Al Houbara (8333)
United Arab Emirates, Middle East
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 1994
National site name: Al Houbara
Central coordinates: Latitude: 23.9500, Longitude: 52.6500
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 50
Area of KBA (km2): 774.3017
Protected area coverage (%): 99.81
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A sand-gravel plain with scattered flat-topped outcrops in the extreme west of Abu Dhabi emirate, becoming purer sand and more undulating towards the south (but not forming large dunes), with sabkhah in coastal and more low-lying areas. Climate is very arid with sparse winter rainfall. Land-uses include some grazing (restricted), military training and limited hunting (perhaps two weeks per year). There are some irrigated plantations of native and non-native trees.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: Very little ornithological work has been carried out in the area (and data are only available for winter), but the desert crust and vegetation are relatively intact compared to other parts of the country. Other wintering species include (with estimated mid-winter populations in some cases) Pterocles exustus, Athene noctua, Alaemon alaudipes (7,000), Calandrella rufescens (2,000), Anthus campestris (1,500), Oenanthe deserti (15,000), Sylvia nana (12,000) and Lanius excubitor (1,000). Non-bird biodiversity: Mammals: Gazella sp. occurs (some may be introduced). Reptiles: there is a good diversity, including relatively high numbers of Uromastyx aegyptius.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | hunting | military | nature conservation and research
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Desert | 95 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: There are no conservation measures aimed specifically at this site. Hunting is restricted to members of the ruling family and some enforcement is carried out by hunting guards (or trackers). The military use of part of the area and the private enclosure of HH Sheikh Zayed restrict access to some places. The main problems are habitat destruction through military activity, land degradation due to excessive use of vehicles (creating new tracks), and very heavy grazing by camels and goats.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Agro-industry grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: Osborne (1992a,b).