Introduction
In essence, the UAE has been at the forefront of protecting endangered species from extinction and promoting an increment in their population, by putting up breeding programmes which help in multiplication of such animals.
For instance, the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife (BCEAW) was one of the areas which were created to help in breeding of endangered species (Sharjah Zoo Wildlife Centre, n.d.). This paper will thus discuss various plans which have been enacted to prevent extinction of Dugong, Hawksbill Turtle, Arabian Oryx, Sand Cat and Arabian Leopard.
Dugong
The UAE is conducting intensive programmes to prevent the ultimate extinction of dugongs which have been listed as one of internationally endangered species. In this light, the Environmental Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD) has implemented a series of programmes to realise this vision (UAE is Making Intensive Efforts to Protect Dugongs from Extinction, 2012). Since 1999, EAD has been studying behaviours of this animal in regard to breeding, movement and location among other aspects.
The identification, which lasted 4 years, helped in identifying their distribution and locations of territorial waters which have been currently protected against human destruction. This protection allows continuation of natural breeding, which essentially aids in preventing possible extinction.
Hawksbill Turtle
In light of protecting the hawksbill turtle in the UAE, the government has developed a project known as Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation project which takes care of sick and injured turtles until they recover.
These turtles are rehabilitated in Dubai Wildlife Protection Office, where their primary care is administered, and then returned to the sea (Turtle Rehabilitation in Jumeirah, n.d.). This project has helped profoundly in preventing a further decrement in the population of turtles, which could ultimately cause their extinction.
Arabian Oryx
The conservation programme of Sheikh Zayed is perhaps the most remarkable effort in regard to preventing extinction of the arabian oryx in the UAE. Zayed identified the possibility of these animals’ extinction and consequently started on a conservation programme in 1968 (Arabian Oryx Conservation Programme in Abu Dhabi, n.d.).
He ordered wardens to capture four animals that remained alive and started a breeding programme in Al Ain Zoo (Arabian Oryx Conservation Programme in Abu Dhabi, n.d.). Afterwards, he came up with another programme at Sir Bani Yas Island where three female and two male animals bred to give rise to the current thriving population amounting to more than 4,500 heads of the arabian oryx (Arabian Oryx Conservation Programme in Abu Dhabi, n.d.).
Sand Cat
Sand cats are among the critically endangered species in the UAE and other parts of the world. When attempting to prevent this animal from extinction, Al Ain Park (AWPR) has implemented a programme that applies an assistive reproduction technique (Phase II of Operation Save Sand Cat Begins, 2013).
When using it, specialists combine In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET) to breed cats that are found in AWPR and those obtained from the USA (Phase II of Operation Save Sand Cat Begins, 2013). These embryos are then implanted into a recipient mother to facilitate multiplication of the animals. This programme has contributed profoundly in ensuring existence of sand cats and their population increment.
Arabian Leopard
Establishment Arabian Leopard in 1993 was the most evident initiative that helped in conserving the endangered arabian leopard from extinction (Photofile, n.d.). In light of this conservation, Leopard Trust intensified the conservation of the leopard mountainous habitat in order to maintain the ecosystem that sustains its food. The mentioned Leopard Trust banned all human activities in these habitats and intensified the development of captive breeding programmes which have helped to increase the leopard population.
Conclusion
It is evident that Dugong, Hawksbill Turtle, Arabian Oryx, Sand Cat and Arabian Leopard are probably the most endangered species in the UAE. In addition, it cannot be disputed that the UAE has intensely developed effective programmes that have substantially curbed possible extinction of these animals.
References
Arabian Oryx Conservation Programme in Abu Dhabi. Land, Home, and Environment. Web.
Phase II of Operation Save Sand Cat Begins. (2013). Emirates 24/7. Web.
Photofile. UAE Interact. Web.
Sharjah Zoo Wildlife Centre. Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife. Web.
Turtle Rehabilitation in Jumeirah. Jumeirah Stay Different. Web.
UAE is Making Intensive Efforts to Protect Dugongs from Extinction. (2012). Khalleg Times. Web.