![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/T5PL7YE7NTE67FN5PCWZNJXQ6M.jpg?smart=true&auth=0114b57ec5b9231e34ef6eb51c4f26bb438709c05026ba83064f6ca73b465b99&width=400&height=225)
Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) - IUCN status: Near threatened - Populations have suffered because of fishing - This species was spotted this year off the UAE's east coast
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SVAGNR4G5NEUREQQDLH3XAAQBE.jpg?smart=true&auth=c27ad7af9c490de077ea0cc94b2970488305f8abbfa63212857b963e839d9a5a&width=400&height=225)
The sand dune cat (Felis margarita) is a nocturnal creature that lives in shallow burrows and hunts rodents. Research published in 2005 indicated that only 250 remained in Abu Dhabi emirate. Courtesy, Al Ain Zoo
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LKSEGIKB5B7S3BWDKRA5R44YBE.jpg?smart=true&auth=2547c13e0b3d4daaddedf120f5149166b3b6b99761c6daf859018e3b232e2471&width=400&height=225)
The Arabian leopard is currently listed as critically endangered. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UG7V3KZDHHLIT3GVGOSRKT4A34.jpg?smart=true&auth=770d92cb51de029d36b7de4a60f678b129fdab958f8d97628cdb1c8ee170dede&width=400&height=225)
This is the first sighting of the rare Rüppell's fox (Vulpes rueppellii) in 13 years. Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/R7RSJKAZYTLWCPGRXXMZZFOPWY.jpg?smart=true&auth=8e04a6b7353c478aada7192343e5ff3bcbadb5a9dcca9952e047ea00b854676e&width=400&height=225)
Whale sharks are known as jinbe zame in Japanese, inspiring their newly discovered residents' name.. Getty Images
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RGKQP6UVLQDXI4SR3JW2IGXMYQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=1f24dec13ffeab435e71053e92ea94aed37a5ac6cb037bef27193ac56873ddc0&width=400&height=225)
Arabian Caracal (Caracal caracal) - IUCN status: least concern - thought to be extinct, the environment agency captured daytime and nighttime footage of the creature for the first time since 1984. Courtesy EAD
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/W76CMN7TRJOKZKKHHQD7FJU3OU.jpg?smart=true&auth=398e2ad04ac8faaa6b7181cc0dcd6bd858ee7de4869c4c427b5fc1e39c0fa451&width=400&height=225)
Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) - IUCN status: Endangered - The UAE is one of 140 countries where the green turtle is a native species; numbers have fallen worldwide - Two years ago Emirates Wildlife Society – WWF launched Gulf Green Turtle Conservation. Courtesy Paul Velasco/EWS-WWF
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7NDC5277NNAI5R4AXQ4FXR5LSQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=4be39d072ce6d29b6635abac0239a657442fe80c6b2247b23dcf16f1faf62e7f&width=400&height=225)
Socotra cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis) - IUCN status: Vulnerable - Found on islands of the coast of several Gulf states, including the UAE - Threatened by development and oil spills, the species has a total population of less than half a million. Courtesy- Rob Gubiani
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/43O6JCTBJX6GAOB57HGHS5RPKI.jpg?smart=true&auth=f0e5be1005a61f41bfb2527a5220625dbd144485789fe3d280575cc4ebecc6c6&width=400&height=225)
Emirati leaf-toed gecko (Asaccus caudivolvulus) - IUCN status: Least concern - Only found in mountainous regions of north-eastern UAE and northern Oman - More recent research suggests it actually consists of three species, one of which is unique to the UAE – making it the country's only endemic vertebrate – and threatened by development. Photo Courtesy: Johannes Els.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GUZZAXDKNYUMAYO3BTZX2AYBLE.jpg?smart=true&auth=45ceb1ac94e9b3f69ad7f3bf200b71bf53084663f08565b4a885949e700992df&width=400&height=225)
Sea cow (Dugong dugon) - IUCN status: Vulnerable - Locally, boat strikes and fishing net entanglement is a threat, although there are major conservation efforts - The population in UAE waters is thought to be several thousand
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/P6WLOOSBLBOSJ5HNWWUFRJQESE.jpg?smart=true&auth=d3cf8f7355cadb8b6c47368514f68eadaf287aed2af850973a80c67d36ed7d06&width=400&height=225)
The Crested Porcupine, a rodent thought to be extinct in the UAE, was recorded by camera traps in Abu Dhabi. Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3AM2P26EIVPIIJH22IQQZSV5DY.jpg?smart=true&auth=d11829e0818818f65aed0f34dd3b0db6b9cc16bfe5b4525123c86ac8a09d5b47&width=400&height=225)
Gulf sand gecko (Pseudoceramodactylus khobarensis) - IUCN status: Least concern - Found widely in the Arabian peninsula, especially in the UAE - This species is not endangered but its population is declining, and in the UAE it faces threats from the development of coastal sabkha habitat. Photo courtesy-Salvador Carranza)
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TOXBVAN2IL3MNTI4B2OBHOJLEY.jpg?smart=true&auth=6a51bbccc2844a26b468f479c0b4ceb300881f442a49f4be79d933e2427d934b&width=400&height=225)
Keyserling's wonder gecko (Teratoscincus keyserlingii) - IUCN status: Not yet evaluated - Although this species is also found in Iran, the UAE population is the only one in Arabia - Heavily threatened by development, it could be driven to extinction locally, although the Mohamed bin Zayed Species. Pritpal Soorae / Environment Agency Abu Dhabi
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/U2W3DXUOWSQX65ZNP4374MOYDM.jpg?smart=true&auth=221a51322e6f1c55918abf7f41638c829e9b3c2ecfc31933a9e4e35f5b34f793&width=400&height=225)
Hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran) - IUCN status: Endangered - Widely distributed, but threatened by fishing for its fins and as accidental bycatch - Numbers have plummeted by four-fifths over the last quarter of a century. Image by © Norbert Wu/Science Faction/Corbis
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/E76HDNK24RFL7YLETMNA4L4U7I.jpg?smart=true&auth=2aede3ab31ab85dca2e212fb3dc1081a2b6cbd126fc3f9ac5b620a7037f815d1&width=400&height=225)
Hawksbill turtles, rated as Critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species, have begun laying their eggs on a beach in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WMLZVKSUQCOKGXNSFJKGIUWM7U.jpg?smart=true&auth=98a2ed000ec299e3a7d6b5a21affa93b2f0861899d6d4c01969edd5372805bbd&width=400&height=225)
Arabian tahr (Arabitragus jayakari) - IUCN status: Endangered - Restricted to mountainous regions of north-eastern UAE and northern Oman - Worldwide population is probably below 5,000. ANTONIE ROBERTSON / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XTEH3UV5EC6BTRREGE6DFE3KAQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=86e2c11453bbfdae7445ab5f7437a5099bb1c10056039c538f913c1d98025249&width=400&height=225)
Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea) - IUCN status: Endangered - Often become entangled in fishing nets - A recent census found 701 individuals, so the waters off Abu Dhabi have the world's largest single population. Roland Seitre / Minden
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QVPNPCXVVVVSXTQKBNCFSFFQEI.jpg?smart=true&auth=7f3f1abc28d8ef2f24ed87f60c1d48e1a87b03783e77fe0856033311384e9d68&width=400&height=225)
The semaphore gecko is one of several species we have learned a great deal about in recent years. Getty Images
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/X4YJAARIKQOQUKNNLMUN7F6W7M.jpg?smart=true&auth=601e71faefab2ccaf0c9ce34f7621b69664cd76ecadec35aed930c08ff8a7910&width=400&height=225)
The Houbara bustard is classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Courtesy International Fund For Houbara Conservation
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/S4VSELTTEQNTJZLS5REXCXT7YY.jpg?smart=true&auth=8aa0e1de7887e1f40d12e92bff69c34cbb5d118271aabf533065273eb457f827&width=400&height=225)
Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) - IUCN status: Vulnerable - Formerly listed as endangered, the UAE's reintroduction programme has helped to increase numbers - The wild population is about 1,200, just over half of which are UAE reintroduced individuals. Mike Young / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6U6O2TAASVIAAEYHLD3LHPIDQI.jpg?smart=true&auth=d1ce1c6282c5f46783458521a40fadf838724c600d86ad4292016f91a9296e01&width=400&height=225)
Egyptian spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia) - IUCN status: Vulnerable - Found in much of the Middle East in gravelly and stony areas, but numbers have declined - Two sub-species exist in the UAE, where it is threatened by habitat loss
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/I3DHQWTP7NLDITN7TUYK7XXT44.jpg?smart=true&auth=8e23a5b8f093573e4554a04c2030bf3cf6e243cb5f3ed6ab0447681a731e67c2&width=400&height=225)
Green sawfish (Pristis zijsron) - IUCN status: Critically endangered - The largest sawfish, it can reach up to seven metres in length - This coastal species has declined across its range and has become extinct from some countries. AP Photo
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LWZDTNL73UWGPENJHG34TAWKCE.jpg?smart=true&auth=39bc59fa55d111b98bf7955a8aed8b0b3ecf0c31cdeaba8ec857b5c3ceafc612&width=400&height=225)
The Arabian tahr has been categorised as an endangered species, with a global population of less than 5,000. Courtesy TDIC
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/T5PL7YE7NTE67FN5PCWZNJXQ6M.jpg?smart=true&auth=0114b57ec5b9231e34ef6eb51c4f26bb438709c05026ba83064f6ca73b465b99&width=400&height=225)
Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) - IUCN status: Near threatened - Populations have suffered because of fishing - This species was spotted this year off the UAE's east coast
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SVAGNR4G5NEUREQQDLH3XAAQBE.jpg?smart=true&auth=c27ad7af9c490de077ea0cc94b2970488305f8abbfa63212857b963e839d9a5a&width=400&height=225)
The sand dune cat (Felis margarita) is a nocturnal creature that lives in shallow burrows and hunts rodents. Research published in 2005 indicated that only 250 remained in Abu Dhabi emirate. Courtesy, Al Ain Zoo
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LKSEGIKB5B7S3BWDKRA5R44YBE.jpg?smart=true&auth=2547c13e0b3d4daaddedf120f5149166b3b6b99761c6daf859018e3b232e2471&width=400&height=225)
The Arabian leopard is currently listed as critically endangered. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UG7V3KZDHHLIT3GVGOSRKT4A34.jpg?smart=true&auth=770d92cb51de029d36b7de4a60f678b129fdab958f8d97628cdb1c8ee170dede&width=400&height=225)
This is the first sighting of the rare Rüppell's fox (Vulpes rueppellii) in 13 years. Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/R7RSJKAZYTLWCPGRXXMZZFOPWY.jpg?smart=true&auth=8e04a6b7353c478aada7192343e5ff3bcbadb5a9dcca9952e047ea00b854676e&width=400&height=225)
Whale sharks are known as jinbe zame in Japanese, inspiring their newly discovered residents' name.. Getty Images
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RGKQP6UVLQDXI4SR3JW2IGXMYQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=1f24dec13ffeab435e71053e92ea94aed37a5ac6cb037bef27193ac56873ddc0&width=400&height=225)
Arabian Caracal (Caracal caracal) - IUCN status: least concern - thought to be extinct, the environment agency captured daytime and nighttime footage of the creature for the first time since 1984. Courtesy EAD
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/W76CMN7TRJOKZKKHHQD7FJU3OU.jpg?smart=true&auth=398e2ad04ac8faaa6b7181cc0dcd6bd858ee7de4869c4c427b5fc1e39c0fa451&width=400&height=225)
Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) - IUCN status: Endangered - The UAE is one of 140 countries where the green turtle is a native species; numbers have fallen worldwide - Two years ago Emirates Wildlife Society – WWF launched Gulf Green Turtle Conservation. Courtesy Paul Velasco/EWS-WWF
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7NDC5277NNAI5R4AXQ4FXR5LSQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=4be39d072ce6d29b6635abac0239a657442fe80c6b2247b23dcf16f1faf62e7f&width=400&height=225)
Socotra cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis) - IUCN status: Vulnerable - Found on islands of the coast of several Gulf states, including the UAE - Threatened by development and oil spills, the species has a total population of less than half a million. Courtesy- Rob Gubiani
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/43O6JCTBJX6GAOB57HGHS5RPKI.jpg?smart=true&auth=f0e5be1005a61f41bfb2527a5220625dbd144485789fe3d280575cc4ebecc6c6&width=400&height=225)
Emirati leaf-toed gecko (Asaccus caudivolvulus) - IUCN status: Least concern - Only found in mountainous regions of north-eastern UAE and northern Oman - More recent research suggests it actually consists of three species, one of which is unique to the UAE – making it the country's only endemic vertebrate – and threatened by development. Photo Courtesy: Johannes Els.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GUZZAXDKNYUMAYO3BTZX2AYBLE.jpg?smart=true&auth=45ceb1ac94e9b3f69ad7f3bf200b71bf53084663f08565b4a885949e700992df&width=400&height=225)
Sea cow (Dugong dugon) - IUCN status: Vulnerable - Locally, boat strikes and fishing net entanglement is a threat, although there are major conservation efforts - The population in UAE waters is thought to be several thousand
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/P6WLOOSBLBOSJ5HNWWUFRJQESE.jpg?smart=true&auth=d3cf8f7355cadb8b6c47368514f68eadaf287aed2af850973a80c67d36ed7d06&width=400&height=225)
The Crested Porcupine, a rodent thought to be extinct in the UAE, was recorded by camera traps in Abu Dhabi. Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3AM2P26EIVPIIJH22IQQZSV5DY.jpg?smart=true&auth=d11829e0818818f65aed0f34dd3b0db6b9cc16bfe5b4525123c86ac8a09d5b47&width=400&height=225)
Gulf sand gecko (Pseudoceramodactylus khobarensis) - IUCN status: Least concern - Found widely in the Arabian peninsula, especially in the UAE - This species is not endangered but its population is declining, and in the UAE it faces threats from the development of coastal sabkha habitat. Photo courtesy-Salvador Carranza)
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TOXBVAN2IL3MNTI4B2OBHOJLEY.jpg?smart=true&auth=6a51bbccc2844a26b468f479c0b4ceb300881f442a49f4be79d933e2427d934b&width=400&height=225)
Keyserling's wonder gecko (Teratoscincus keyserlingii) - IUCN status: Not yet evaluated - Although this species is also found in Iran, the UAE population is the only one in Arabia - Heavily threatened by development, it could be driven to extinction locally, although the Mohamed bin Zayed Species. Pritpal Soorae / Environment Agency Abu Dhabi
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/U2W3DXUOWSQX65ZNP4374MOYDM.jpg?smart=true&auth=221a51322e6f1c55918abf7f41638c829e9b3c2ecfc31933a9e4e35f5b34f793&width=400&height=225)
Hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran) - IUCN status: Endangered - Widely distributed, but threatened by fishing for its fins and as accidental bycatch - Numbers have plummeted by four-fifths over the last quarter of a century. Image by © Norbert Wu/Science Faction/Corbis
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/E76HDNK24RFL7YLETMNA4L4U7I.jpg?smart=true&auth=2aede3ab31ab85dca2e212fb3dc1081a2b6cbd126fc3f9ac5b620a7037f815d1&width=400&height=225)
Hawksbill turtles, rated as Critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species, have begun laying their eggs on a beach in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WMLZVKSUQCOKGXNSFJKGIUWM7U.jpg?smart=true&auth=98a2ed000ec299e3a7d6b5a21affa93b2f0861899d6d4c01969edd5372805bbd&width=400&height=225)
Arabian tahr (Arabitragus jayakari) - IUCN status: Endangered - Restricted to mountainous regions of north-eastern UAE and northern Oman - Worldwide population is probably below 5,000. ANTONIE ROBERTSON / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XTEH3UV5EC6BTRREGE6DFE3KAQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=86e2c11453bbfdae7445ab5f7437a5099bb1c10056039c538f913c1d98025249&width=400&height=225)
Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea) - IUCN status: Endangered - Often become entangled in fishing nets - A recent census found 701 individuals, so the waters off Abu Dhabi have the world's largest single population. Roland Seitre / Minden
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QVPNPCXVVVVSXTQKBNCFSFFQEI.jpg?smart=true&auth=7f3f1abc28d8ef2f24ed87f60c1d48e1a87b03783e77fe0856033311384e9d68&width=400&height=225)
The semaphore gecko is one of several species we have learned a great deal about in recent years. Getty Images
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/X4YJAARIKQOQUKNNLMUN7F6W7M.jpg?smart=true&auth=601e71faefab2ccaf0c9ce34f7621b69664cd76ecadec35aed930c08ff8a7910&width=400&height=225)
The Houbara bustard is classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Courtesy International Fund For Houbara Conservation
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/S4VSELTTEQNTJZLS5REXCXT7YY.jpg?smart=true&auth=8aa0e1de7887e1f40d12e92bff69c34cbb5d118271aabf533065273eb457f827&width=400&height=225)
Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) - IUCN status: Vulnerable - Formerly listed as endangered, the UAE's reintroduction programme has helped to increase numbers - The wild population is about 1,200, just over half of which are UAE reintroduced individuals. Mike Young / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6U6O2TAASVIAAEYHLD3LHPIDQI.jpg?smart=true&auth=d1ce1c6282c5f46783458521a40fadf838724c600d86ad4292016f91a9296e01&width=400&height=225)
Egyptian spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia) - IUCN status: Vulnerable - Found in much of the Middle East in gravelly and stony areas, but numbers have declined - Two sub-species exist in the UAE, where it is threatened by habitat loss
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/I3DHQWTP7NLDITN7TUYK7XXT44.jpg?smart=true&auth=8e23a5b8f093573e4554a04c2030bf3cf6e243cb5f3ed6ab0447681a731e67c2&width=400&height=225)
Green sawfish (Pristis zijsron) - IUCN status: Critically endangered - The largest sawfish, it can reach up to seven metres in length - This coastal species has declined across its range and has become extinct from some countries. AP Photo
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LWZDTNL73UWGPENJHG34TAWKCE.jpg?smart=true&auth=39bc59fa55d111b98bf7955a8aed8b0b3ecf0c31cdeaba8ec857b5c3ceafc612&width=400&height=225)
The Arabian tahr has been categorised as an endangered species, with a global population of less than 5,000. Courtesy TDIC
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/T5PL7YE7NTE67FN5PCWZNJXQ6M.jpg?smart=true&auth=0114b57ec5b9231e34ef6eb51c4f26bb438709c05026ba83064f6ca73b465b99&width=400&height=225)
Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) - IUCN status: Near threatened - Populations have suffered because of fishing - This species was spotted this year off the UAE's east coast
Rare caracal sighting: how the fate of the country's most threatened species can be changed
The UAE is home to a number of threatened species but organisations like Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi are working hard to preserve them
![Gillian Duncan](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2F736ebb26-e270-44c5-96a2-80452d783888.png?smart=true&auth=6b2c4dc0614f332daaa4e848c41f090496fd16da3ccccaa940132372e6a74710&width=70&height=70)
Gillian Duncan
25 February, 2019
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