• An Emirati leaf-toed gecko found during the 2022 expedition. Photo: Bernat Burriel / Institute of Evolutionary Biology
    An Emirati leaf-toed gecko found during the 2022 expedition. Photo: Bernat Burriel / Institute of Evolutionary Biology
  • The gecko, seen here during the 2022 expedition, is the only known vertebrate species endemic to the UAE. Photo: Bernat Burriel / Institute of Evolutionary Biology
    The gecko, seen here during the 2022 expedition, is the only known vertebrate species endemic to the UAE. Photo: Bernat Burriel / Institute of Evolutionary Biology
  • The expedition to find the gecko saw the team explore the UAE's east coast. Photo: Salvador Carranza / Institute of Evolutionary Biology
    The expedition to find the gecko saw the team explore the UAE's east coast. Photo: Salvador Carranza / Institute of Evolutionary Biology
  • The expedition took place at night when there was a better chance to spot the gecko. Photo: Salvador Carranza / Institute of Evolutionary Biology
    The expedition took place at night when there was a better chance to spot the gecko. Photo: Salvador Carranza / Institute of Evolutionary Biology
  • Fifty-two adult geckos were discovered in total. Photo: Salvador Carranza / Institute of Evolutionary Biology
    Fifty-two adult geckos were discovered in total. Photo: Salvador Carranza / Institute of Evolutionary Biology
  • The gecko is a crucial part of the ecosystem. Photo: Johannes Els
    The gecko is a crucial part of the ecosystem. Photo: Johannes Els
  • And it is a shy creature that hides during the day. Photo: Bernat Burriel / Institute of Evolutionary Biology
    And it is a shy creature that hides during the day. Photo: Bernat Burriel / Institute of Evolutionary Biology
  • It is hoped the discovery can aid conservation efforts. Photo: Salvador Carranza / Institute of Evolutionary Biology
    It is hoped the discovery can aid conservation efforts. Photo: Salvador Carranza / Institute of Evolutionary Biology

A new hope for critically endangered animal native to the UAE


John Dennehy
  • English
  • Arabic

The discovery of 52 critically endangered geckos on the UAE’s east coast has raised hopes for the survival of the threatened species.

The Emirati leaf-toed geckoAsaccus caudivolvulus – was thought to be on the brink of extinction but a 2022 expedition found the geckos in five locations despite heavy development in the area.

Geckos play a crucial role in ecosystems because they feed on insects and help to balance the number of species.

But due to habitat loss caused by development, the gecko population has dwindled.

The species is now classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The expedition was financed by the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund and aims to help bring the creature back from the brink of extinction.

"There was a lot of pressure because there is a lot of effort and money involved," said Prof Salvador Carranza, from the Institute of Evolutionary Biology at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, who led the expedition.

You can’t always stop development but you can make people aware and do it in a way that has least impact on populations in the area
Johannes Els,
Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife, Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority

The field trip took place over 15 hot and humid nights in late May and early June last year, which the team identified as the best time to spot the reptiles.

They deliberately picked two weeks with little moonlight, when the geckos are more active because there is a reduced risk from predators. They are nocturnal species and retreat into deep cracks and crevices during the heat of the day.

“These nights are perfect,” Prof Carranza said. “If you go in winter you don’t see anything, even if they are there.”

The gecko is native to a small part of the Hajar Mountains on the north-east of the UAE and is the only known vertebrate species endemic to the UAE.

The six-strong team travelled as much as 15 kilometres a night and used only flashlights to chart a path through mountains, down craggy slopes and across rock faces searching for the elusive and shy creature.

The gecko is about 11 centimetres long, slightly transparent, has long and thin legs for climbing and can lay only one egg at a time.

The Emirati leaf-toed gecko gets its name from the pads on its toes that resemble a leaf. Photo: Bernat Burriel / Institute of Evolutionary Biology
The Emirati leaf-toed gecko gets its name from the pads on its toes that resemble a leaf. Photo: Bernat Burriel / Institute of Evolutionary Biology

It gets its name from the pads on its toes that resemble a leaf. It also has light colouring, orange eyes and orange to brown markings on its back.

“It is a very shy creature,” Prof Carranza said. “When you shed light, they hide immediately. We found them in places we were absolutely not expecting.”

The team was also able to complete the genome sequence of the gecko. This is crucial to build a picture of the animal and aid conservation efforts. It showed a reduction in genetic diversity that can be attributed to a severe and ongoing decline in its population size.

“If a habitat is reduced then inbreeding can take place,” said Bernat Burriel, one of Prof Carranza’s students who worked on this analysis.

“Inbreeding means you have less capabilities of adapting to new situations. This ends up in an ‘extinction vortex’, which means species cannot adapt and go extinct,” he said. “We need to preserve it as fast as possible.”

Last summer's expedition was not just two weeks' work but the culmination of years of effort from experts around the world, the fund and the authorities on the east coast who aided the trip.

The team highlighted that a significant amount of conservation work was accomplished with the $9,000 (Dh33,052) grant.

The expedition to find the Emirati leaf-toed gecko was completed in May and early June last year. Photo: Institute of Evolutionary Biology
The expedition to find the Emirati leaf-toed gecko was completed in May and early June last year. Photo: Institute of Evolutionary Biology

“It was a big surprise to find 52,” said Johannes Els, from the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife at Sharjah’s Environment and Protected Areas Authority, who was also part of the expedition.

“But it was a pleasant surprise. These are fragmented populations but now we have important data that allows us to assess the species.”

Mr Els said a reassessment of the species could now take place which, in theory, could trigger a different and more positive assessment from the IUCN.

He pointed to the success of the Arabian oryx programme, which brought the animal back from the brink, as a sign of what could be achieved.

“The first step is always trying to conserve as much of the habitat that is there and leave them untouched," Mr Els said.

"You can’t always stop development but you can make people aware and do it in a way that has least impact on population in the area.”

Mr Els said authorities were raising conservation efforts and had been informed of the study so the gecko could be considered in future development plans. Some of the geckos' habitats are in areas that are already protected.

More conservation plans that are yet to be revealed are also in the works.

“The rediscovery of a species that had been thought to be extinct is a relief and a boost to anyone who loves nature and the web of biodiversity which sustains our planet,” said Nicolas Heard, acting director general of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, which has now supported more than 2,600 such projects around the world with individual grants of up to $25,000 (Dh91,812).

“It brings optimism that maybe we can reduce the rate of extinction and the damage we are causing to our environment. In this case, finding a population of the Emirati leaf-toed gecko is particularly poignant,” he said.

“For a number of years, we thought that the UAE had lost for ever the only vertebrate unique to this country and nowhere else. That would have been truly tragic, and its rediscovery will hopefully encourage further conservation effort and enthusiasm.”

How the UAE aids conservation and sustainability - in pictures

  • The UAE is known for protecting the environment. Here Environment Agency Abu Dhabi staff release a tagged flamingo as part of Abu Dhabi Birdathon initiative. Courtesy Environment Agency Abu Dhabi
    The UAE is known for protecting the environment. Here Environment Agency Abu Dhabi staff release a tagged flamingo as part of Abu Dhabi Birdathon initiative. Courtesy Environment Agency Abu Dhabi
  • Umbrella Thorn Acacia trees are among the UAE's rich flora. Silvia Razgova / The National
    Umbrella Thorn Acacia trees are among the UAE's rich flora. Silvia Razgova / The National
  • Abu Dhabi has the second-largest dugong population in the world. Environment Agency Abu Dhabi
    Abu Dhabi has the second-largest dugong population in the world. Environment Agency Abu Dhabi
  • Love of nature is part of life here. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, with a sea turtles he helped release into the wild. Instagram/ @faz3
    Love of nature is part of life here. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, with a sea turtles he helped release into the wild. Instagram/ @faz3
  • Abu Dhabi's environment agency is working to protect Hawksbill and Green turtles which live in the emirate's waters. Courtesy TDIC
    Abu Dhabi's environment agency is working to protect Hawksbill and Green turtles which live in the emirate's waters. Courtesy TDIC
  • A cheetah at Al Ain Zoo, Al Ain. The zoo was founded by the Late President, Sheikh Zayed. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A cheetah at Al Ain Zoo, Al Ain. The zoo was founded by the Late President, Sheikh Zayed. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • An Arabian sand gazelle at the Mleiha Archaeological Centre in Sharjah. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    An Arabian sand gazelle at the Mleiha Archaeological Centre in Sharjah. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The UAE is also embracing clean energy. This computer-generated image shows what phase four of Dubai's Mohammed Bin Rashid Solar Park, currently under construction in Dubai. Image courtesy of Acwa Power
    The UAE is also embracing clean energy. This computer-generated image shows what phase four of Dubai's Mohammed Bin Rashid Solar Park, currently under construction in Dubai. Image courtesy of Acwa Power
  • Nuclear energy is also important. The first reactor at Barakah nuclear plant reached 100 per cent power in December 2020.
    Nuclear energy is also important. The first reactor at Barakah nuclear plant reached 100 per cent power in December 2020.
  • Abu Dhabi's new Midfield Terminal has won a coveted three-pearl rating under Abu Dhabi's Estidama, Arabic for sustainability, system. Courtesy KPF
    Abu Dhabi's new Midfield Terminal has won a coveted three-pearl rating under Abu Dhabi's Estidama, Arabic for sustainability, system. Courtesy KPF
  • A breeding programme run by Environment Agency Abu Dhabi helped bring Arabian Oryx back from the brink of extinction. Courtesy: EAD
    A breeding programme run by Environment Agency Abu Dhabi helped bring Arabian Oryx back from the brink of extinction. Courtesy: EAD
The biog

Favourite books: 'Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life' by Jane D. Mathews and ‘The Moment of Lift’ by Melinda Gates

Favourite travel destination: Greece, a blend of ancient history and captivating nature. It always has given me a sense of joy, endless possibilities, positive energy and wonderful people that make you feel at home.

Favourite pastime: travelling and experiencing different cultures across the globe.

Favourite quote: “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders” - Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook.

Favourite Movie: Mona Lisa Smile 

Favourite Author: Kahlil Gibran

Favourite Artist: Meryl Streep

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Closing the loophole on sugary drinks

As The National reported last year, non-fizzy sugared drinks were not covered when the original tax was introduced in 2017. Sports drinks sold in supermarkets were found to contain, on average, 20 grams of sugar per 500ml bottle.

The non-fizzy drink AriZona Iced Tea contains 65 grams of sugar – about 16 teaspoons – per 680ml can. The average can costs about Dh6, which would rise to Dh9.

Drinks such as Starbucks Bottled Mocha Frappuccino contain 31g of sugar in 270ml, while Nescafe Mocha in a can contains 15.6g of sugar in a 240ml can.

Flavoured water, long-life fruit juice concentrates, pre-packaged sweetened coffee drinks fall under the ‘sweetened drink’ category
 

Not taxed:

Freshly squeezed fruit juices, ground coffee beans, tea leaves and pre-prepared flavoured milkshakes do not come under the ‘sweetened drink’ band.

The specs: 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman

Price, base / as tested Dh222,500 / Dh296,870

Engine 2.0L, flat four-cylinder

Transmission Seven-speed PDK

Power 300hp @ 6,500rpm

Torque 380hp @ 1,950rpm

Fuel economy, combined 6.9L / 100km

Directed by: Craig Gillespie

Starring: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry

4/5

The specs

Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six

Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm

Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto

Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km

Price: From Dh796,600

On sale: now

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Vault%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJune%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECo-founders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBilal%20Abou-Diab%20and%20Sami%20Abdul%20Hadi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAbu%20Dhabi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELicensed%20by%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%20Global%20Market%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EInvestment%20and%20wealth%20advisory%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%241%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EOutliers%20VC%20and%20angel%20investors%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E14%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

Jiu-jitsu calendar of events for 2017-2018:

August 5:

Round-1 of the President’s Cup in Al Ain.

August 11-13:

Asian Championship in Vietnam.

September 8-9:

Ajman International.

September 16-17

Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, Ashgabat.

September 22-24:

IJJF Balkan Junior Open, Montenegro.

September 23-24:

Grand Slam Los Angeles.

September 29:

Round-1 Mother of The Nation Cup.

October 13-14:

Al Ain U18 International.

September 20-21:

Al Ain International.

November 3:

Round-2 Mother of The National Cup.

November 4:

Round-2 President’s Cup.

November 10-12:

Grand Slam Rio de Janeiro.

November 24-26:

World Championship, Columbia.

November 30:

World Beach Championship, Columbia.

December 8-9:

Dubai International.

December 23:

Round-3 President’s Cup, Sharjah.

January 12-13:

Grand Slam Abu Dhabi.

January 26-27:

Fujairah International.

February 3:

Round-4 President’s Cup, Al Dhafra.

February 16-17:

Ras Al Khaimah International.

February 23-24:

The Challenge Championship.

March 10-11:

Grand Slam London.

March 16:

Final Round – Mother of The Nation.

March 17:

Final Round – President’s Cup.

SPEC%20SHEET
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Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

Electric scooters: some rules to remember
  • Riders must be 14-years-old or over
  • Wear a protective helmet
  • Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
  • Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
  • Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
  • Do not drive outside designated lanes
Illegal%20shipments%20intercepted%20in%20Gulf%20region
%3Cp%3EThe%20Royal%20Navy%20raid%20is%20the%20latest%20in%20a%20series%20of%20successful%20interceptions%20of%20drugs%20and%20arms%20in%20the%20Gulf%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMay%2011%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EUS%20coastguard%20recovers%20%2480%20million%20heroin%20haul%20from%20fishing%20vessel%20in%20Gulf%20of%20Oman%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMay%208%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20US%20coastguard%20vessel%20USCGC%20Glen%20Harris%20seizes%20heroin%20and%20meth%20worth%20more%20than%20%2430%20million%20from%20a%20fishing%20boat%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMarch%202%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Anti-tank%20guided%20missiles%20and%20missile%20components%20seized%20by%20HMS%20Lancaster%20from%20a%20small%20boat%20travelling%20from%20Iran%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EOctober%209%2C%202022%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERoyal%20Navy%20frigate%20HMS%20Montrose%20recovers%20drugs%20worth%20%2417.8%20million%20from%20a%20dhow%20in%20Arabian%20Sea%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESeptember%2027%2C%202022%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20US%20Naval%20Forces%20Central%20Command%20reports%20a%20find%20of%202.4%20tonnes%20of%20heroin%20on%20board%20fishing%20boat%20in%20Gulf%20of%20Oman%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Bio

Favourite place in UAE: Al Rams pearling village

What one book should everyone read: Any book written before electricity was invented. When a writer willingly worked under candlelight, you know he/she had a real passion for their craft

Your favourite type of pearl: All of them. No pearl looks the same and each carries its own unique characteristics, like humans

Best time to swim in the sea: When there is enough light to see beneath the surface

Key figures in the life of the fort

Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.

Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.

Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

 

 

RESULTS

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,200m
Winner: Shafaf, Sam Hitchcott (jockey), Ahmed Al Mehairbi (trainer)
5,30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,200m
Winner: Noof KB, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: The President’s Cup Listed (TB) Dh380,000 1,400m
Winner: Taamol, Jim Crowley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
6.30pm: The President’s Cup Group One (PA) Dh2,500,000 2,200m
Winner: Rmmas, Tadhg O’Shea, Jean de Roualle
7pm: Arabian Triple Crown Listed (PA) Dh230,000 1,600m
Winner: Ihtesham, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: AF Mekhbat, Antonio Fresu, Ernst Oertel

Our legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

WOMAN AND CHILD

Director: Saeed Roustaee

Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi

Rating: 4/5

Updated: October 02, 2023, 3:40 PM