill

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  Eurasian nightjar were identified at the zoo

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  Greater whitethroat

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  Dunlin are one of the new species

Five new species of bird have been classified after an annual Al Ain Zoo study that monitors migrating and resident birds.

More than 100 birds were identified in the survey, which looks at biodiversity and examines the zoo’s suitability for wildlife.

Migratory and local birds that leave Europe, Asia and Africa in the winter are regularly choosing to temporarily settle at the zoo thanks to the UAE's warmer climate, according to researchers.

The zoo says it also offers a safe habitat amid extinction threats migratory birds face around the world, incorporating suitable vegetation and manmade lakes to attract them.

“Some various species have been observed, some local, others habituated the area, but none are native,” said Hessa Ahmed Al Qahtani, unit head conservation programmes development at Al Ain Zoo. "Five new species have come to the zoo for the first time such as the greater whitethroat, Eurasian spoonbill, dunlin, Bonelli’s eagle and Eurasian nightjar."

The conservation team at Al Ain Zoo has been running the long-term wild bird study programme since 2017. The results are used by the International Bird Census, the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi and the eBird database to help contribute to bird conservation efforts in the UAE and around the world.

Al Ain Zoo

Founded in 1968 by the Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, the 400-hectare zoo at the foothills of Jebel Hafeet is home to more than 4,000 animals such as oryx, giraffe, Barbary sheep, rhinos, hippos, tigers and lions.

There’s also plenty to do on site, including a petting zoo for children. The Al Ain Safari is where visitors can encounter the "big five" — Africa's game animals the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo — from the safety of an SUV or safari truck. Emirati safari guides take the lead, giving more information about the animals and the surrounding landscape.

Al Ain Zoo also has a conservation and breeding programme.

Meet Al Ain Zoo's oldest residents: Vulture aged 47 and Laila the chimp, aged 36 - in pictures

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  This 47-year-old lappet-faced vulture is the oldest animal Al Ain Zoo. Photo: Al Ain Zoo

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  A mugger crocodile at Al Ain Zoo recently reached the ripe old age of 34 and is still going strong. Photo: Al Ain Zoo

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  Al Ain Zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals, 30 per cent of which are threatened with extinction. Photo: provided

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  Big cats have been a part of the zoo since its founding in 1968. Photo: provided

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  The zoo is a 400-hectare park in the foothills of Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain. Photo: provided