The Blanford’s Fox, a ‘vulnerable’ species on the UAE National Red List and the Arabia Regional Red List, was recently captured on camera as part of the Notice Nature initiative. This project aims to assess the conservation status of key species in the UAE and support efforts to protect the country’s biodiversity. Motion-sensing cameras in Wadi Wurayah National Park also captured images of other species such as Brandt’s hedgehog, red fox, Hume’s wheatear, feral donkeys, and goats.
Led by Emirati scientists from Leaders of Change, the project has spotted several endangered species within the park, including the Arabian tahr, snakes, dragonflies, geckos, and more. The Blandford’s Fox was first recorded in the UAE mountains in 1995 and is primarily nocturnal, feeding on insects, fruits, and rodents. With adults weighing around 3kg, they live in rocky mountain areas and have distinctive features such as long ears and bushy tails.
Motion sensor cameras installed in the mountain protected area as part of the Notice Nature project captured images of the elusive Blanford’s Fox. Launched by Mashreq and Emirates Nature-WWF, Notice Nature aims to document and evaluate the conservation status of key species in the UAE. It is part of Mashreq’s Climb2Change global initiative, which brings together various stakeholders to safeguard the country’s biodiversity.
Notice Nature provides opportunities for UAE communities to participate in environmental conservation as ‘citizen scientists’ through the Leaders of Change programme. Emirati scientists work alongside experts to gather and analyze data that informs conservation strategies. By collecting valuable data on biodiversity, the initiative aims to inspire environmental stewardship among communities and address the impacts of urbanization, pollution, and climate change.
To join the wildlife mapping efforts, individuals across the UAE can register at the Leaders of Change website for upcoming events. Through citizen science field trips and data collection, participants can contribute to the conservation and protection of rare and endangered species in the UAE mountains. With the support of partners and citizen scientists, the project aims to collect more records of rare species like the Blanford’s Fox and Arabian Tahr, providing valuable scientific information for conservation management.
