Reptile Records

Reptile Records

(Editors' note: This report represents a summary of recordings, and is in no way comprehensive. It is intended both to provide simplified data on habitat and to prompt further reports and recordings. The reptiles of the Emirates remain little studied, and there is a need for further research, and notes on random sightings, in order to extend understanding of their geographical distribution).

The following sightings were made, primarily by the writer, at different locations throughout the UAE during the last year. Most were made in the Al Ain and eastern Abu Dhabi area as the writer resides in this region.

Agamidae

Occurs throughout the UAE in suitable burrowing habitat. A well known, and regularly visited, colony exists at "Dhub Valley" approximately 35 km north-east of Al Ain. This population seems to be hard hit by the "drought" conditions as a study group of 20 individuals have diminished to 9, resulting in a 55% mortality rate between May 1999 and April 2000. A scattering of individuals is also known from the Jebel Hafit foothills northwards towards the Al Ain Cement factory. This population is under heavy pressure from construction and other human activity in the area.

Recorded on the lower eastern (350m) and northern slopes (650m) as well as from the summit wadis (1000m) of Jebel Hafit from May to September.

Recorded at an elevation of 1m on coastal sabkhas from the Sila'a area.

Generally occur on softer substrate than the previous species, being recorded in the Jabeeb area, between Al Ain and Dubai and in sandy dunes south-west of Al Ain.

Varanidae

Ubiquitous. Sightings of individuals and tracks have been observed throughout the year ranging from coastal sabkha in the far west (Sila'a area) to inter-dune flats and dune desert North-West of Al Ain as well as "wet wadi" areas between Al Ain and Hatta (Oman). Individuals have also been observed utilising Spiny-tail lizard burrows during the heat of the day when soil temperatures rise to 60 deg.C during summer.

Gekkonidae

Common throughout the mountains from the Ru'us al-Jibal (Ras al-Khaimah) to east of Al Ain in Oman. P.rupestris and P.celerrimus have not been observed on Jebel Hafit during the last 12 months, although P.rupestris have previously been documented from this area. Both have been recorded from between 450m to 1600m throughout the year, at higher elevations favouring sunny windless areas during cooler months.

One of the more common geckoes. Recorded at sites as diverse as under rubbish on inland sabkha from the Sila'a area to sandy desert areas south of Al Ain. During the cooler winter months they were most often observed under human-related litter.

Recorded during nocturnal observations on coastal sabkha areas in the Sila'a region.

S.doriae and S.arabicus, the latter one of the smallest sand geckoes, were recorded at night in sandy dune areas North-West & South of Al Ain.

Recorded from houses and forts within the Al Ain residential area with first mentioned also recorded from caves in the Ru'us al Jibal (East of Ras al-Khaimah) and Wadi Wurrayah (West of Khor Fakkan).

This beautiful and unique gecko, with its bright reflective eyes, was recorded from Ras Ghanadah and Qarn Nizwa (between Dubai and Al Madam) areas (MJ).

Lacertidae

Recorded throughout the sandy desert areas of the UAE, being locally common in suitable habitat.

Locally abundant between Jebel Hafit and the Cement Factory. This is the only site in the UAE where they are known to occur at present.

Recorded on gravel plains around Jebel Hafit.

Recorded between the high tide mark and coastal sabkha in the Sila'a area. Utilises the strip of land, often only 2-3 metres wide, between the sea and sabkha.

Recorded throughout "wet wadis" to the east of Al Ain in Omani territory as well as Wadi Tayyibah (between Dibba and Masafi) (MJ).

Scincidae

Recorded North-West & South of Al Ain and Jabeeb area, in suitable sandy habitat, always with dunes.

Recorded from gardens in Al Ain and described as locally common in Fujairah (MJ).

Boidae

Tracks and burrowing tunnels are common throughout sandy areas of the UAE. Two specimens collected South of Al Ain while hunting sand geckoes on the soil surface.

Colubridae

Commonly seen in "wet wadis," often submerging to escape attention and hunt fish and tadpoles. Wadis in the UAE and adjacent areas of Oman where specimens were observed include Wadis Wurrayah, Shuwayhah, Qahfi and Muqalit.

Seen at Sharjah Natural History Museum / Desert Park.

Seen less frequently than Wadi Racer although a yellow phased individual was seen at Wadi Shuwayhah in the Hatta area. Another specimen seen in Wadi Wurrayah crossing a pool while an interesting sighting of one preying on a small bird was recorded and photographed at Tawam hospital in Al Ain (DH).

Viperidae

Four individuals recorded in Wadi Wurrayah (West of Khor Fakkan) and one in Wadi Shawkah (South of Dhaid). Known to occur throughout isolated wadi areas.

Tracks were observed throughout the sandy desert areas around Al Ain, especially during the early morning before wind activity disturbs the tracks. No live sightings.

I am grateful to Marijcke Jongbloed (MJ) and Debbie Handly (DH) for contributing records for this summary.