Migrating birds and their habitats on Al Sammaliah Island.
Al Sammaliah Island is on the main bird
migration route between Asia/Europe and Africa, and therefore has many species from these
Continents stopping on the Island during migration times. The natural habitats of Al
Sammaliah Island consist mostly of coastal salt marsh, and inter-tidal mudflats. In recent
years the Island’s coastal areas have been greatly improved by the planting of
extensive areas of mangrove (Avicennia marina). The Island now boasts one of the
largest Avicennia marina plantations in the world, covering approximately 17 km2.
The wetland habitats in the UAE are very important stopover areas for migrating waterfowl, such as waders, with an estimated 1-3 million wading birds visiting this area every year. The coastal wetland areas are critically important for long distance migratory waders as stopover and refuelling sites. Some wading species travel annually from the Arctic regions to the southern cape of South Africa, and the UAE coastal wetlands are therefore an important mid way stopover point. In addition to the transit visitors, every year around 250 000 waterfowl over-winter in the coastal wetlands of the UAE.
The protection of the UAE coastal wetland areas is therefore of international importance and the development of wetland habitats on Al Sammaliah Island and the protection of coastal areas throughout the UAE will ensure that the annual migration of birds through the Country continues.