The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, EAD, yesterday announced that 110 flamingo chicks hatched at Abu Dhabi's Al Wathba Wetland Reserve in June and July after another successful breeding season.
This year, flamingos began building nests at two sites within the reserve. Scientists from EAD spotted the first eggs on 21st April at the first site, where 28 chicks hatched, and 31st May at the second, where 82 chicks hatched.
"The continued breeding of flamingos at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is a result of EAD's effective management of this important wetland habitat," said Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Executive Director, Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD.
"Flamingos are the star attractions of the reserve, which will be open to visitors in October. As these beautiful animals breed more and more, the area is of growing interest to both the public and scientists," Dr. Al Dhaheri added.
Flamingos bred for the first time at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve in 1998. Following this success, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan established the reserve as a Protected Area. The reserve is a 45-minute drive from Abu Dhabi city and a safe refuge for many species of reptiles, small mammals and insects. Around 200 flamingo chicks hatched at the site last year.
Source: WAM