Rare bird sighted on Abu Dhabi island

A red-footed booby bird, one of the rarest and smallest of the booby species, has been spotted on Qarnain Island in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra Region.

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) made the exciting discovery during its latest monitoring operations on the island.

Although this species is common in tropical coastal areas, it is quite rare in this region.

The red-footed booby primarily feeds on fish and squid, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem. While not listed as threatened by the IUCN Red List, its presence offers valuable insights into wildlife and habitat preservation.

Ahmed Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, said that this bird, named for its distinctive red feet, adds to the 426 bird species recorded in Abu Dhabi.

Since 2005, EAD has been running a long-term programme to monitor migratory and breeding birds, which helps in assessing their status and identifying key habitats within the Zayed Network of Natural Reserves.

Qarnain Island, located 180 km northwest of Abu Dhabi, is a haven for various wildlife, including birds and turtles.

In 2003, the island and its surrounding waters were included in global reserves recognised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, highlighting its importance in conservation efforts.

.@EADTweets has reported a red-footed booby, one of the rarest and smallest of the booby species, during monitoring on Qarnain Island, Al Dhafra Region. The bird joins the list of the 426 bird species recorded in the emirate. pic.twitter.com/NmGCDLqUOV

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) August 13, 2024