Marine reptiles of the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Within the waters of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there are nine sea snake species and five species of sea turtles, two of which (Hawksbill and Green Sea Turtles) are breeding and forage residents and the remainder migrate to feed through UAE waters. Not only are the waters of the UAE recognized as important habitats for Hawksbill and Green Sea Turtles, but sea turtles are ambassador species for ocean conservation and recognized as a priority species by policy makers and conservationists alike. As a result, despite their numerous challenges, Hawksbill and Green turtle populations in the country are relatively stable. On the other hand, Loggerhead and Olive Ridley Sea Turtles, along with sea snakes enjoy far less interest and attention and so their threats, ecology and population status remain ambiguous. The known challenges facing marine reptiles in the UAE include, but are not limited to, habitat destruction through coastal development, marine pollution, bycatch and climate change.