The Arabian
Ornithological and Conservation Conference
Bahrain 2000
Under the Patronage of His Royal Highness
the Amir of Bahrain
Organised by the
Ministry of Housing Municipalities and
Environment
&
The National Commission for Wildlife
Protection
At
The Sheraton Hotel
Bahrain
October 21st to 25th 2000
The Conference
Under the Patronage
of His Highness Shaikh Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa the Amir of Bahrain
‘The Arabian
Ornithological and Conservation Conference Bahrain 2000” has been built around
a body of core delegates that includes individual ornithologists
conservationists naturalists and academics, park and protected area
professionals and managers from a diversity of organisations, institutions and
NGO’s involved in ornithology and conservation in the Middle East. The last few
decades have seen a period of unprecedented growth and development in the
Arabian Peninsular and for many of the countries of the region this growth
unfortunately, has been at the expense of
the environment habitats and their associated biological communities.
Although an effort to document the flora and fauna of these communities has
also increased, it has not kept pace with the loss of the original biodiversity.
By bringing together those working in Ornithology and conservation in the
Arabian Peninsular and the Middle East it is hoped to raise public awareness of
the needs and challenges facing conservation through the forum of this
conference.
Conference Objectives
·
To further through community
involvement and public participation, our understanding of the natural
variability and vulnerability of Arabian ecosystems and their response to
natural or anthropogenic disturbances.
·
To indicate to
administrators that the challenges in the management, planning and decision
making of protected areas cannot be achieved solely by focusing on a single
reserve but requires a co-ordinate regional management philosophy.
·
To further
public awareness and understanding through education and the sharing of
information in research and provide the basis for developing solutions for
local application.
Themes of The Conference
·
Ornithology of
the Middle East
·
Eco- Tourism
and the Economics of conservation, exploring the human dimensions of the
management of protected areas.
·
Habitat
management, sustainable development and biodiversity protection.
·
Challenges of
Monitoring
·
Approaches to
education and Community Reach
Field Trips
As part of
Conference, International delegates will be able to participate in a diverse
range of field trips on relevant topics. Delegates will have to sign up for
trips prior to the conference as places are limited.
The Setting
The Sheraton Hotel
one of Bahrain’s’ most respected 5
star Hotels Tel. ++973 533533
Fax ++973 524564 Email sherbah@batelco.com.bh
The Event Schedule for ‘The
International Delegates’
Saturday 21st October 2000
1500 Hrs - Late Afternoon
Field trip Manama
20.00 Delegate Meet For Casual Social Dinner and briefing
Overnight Manama
Sunday 22nd October 2000
09.30 Travel To Hawar Arrive For Buffet Brunch
13.00 Field Trip - Exploring Islands Of Hawar
20.00 Barbecue At Poolside – Sea Food - Delights Of Hawar
Overnight Hawar
Monday 23rd October 2000
05.00 Early Morning Call
06.30 Full Day Exploring Islands Of Hawar Visiting The Bird Colonies
15.30 Return Hotel Hawar
17.00 Travel Back To Manama
20.00 Dinner Overnight Manama
Tuesday 24th October 2000
09.00 Hrs Opening Ceremony Of Conference At Sheraton Hotel.
Coffee
10.30 To 13.00 In Conference
Lunch
14.30 To 17.30 In Conference.
17.30 Gala Dinner
Wednesday 25th October 2000
08.00 To 10.30 In Conference
Break
12.30 To 13.00 Closing Speeches
Lunch
15.00 Field Trip Manama
Departures
at leisure
Conference Program
Tuesday
24th October 2000
|
Registration |
08.00 |
09.00 |
|
|
|
Opening Ceremony
Conference & Exhibition |
09.00 |
10.00 |
Addresses by H.E The Minister of
Housing Municipalities and Environment Shaikh Khalid Bin Abdulla
Al Khalifa & H.E The Minister of
Cabinet Affairs for the Amiri Court Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed
Al Khalifa on Behalf of His Highness The Amir of
Bahrain H.H Shaikh Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa Response by Key Note
Speakers on Behalf of Guests of His Highness The Amir |
|
|
Coffee
Break |
10.00 |
10.30 |
|
|
|
Session
One |
|
|
Challenges
of Monitoring, Education and Community Reach |
|
Chair Dr. Ghassan Jaradi |
Rapporteur Dr. Jacky Judas |
||
|
|
10.30 |
11.00 |
Brian
S. Meadows The
practical value of environmental impact reports, particularly in relation to
marine conservation |
|
|
11.00 |
11.30 |
Mr.
Ronald Anthony LoughLand A
coastal & Marine Natural Resource Atlas for Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE |
|
|
11.30 |
12.00 |
Mr.
Dirk Raes International
color banding projects - training requirements and need for application in
the Middle East |
|
|
12.00 |
12.30 |
Simon
Awad The
Use of the Ringing programs as a new tool in Education |
|
|
12.30 |
13.00 |
Essa
Faraj Protected
Birds in Al Areen Wildlife Reserve |
|
Lunch |
13.00 |
14.30 |
|
|
Session
Two (A) |
|
|
Challenges
in Preservation & Conservation |
|
Chair Adel Salem Khalifa |
Rapporteur Dr. Philip Seddon |
||
|
|
14.30 |
15.00 |
Dr.
Saeed Abdulla Conservation
of Avifauna in Bahrain present status and future challenges |
|
|
15.00 |
15.30 |
George
Gregory Conservation
of Wildlife in Kuwait – Problems and Solutions. |
|
|
15.30 |
16.00 |
Dr.
Jens Eriksen Island
Birds of Oman |
|
Coffee
Break |
16.00 |
16.30 |
|
|
Session
Two (B) |
|
|
Challenges
in Preservation & Conservation |
|
Chair
Dr. Adnan Budieri |
Rapporteur Dr. Jens Eriksen |
||
|
|
16.30 |
17.00 |
Dr.Omar Al-Saghier Zoning
of Socotra Archipelago protected area, Yemen - Potential and challenges for
conservation |
|
|
17.00 |
17.30 |
Imad
Al Attrash Important
Bird Areas in Palestine |
Wednesday
25th October 2000
|
Session
Two (C) |
|
|
Challenges
in Preservation & Conservation |
|
Chair
Dr Mohammad Shobrak |
Rapporteur
Dr. Hany Tatwany |
||
|
|
08.00 |
08.30 |
Edwin
W.A.M. Vaassen - with Dr.
M. Akif Aykurt The
Importance Of Habitat Management For Species Diversity, Habitats In And
Surrounding Wetlands |
|
|
08.30 |
09.00 |
Prof.
Dr. Ghassan Ramadam Jaradi In-Situ
Conservation For Sustainable Development And Biodiversity Protection: Case
Study Of Palm Islands Nature Reserve Lebanon |
|
Break |
09.00 |
09.05 |
|
|
Session
Three |
|
|
Challenges
for Eco -Tourism |
|
Chair Omar
Attum |
Rapporteur Dr. Eugene Joubert |
||
|
|
09.05 |
09.35 |
Dr.
Philip Seddon Planning
For Tourism In Wildlife Protected Areas: The Saudi Arabian Experience |
|
|
09.35 |
10.05 |
Mindy
Baha Ed-Din Birding
Tourism In The Middle East, The Potentials And Pitfalls, With Egypt As A Case
Study |
|
|
10.05 |
10.35 |
Mr.
Andrew Grieve The
Role of OSME In Promoting Bird Watching Tourism In Bahrain |
|
Break |
10.35 |
12.30 |
Sitting
of Conclusions & Recommendation Committee |
|
Closing
|
12.30 |
13.00 |
Conclusions
and Recommendations |
Dr
Mohammad Shobrak
Poster Presentation. – On displayed at conference venue
throughout
Ornithological work
carried by the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development in
Saudi Arabia during the last 14 years
Conclusions & Recommendation Committee
President
Dr. Shaker Khamdan (Chairman)
Environmental Affairs,
MOHME Bahrain
Committee
Prof. Dr. Ghassan
Ramadam Jaradi
Dr. Philip Seddon
Dr. Jens Eriksen
Dr. Jacky Judas
Dr. Hany Tatwany
Dr. Eugene Joubert
Dr.
Omar Al-Saghier
Guidelines for Submitting Abstracts
Abstracts should
not exceed 300 words. Each abstract should include the title, the author(s),
address(es) including mail/ phone/ fax/ e-mail, the abstract and the
presenter(s). Use superscript to identify addresses and affiliations in the
case of multiple-authors. Use a Times Roman or a similar font, 10 point size.
Use one inch margins. Do not include graphics. Abstracts can be submitted via
e-mail or diskette.
Abstracts must be
submitted by October 13, 2000 to: Howard King , C/o PO Box 11802
MOH Manama Bahrain
or by e-mail to howardk@batelco.com.bh . Abstracts submitted by email should be
sent as an attachment, preferably as a MSWord 97 document, or an RTF file.
Instructions for Authors
Manuscripts may be
submitted as an email attachment in a convenient electronic form and/or as a
"hard copy" and should generally not exceed 5,000 words, including
references. Graphical material is acceptable, as outlined below.
1.Manuscript Specifications
Each manuscript
should include a brief title, followed by the author's name(s) current mailing
address(es), telephone number(s), Fax number(s) and e-mail address(es). An
abstract should appear prior to the introduction of the paper. References
should be in numerical order as they appear in the manuscript. Metric
measurements must be used with English units in brackets if required. If
scientific names are used they should appear in italics and appear after the
common name.
Contributors
presenting a hard copy of their manuscript should also include a copy on a
3.5" diskette in a word processing or text-only format preferably for a PC
compatible platform. The diskette should be submitted as a WinWord 7 or ASCII
file. All non -essential stylistic formatting should be avoided as the format,
style and layout will be done by the editor. Essential elements are upper and
lower case lettering, punctuation, headings and paragraphing. The font should
be in Times New Roman 12. Typed Manuscripts should be double-spaced, with
1.5" (4cm) right hand margins, on
good quality, white bond paper (8.5x 11" 21.5 x 28 cm).Headings
should appear with numerical designations: e.g.
1
1.1, 1.2,
1.3....
1.1.1,
1.1.2, 1.1.3 etc.
2.Tables and Illustrations
Tables should be prepared
as word processing files. Ideally, graphic material should be generated as
separate TIF or JPEG files. If this is impossible, high quality hard copy is
very acceptable. In most cases these will be scanned during editing to generate
electronic copies. All graphical material should have a figure number and
caption included in the text. An appropriate amount of space should be reserved
for the graphic in the body of the narrative. Tables which are more than a
quarter page in length should be duplicated as a separate electronic file. The
intended position of the table can be indicated by its inclusion in the text in
the appropriate place. The provision of a separate file will make editing much
easier.
Some consideration
must be given to the final size of graphics and tables: they will have to be
legible when sized for a page 6 x 9 inches. Colour graphics and photos of good
quality photographs may be acceptable if deemed essential. All photographs must
have detailed captions included in the text file.
3.References/Citations
References should
be indicated in the text by numbers and listed citations should be listed
numerically arranged by their first appearance in the text.
4. Manuscript Submission
Please forward
manuscripts prior to October 24, 2000
to Dr. Shaker Khamdan
Head of
Environmental Monitoring Section
Environmental Affairs
PO Box 26909
Ministry Of Housing
Municipalities and Environment
Manama
Bahrain
or submit at the
conference registration desk October 24th , 2000.
5. Manuscript Review and Publication
All manuscripts
will be refereed prior to consideration for publication in the Conference
Proceedings. Proceedings will be printed as a hardback volume(s). It is
anticipated that the Conference Proceedings will be printed and distributed
within a year of the conference.
The Arabian Ornithological
and Conservation Conference
Bahrain 2000
Brian
S Medows
Environmental
Monitoring Manager Royal
Commission for Jubail and Yanbu Wildlife KSA.
PO. Box 10476,
Jubail 31961, K.S.A. Tel 966-3-341-1749
Fax # 966-3-341-1238 Jrgme1@Concept.Net.Sa
The practical value
of environmental impact reports, particularly in relation to marine
conservation.
Most major coastal
developments in developing countries now incorporate an environmental impact
assessment study at the pre-development stage. However, these studies and the
reports they generate, often prove to be of relatively little value –
particularly if the scope of work
was poorly defined at the outset.
Also, due to a variety of reasons, even if they are satisfactory, they
frequently become under-utilized and, in some cases, viable recommendations
ignored by post-development planners. This presentation, which is based on the
author’s experience over many years as an environmental manager, will indicate
– using local examples – how the value of reports can be improved, in order
that they are more effective tools for pollution control and implementation of
appropriate conservation measures.
Mr. Ronald Anthony LoughLand
Principle
Environmental Researcher, Commission Of Environmental Research Emirates
Heritage Club
PO. Box 42959 Abu Dhabi UAE Tel 00971-50-4917826 cerehc@emirates.net.ae
A coastal &
Marine Natural Resource Atlas for Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
One aim of the
Commission of Environmental Research (CER) is to collect, analyze and
disseminate environmental data towards the sustainable use of Abu Dhabi’s
marine and coastal resources. Until recently there was a paucity of detailed
data pertaining to Abu Dhabi’s marine environment and it was therefore
important that baseline data was collected. The atlas will provide Abu Dhabi’s Government with useful
data that will assist in the formulation of strategies to conserve the marine
and coastal environment.
The Abu Dhabi
Coastline stretches for 640kms and is bounded by The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to
the west and Dubai Emirate to the east.
The Emirate’s coastal zone is low lying with extensive tidal flats and
lagoons. The coastal waters are
shallow and as a result there are numerous offshore islands, patch coral reefs
and sandbanks. There are also
extensive areas of periodically inundated sabkha along the coastline.
Within Abu Dhabi’s
inshore waters there are extensive areas of sea grass which provide a direct
and indirect food source and habitat for both resident fauna and temporary
visitors, including commercially important fish and crustaceans. Internationally important species such
as the dugong Dugong dugong and green turtle Chelonia mydas are
some of the species that feed directly on this sea grass resource.
The offshore
islands are important for nesting seabirds and marine turtles. The offshore
islands often also have fringing coral reefs, which provide feeding habitat for
nesting hawksbill turtles Eretmochelys imbricata . The islands and
coastal areas of Abu Dhabi contain many Important Bird Areas (IBA) and Middle
East Wetland Inventory (MEWI) Sites.
These sites provide nesting and feeding habitat for thousands of
migrating and resident birds.
Development of the
coastal zone is presently restricted mostly to the eastern coastal areas of Abu
Dhabi Emirate, especially around Abu Dhabi City. However, due to increasing development demands and the lack
of ecological data to assist in planning for new developments, the coastal zone is presently under threat.
High profile
international scientists, co-ordinated through the Emirates Heritage Club are
currently undertaking research to provide ecological data for Abu Dhabi’s
coastal zone. This data will be
provided in the atlas. It is envisaged that the atlas will be a practical and
dynamic document that will assist in the conservation and sustainable use of
Abu Dhabi’s coastal and marine resources.
Omar a. S. Al-Saghier
BirdLife
International, Yemen Conservation Program
P. O. Box 13330,
Sana’a, Republic of Yemen, Tel/Fax: + 967 1 235 219, omarbio@y.net.ye
Zoning of Socotra
Archipelago protected areas, Yemen - potential and challenge for conservation
The Socotra
Archipelago (including the Islands of Socotra, Samha, Darsa, Abdul kuri and the
neighbouring rock outcrops pertaining of the Republic of Yemen) is a place of
great bio-diversity of fauna and flora in its marine and terrestrial habitats.
Several factors have contributed to its conservation over the past two
thousands years. These were geographical Isolation, inhospitable environment
for accessibility and wise
management procedures used by local inhabitants. High rate of endemism among its fauna and flora has
qualified it to be an Endemic Bird Area (EBA) and Center of Plant Diversity
(CPD) in the world. The number of endemic species of birds (subspecies),
reptiles, mollusk, arachnid, crustacean, insects and plants are 6(11), 24, 56,
5, 5, 294 and 307 respectively.
The government of
Yemen and the international community have realized the importance of
conserving Socotra Archipelago biotopes for future generation of humanity have
contributed to the Socotra GEF/UNDP projects that launched full inventories of
its biological content. The results of surveys helped identified major areas
for protection under various labeling. Four zoning types were proposed as
Resource uses reserve, General use zone, National park and Nature sanctuary.
The approximate land area covered under each type is 23.5%, 1.4%, 72.6% and2.5%
of the total land area of the Archipelago.
The government of Yemen approved the zoning plan and declared a network
of protected areas on Socotra Archipelago. Further, carried out a master plan for the development of Socotra,
taking into consideration the protected areas. It’s fear that unplanned and ad
hoc development might cause land use changes and hence losses of critical
habitats. It’s hoped by conservationist in Yemen and worldwide that the Yemen
concerned authorities will strengthen the protected areas and develop
sustainable management plans for conservation and development that balance
between the welfare of people and natural resources in Socotra.
Prof. Dr. Ghassan Ramadan Jaradi
C/o CNRS, P.O.Box:
11-8281, Beirut-Lebanon Tel: +961-3-689840, Fax: +961-1-822639, E-mail: r-jaradi@cyberia.net.lb
In-situ
Conservation for Sustainable Development and Biodiversity Protection.
Case study of Palm
Islands Nature Reserve/ Lebanon.
The formal
establishment of protected areas to conserve important sites of natural
heritage is recent and heralds a new age in Lebanon. Palm Islands Nature Reserve
(34º 30’ N 35º 46’ E) is one of these Protected areas and the best example of
what is left of the original marine-coastal landscapes. The Reserve’s overall
development objective is to conserve endemic and endangered wildlife, mainly
birds, and their habitats, incorporate wildlife conservation as an integral
part of sustainable human development, and strengthen the institutional
capacity of government agencies and non-governmental organizations. The role of the Palm Islands Nature Reserve
is achieved through recognized practices in planning and policy development for
management of the reserve, establishment of a trained professional staff to
manage it, provision of appropriate facilities to protect the heritage values
and to facilitating appropriate public use and enjoyment of the reserve.
Various conservation measures have been initiated, including cleaning
campaigns, reduction of the number of introduced rabbits and rats, zoning of
the islands, construction of a visitors trail, building of a dock to facilitate
landing of visitors and general surveillance of the islands and surrounding
sea. Ecological management will be complemented by education, community
relations, fund raising and environmental extension programs in the wider
community by training staff to undertake these activities.
Palm Islands Nature
Reserve is habitat for only 8 mammal species, 5 of which are flying mammals
(bats) and one is marine (Monk Seal). Of the total of 8 species of reptiles
recorded for the islands, a total of 3, all turtles, are globally
threatened. A total of 4 species,
snakes and lizards, are threatened within Lebanon. The reserve is habitat to 73
species of plants of which 2 are nationally threatened species, 3 are local endemic
species and 2 are nationally rare species. Whilst 16 species are restricted to
the Eastern Mediterranean.
A total of 153 bird
species are recorded in the reserve which is considered a suitable feeding and
resting site, particularly by 42 species known to breed afterward on lebanese
mainland. 10 species are the breeding population of the reserve, four of the
bird species of Palm Islands are classified as globally threatened species and
7 are regionally threatened or declining species, and only 2 are species
restricted to the Middle East. This species representation indicates a high
proportion of Mediterranean and European migratory species utilize Palm Islands
Nature Reserve. None of the bird species is restricted to the Palm Islands
Nature Reserve. The conservation of all bird species inhabiting the islands
significantly or substantially depends also on the conservation of those
species elsewhere.
Edwin W.A.M. Vaassen with Dr. M. Akif Aykurt
Members of the
Turkish Society for Scientific Research & Rehabilitation of Diurnal and
Nocturnal Birds of Prey
Barmek Insaat Ve
Sanayii A.S. Holding Binası, Fulya Sokak 1C, Angora Evleri
Beysukent Ankara Turkey Tel: 0312
225 12 25 ext. 125 Rrrct@About.Com
The Importance of Habitat Management
for Species Diversity,
Abstract: After rainforests, wetlands and marine
habitats are known to hold the richest biodiversity providing several
food-chains and predatory guilds. However the biodiversity in wetlands and
marine habitat is strongly correlated with the biogeographical region in situ
as well as the habitat elements provided within and in the direct surroundings
of that particular site. Whereas one habitat element, i.e. desert or polar
region, only provides opportunities for highly adapted prey and euryphagist or
omnivorous predators (Cook, 1997), a web of habitat elements also provides
habitat for less adapted prey and specialist predators. Thus, a variety of habitat elements is the basis for a higher biodiversity and characterized by specialist feeders. It
is aimed to discuss the importance and management of different habitat elements
for avian predators and their prey in and surrounding wetlands, with specific
reference to some wetlands in Turkey and the Hawar Archipelago in Bahrain
(King,1999).
References
Cook, W.E. (1997)
Avian Desert Predators. Vol. 16 in Adaptations of
Desert Organisms
[Ed]. John L. Cloudsley-Thompson. Springer Verlag,
Berlin. 128 pp.
King, H. (1999) The
Breeding Birds of Hawar. Ministry of Housing,
Arabian Printing
& Publishing House W.L.L., Bahrain. 94 pp.
Mindy Baha Ed-Din
Advisor Nature
Conservation Sector Environmental Affairs Agency- Egypt
3 Abdalla El Katib
St, Apt 3 2nd Floor, Midan Fini, Dokki, Giza. Cairo. Mobile 3608160
Tel 012-2180709 Baha@Internetegypt.Com
Birding Tourism In
The Middle East, The Potentials And Pitfalls, With Egypt As A Case Study
Birding tourism is
one of the largest sectors of the global ecotourism industry and has been a
leading force behind the nature tourism movement. The are several Middle
Eastern and North African nations that are popular birding tourism destinations
along with other countries in the region that are attracting small, but growing
numbers of birders. Egypt is an
example of the kinds of successes and difficulties a country can encounter when
developing birding tourism. There
are a number of prerequisites that must be met to succeed in this field,
foremost, a sound understanding of the market and having the information,
facilities and manpower catering to this specialised tourism industry. Conservation is an essential component
to protect the habitats and species that attract the tourists. Birding tourism
can complement and support conservation efforts through generating revenue and
creating other economic incentives.
There are also other benefits, such as raising public awareness,
advancing scientific knowledge and creating jobs for local communities.
Dr. Philip J. Seddon
IUCN Species
Survival Commission Reintroduction Specialist Group: Chair Bird Section Bustard
Specialist Group Houbara Bustard Advisory Group Hyena Specialist Group IUCN
World
Commission on
Protected Areas Task Force on Tourism and Protected Areas
National Wildlife
Research Center National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development P.O.
Box 1086, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Tel. 966-2-7455-188 Fax. 966-2-7455-176
Email: pseddon@nwrc-sa.org
Increased wealth and leisure time have enabled people to seek recreation
away from home, making tourism a rapidly expanding industry of global
importance. The fastest growing sector is nature-based tourism, which entails
visits to sites of natural beauty. Tourism however, can have serious and
long-term impacts on the environment, e.g., habitat degradation during
construction of facilities; use of natural resources; poor waste disposal, and
the impacts of large numbers of visitors. Sustainable tourism seeks to apply
the principles of sustainable development to ensure that environmental impacts
are minimised. A special example of sustainable nature-based tourism is
eco-tourism. Eco-tourism is travel to pristine areas that strives to be low
impact, conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people.
Eco-tourism most commonly focuses on the best natural areas, often protected
areas.
In Saudi Arabia management of formal
wildlife protected areas dates only from the mid-1980s, and likewise tourism
expansion is relatively recent. In recognition of the revenue to be generated
by both domestic and international tourism, Saudi Arabia recently created the
Higher Tourism Commission to facilitate the development of the industry by the
private sector. Already there has been an expansion of tourism activity, some
to the detriment of the natural environment. Inevitably pressure will be placed
on the NCWCD to access to protected areas. The challenge will be to develop
true eco-tourism, and thereby provide examples of best practice for the wider
industry in Saudi Arabia. There exists a window of opportunity, both for Saudi
Arabia and for other regional states, to ensure that tourism expansion proceeds
according to strategies which aim to minimise environmental impacts.
Mr. Andrew Grieve
Chairman
Ornithological Society of the Middle East
Hillcrest,
Whitgift, Nr Goole, East Yorkshire
Dn14 8hl UK Tel 0044 01405 704665 Ag@Osme.Org
The Role of OSME In
Promoting Bird Watching Tourism In Bahrain
OSME is the
Ornithological Society of the Middle East, a subscription based, volunteer run
conservation charity operating out of the United Kingdom, with the aim of
promoting Birdwatching and the conservation of birds in the Middle East.
Membership of OSME is open to everybody and members live in the UK, Europe and
the Middle East. OSME publishes a journal, Sandgrouse, twice a year and
participates in conferences and meetings.
OSME can help
promote Birdwatching tourism in Bahrain by encouraging birdwatchers to visit
Bahrain. Interesting observations about the country's birds are regularly
published in Sandgrouse. OSME promotes the carrying out of surveys and directly
assisted BirdLife International in the compilation of an inventory of Important
Bird Areas (IBA) in the Middle East. OSME now asks visiting birdwatchers and
those living in Middle East countries to report back on the status and condition
of these IBAs including the four listed for Bahrain. OSME organises expeditions
to remoter parts of the Middle East and participants from government
environment departments have taken part. The two most recent expeditions were
in Yemen with one being planned to take place in Iran in 2001. OSME promotes
collaboration between birdwatchers and environmentalists working in government
and non-government organisations in the Middle East and can provide small scale
grants in the Middle for projects in Bahrain through the OSME conservation and
research fund.
Mr. Dirk Raes
Moderator of the
cr-birding e-group. European Color-Ring Birding. Belgium
Waterloo-Stwg.
1, B-1640 St.Genesius Rode, Belgium. Tel 0032 02 358.32.93.
International
colour banding projects training requirements and need for application
in the Middle East.
The use
of color marks in ornithology is a quite recent technique. Since several years
this technique "flies high".
Several possibilities of marking are used: one or several rings at the
leg or legs, a neckband, a back- or wingtag, using paint on the feathers.
Colour-marking
gives several advantages compared with normal ringing:
a. it is only one necessary to
capture the bird, but readings are several times possible.
b. the rate of control is much
higher than with metal-ringing. By this way it is possible to make a so-called
‘life-list’ of the marked bird.
c. this technique makes it that
certain unknown details of the ornithology are more available to the
birdwatchers and gives a better and faster idea from the migration road, the
population evolution, etc... to the researcher.
Although
before this can take place, it is necessary that the control-readings are
pushed up.
When you
see a colour-ringed bird, you have to note maximum of information on the spot:
a. the birdspecies,
the exact place, the date.
b. colour-marks [legring(s),
neckband, back- or wingtag] with their details [inscriptions: letter(s) and/or
number(s)].
c. extra information is most
welcome.
You
have to be 100% sure about your reading , each bird has his own code.
Soon
after The Arabian Ornithological and Conservation Conference a new cr-project
will start on large gulls. Large gulls are a very interesting topic, not only
for their migration but also for their differences. Birds will be ringed with a
red leg-ring with a code (letter M and 3 numbers) under the coordination of Dr.
Saeed Abdulla Mohamed [Bahrain] and Norman van Swelm [The Netherlands]. Soon
this cr-project will be available on European color-ring Birding
[http://www.ping.be/cr-birding/cr-birding.htm] and hereby the project in
Bahrain will gain international recognition. Will
this new cr-project in Bahrain be the start of different cr-projects in the Middle
East ? I hope so.
Simon Awad – Palestine
Manager of ringing
stations in Palestine
P. O .Box 35 Beit
Sahour, Palestine. Tel 00972 50407258 00972 22772197 sija9@yahoo.com
The Use of the
Ringing programs as a new tool in Education
Bird ringing “banding” is one of the methods
that have been used to study birds’ migration since the 19th
century. It is a process that starts with fitting an aluminum ring on a bird’s
leg. On the ring you find the country’s name and a specific serial number that
could lead you to the bird’s file which includes all its measurements and
information. Bird ringing data is useful for both research and management
projects. Individual identification of birds makes it easy to conduct studies
on dispersal and migration; behavior and social structure; life span and
survival rate; reproductive success and population changes. Animals’ behavior,
especially birds, with their exciting actions can be used to attract students
and introduce them to conservation programs. The education system could be
combined with ringing stations and could be used as an out door class for
raising the awareness of students towards their environment and bio-diversity.
Students can use the data and follow the movement of migrating birds to study
biology, geography, physics and other subjects. Ringing
stations’ data are given to the students as outdoor activities to increase the
importance of ecological awareness, the environment and ways of conservation. Ringing Stations could be
used to develop an educational model capable of transferring the educational
process from a traditional and non-interactive to a meaningful that is based
upon active participation and individual approach. This model will not change
the classical way of education only but will also develop their way of thinking
and increase their awareness towards the national and global environment. Birds
are often the most visible forms of bio-diversity to many people, regardless of
whether they live in the countryside or in the city. In this sense, I believe
that birds are our good neighbors and should be part of our daily life.
Therefore, bird protection, which comes out from education,
knowledge, ethics, and culture, is much better and more effective than the enforced
laws. This is an open invitation to our educational systems to use the
ringing stations as a modern tool for education and conservation
programs.
Dr. Jens Eriksen.
College Of Science
Sultan Qaboos University P O Box 36, Al Khod 123 Sultanate Of Oman
Tel 968 515 471 Tel/Fax +968 513 193 hjoman@omantel.net.om
Island Birds of
Oman
The offshore
islands of Oman - from the Quoin Islands off Musandam in the north to the
Hallaniyat Islands in the southeast- are important breeding sites for a large
number and variety of birds. Main species include: Persian Shearwater,
Red-billed Tropicbird, Masked Booby, Socotra Cormorant, Western Reef Heron,
Osprey, Sooty Falcon, Sooty Gull and a variety of terns. Masirah, the largest
island, is the only place to boost all 18 species of terns found in Arabia and
several species breed, including Swift, White-cheeked, Roseate, Saunders's and
Bridled Tern. In word and pictures we travel to several of these important bird
areas.
Imad Al Attrash – Palestine
Palestine Wildlife
Society Executive Director
P.O.Box 89 Beit
Sahour Palestine Tel: +970 (2) 277 4373 Fax: +970 (2) 277 2937
Mobile: 050-397 404
Wildlife@Palnet.Com
Important Bird Areas
in Palestine
Located on the
junction of three continents Palestine maintains several globally and
regionally important ecosystems and habitats. The Palestinian National
Authority is actively involved recently in nature management and conservation. Such activities could not be most
effective with out the full participation of non-Governmental environmental
organization. Many Palestinian NGO’s have proven successful efficiency in
environmental research and awareness in their areas. In
1994 Birdlife International and in coordination with 16 countries of the Middle
East compiled The Important Bird Areas of the Middle East (IBA’s). The Middle East
IBA document was appreciated highly on the international, regional and
country’s levels. For the first time there was a comprehensive database on
birds and habitats of the region as well as clear and integrated policies and
strategies for the conservation of species and habitats. 395 sites where
documented and since then many sites have been declared as protected areas
managed under local conservation agencies in the region.
In Palestine 13
IBA’s were declared. IBA’s recorded in Palestine are mainly sites located in
the West Bank; one site was recorded in Gaza Strip. The areas mainly are:
Palestinian Coastal, Jerusalem Mountains, Eastern Slopes and the Jordan Valley
according to difference in climate and bio-geographical location due to lack of
information at that time because of political restrains to obtain such
information.
Important Bird
Areas in Palestine (IBA’s) is the first of its kind in Palestine Which has been
done with a scientific and field ways. It is also the first of its kind in the
Middle East, as a national level to be done through the last twelve months, the
results were recommended as a part of the Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan in
Palestine.
Although the
project has defined the areas, threats and importance of their conservation. It is unfortunately that up-to date no conservation
measures have been taken in relation to IBA’s in Palestine.
The new political
situation has caused massive unsustainable development. This development
is affecting the vitality
and serenity of such Important Biodiversity Areas. IBA’s
in Palestine are undergoing many impacts such as ecosystem destruction,
extinction of species and degradation of local and migratory wildlife. It is
very crucial at this stage to monitor and conserve Important Bird Areas in
Palestine, to insure their sustainability and benefit the local economy from
their cultural and natural values.
Recommendations:
Communicating and
coordinating with the local environmental societies in the
IBA project in
Palestine for the future study and to protected.
Collecting the Bird
Data to prepare the list of birds in Palestine.
Involving different
new natural sites in the future from other areas in Palestine.
Establishing “a National Network “for the IBA’s in
Palestine, which has an
Official act of
Performance in this issue.
The IBA book should
be the first step for other different activities and projects.
Introducing the
first IBA book project through the Internet.
Introducing the
Eco-Tourism to the Palestinian Society.
George Gregory
OSK Life Fellow of
BTO & of Member OSME.,
Osk C/O Kes Po Box
8640 Salmiya 22057 Kuwait Tel 965 565 5216 Keschool@Qualitynet.Net
Conservation of
Wildlife in Kuwait - Problems and Solutions.
Since the almost
complete recovery of Kuwait's environment from the effects
of the invasion of
1990-91, the familiar old problems of over-grazing hunting, disturbance and
fire have reasserted themselves in Kuwait. Over-grazing by sheep,
goats, camels, donkeys and a few horses is the biggest threat to terrestrial
ecosystems. Complete or almost complete loss of
cover in many areas has occurred, resulting in desertification. Loss of reedbed cover is also
significant. The simple
solution of fencing and prohibition of entry of grazing livestock is highly
effective. Areas at Kebd have never experienced
grazing. The recent fencing around
the National Park by the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish
Resources (PAAAFR) is beginning to allow some regeneration of vegetation. The security fencing around some of the
oil fields by the Ministry of Oil has, in effect, created large nature reserves.
Hunting is a major problem, with a worrying effect on bird life,
especially on migrating raptors.
PAAAFR has essentially banned hunting in the National Park, but some
hunters breach the fencing to enter and shoot. The Environmental Public Authority (EPA) bans hunting at
Jahra Pool and at Doha Reserve, with a very good level of success. Disturbance
by seasonal campsites in the desert and by chalet building along the coast is a
very difficult problem to solve, but PAAAFR has recently banned camping in the
National Park. Accidental or
deliberate burning of reedbeds, trees, etc, has occurred recently at Jahra Pool
and Jahra East Outfall, with disastrous effects on bird life. Overall, there is gradual improvement
in Kuwait, but there is still a long way to go. Efforts by the EPA Chairman, to educate
school students in conservation represent an effective solution.
The Ornithological Society of Kuwait (OSK), and other bodies, will
continue to offer advice and support to the relevant authorities, so that
improvement can be continued in future.
Dr. Saeed Abdulla Mohamed
Director of Alreem
Environmental Consultation
Conservation of
Avifauna in Bahrain present status and future challenges
The state of
Bahrain is composed of more than thirty five islands with an area of just over
700 Km2 . Despite the small size of the country, various natural
habitats are present on those small islands. Many important bird areas have
been recognized in the country by BirdLife International which included marine
and terrestrial sites. Since late sixties, a reasonable bird list was
established and continuous monitoring of bird status in Bahrain is still taking
place.
More than 315 species of birds has been
recorded where the vast majority of them are migrants. Breeding birds are either resident breeder
like the white-cheeked bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys, summer breeder such
as the sooty falcon Falco concolor, or those with regional movement and
breed during winter time like the Socotra Cormorant Phalacrocorax nigrogularis.
More efforts have been taken recently in order to conserve birds in Bahrain
through the establishment of protected areas and introducing proper
legislation. However, more challenges and pressures are present which makes
conservation measures very difficult to implement. More
attention should be directed to future challenges including the continuous
habitat destruction or degradation, implementation of legislation, introduction of exotic species, trades
and hunting. More surveys and studies are required to clarify the status of
avifauna in Bahrain, and more regional cooperation is needed to reveal
information about movement and status of endemic species to the region.
Dr Mohammad Shobrak
Nat Wildlife
Research Center Taif KSA
Poster Presentation.
Ornithological work
done by the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development in
Saudi Arabia during the last 14 years