Environment Agency Abu Dhabi tag an Arabian tahr, an endangered animal, on Jebel Hafit. Courtesy: Environment Agency Abu Dhabi
Environment Agency Abu Dhabi tag an Arabian tahr, an endangered animal, on Jebel Hafit. Courtesy: Environment Agency Abu Dhabi
Environment Agency Abu Dhabi tag an Arabian tahr, an endangered animal, on Jebel Hafit. Courtesy: Environment Agency Abu Dhabi
Environment Agency Abu Dhabi tag an Arabian tahr, an endangered animal, on Jebel Hafit. Courtesy: Environment Agency Abu Dhabi

Endangered Arabian tahr spotted and tagged on Al Ain mountain


Haneen Dajani
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Wildlife experts in Abu Dhabi have spent six months monitoring the movements of an elusive and endangered mountain-dwelling animal to learn how best to protect it.

Environment Agency Abu Dhabi spotted and tagged an Arabian tahr at Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain last August.

The rare horned animal, related to the mountain goat, is only found in small numbers in the mountains of the UAE and Oman. In the UAE, it is localised to Jebel Hafeet, Abu Dhabi's tallest mountain, and the Al Hajar mountains.

“The endangered species ... is highly vulnerable to development and disturbance,” said Dr Salim Javed, acting director of terrestrial biodiversity division at the agency.

He said the species was endemic to the emirate and had been living on Jebel Hafeet "since the mountain has been there".

The agency has been monitoring the tahr and working on ways to protect it and increase the population since its establishment in 2014.

"We have been more actively monitoring their numbers and placing cameras to observe them,” said Dr Javed.

An Arabian tahr spotted on Jebel Hafit in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. The animal is listed as endangered and must be protected. Courtesy: EAD
An Arabian tahr spotted on Jebel Hafit in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. The animal is listed as endangered and must be protected. Courtesy: EAD

"Accurate assessment of the population shows it is endangered, because it is confined to a very small space on the mountain and has a very small population. We estimated around 15 of them are on Jebel Hafeet, and it has not gone up."

The agency set up cameras in potentially popular areas for the tahr across the mountain to monitor their movements.

"Direct observation is difficult because it is a mountainous habitat to travel around, and they prefer to be on slopes and to be confined in small areas," said Dr Javed.

“We have put camera traps in remote locations that we think will possibly be frequented by this species, whether for food or water and, once it passes, we start taking photos and videos of it."

The tahr was tracked across the entire western slope of Jebel Hafeet National Park.

Dr Javed said the data indicate that such areas needed to be protected "to maintain healthy populations and to preserve the bio-diversity of Abu Dhabi and Jebel Hafeet’s ecosystem”.

The agency will continue observing the population to ensure it remains healthy.

“The best thing to do is to step aside and protect from afar," he said.

Of the three tahr variants, the Arabian is smallest in size at around 60cm tall. The Himalayan and Nilgiri tahr can each grow to be 140cm tall.

The herbivore is mostly brown in colour and has a beard similar to a goat's. Males are larger than females and the species is known to be monogamous.

"For us the Arabian tahr is a flagship species; if you protect it, you protect the other species on the mountain," said Dr Javed.

“We will continue to monitor and put more collars on individuals to know more about their movement and to be able to improve the preservation of this species.”

Endangered species found in the UAE:

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School counsellors on mental well-being

Schools counsellors in Abu Dhabi have put a number of provisions in place to help support pupils returning to the classroom next week.

Many children will resume in-person lessons for the first time in 10 months and parents previously raised concerns about the long-term effects of distance learning.

Schools leaders and counsellors said extra support will be offered to anyone that needs it. Additionally, heads of years will be on hand to offer advice or coping mechanisms to ease any concerns.

“Anxiety this time round has really spiralled, more so than from the first lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Priya Mitchell, counsellor at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi.

“Some have got used to being at home don’t want to go back, while others are desperate to get back.

“We have seen an increase in depressive symptoms, especially with older pupils, and self-harm is starting younger.

“It is worrying and has taught us how important it is that we prioritise mental well-being.”

Ms Mitchell said she was liaising more with heads of year so they can support and offer advice to pupils if the demand is there.

The school will also carry out mental well-being checks so they can pick up on any behavioural patterns and put interventions in place to help pupils.

At Raha International School, the well-being team has provided parents with assessment surveys to see how they can support students at home to transition back to school.

“They have created a Well-being Resource Bank that parents have access to on information on various domains of mental health for students and families,” a team member said.

“Our pastoral team have been working with students to help ease the transition and reduce anxiety that [pupils] may experience after some have been nearly a year off campus.

"Special secondary tutorial classes have also focused on preparing students for their return; going over new guidelines, expectations and daily schedules.”