Rare Red-Footed Booby Bird Spotted on Qarnain Island, Abu Dhabi

Post by : Elena Malik

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced a notable discovery of a red-footed booby on Qarnain Island, located in the Arabian Gulf. This rare sighting occurred during the agency's routine monitoring operations. The red-footed booby, a small and less common member of the booby family, is typically found along tropical coastlines and islands but is seldom seen in this region due to the absence of established resident populations.

The red-footed booby, which primarily feeds on fish and squid, plays a crucial role in maintaining marine ecosystem balance. Although the species is not listed as threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, its rarity in the Arabian Gulf highlights the significance of ongoing wildlife monitoring and habitat conservation efforts.

Ahmed Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, stated, “This bird, named for the distinctive red coloration of its feet, has been added to the list of 426 bird species documented in Abu Dhabi. Since 2005, EAD has been running a comprehensive program to monitor migratory birds and major breeding species. This program is crucial for assessing the status of these species, including birds of prey and waterfowl that hold regional and global importance. Our tracking efforts help identify key locations within the Zayed Network of Natural Reserves managed by EAD.”

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Al Hashemi also emphasized the importance of natural reserves, such as the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve and the Bul Syayeef Marine Protected Area, which are vital habitats for many migratory and resident birds. Over 260 bird species have been recorded at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, which is notably the only site in the Arabian Gulf where great flamingos breed continuously, underscoring the effectiveness of EAD’s conservation initiatives.

Qarnain Island, situated 180 kilometers northwest of Abu Dhabi, is a critical habitat for various bird species, turtles, and other wildlife. In 2003, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recognized Qarnain Island and its surrounding waters as part of 81 global reserve groups. These reserves have been acknowledged since 1996 for their contributions to forest protection, freshwater conservation, marine ecosystems, and the safeguarding of endangered species.

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