Juvenile Greater Flamingos flew in higher numbers to Barr Al Hikman, the largest wetland area in Oman, reinforcing the global importance of the area, according to a survey.

The survey, conducted by Wetlands International in January 2017 and supported by Shell Development Oman, also found that Barr Al Hikman is home to 87 different species of waterbirds accounting for more than half a million birds. 

Wetlands International is a global not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wetlands.

The survey showed that waders such as curlew sandpiper and less sandplover made for the largest group of species found in the Barr Al Hikman area, followed by cormorants, herons and flamingos.

The team of surveyors counted a staggering 136,359 Curlew Sandpipers and 104,385 Lesser Sandplovers over the survey period.

Meanwhile, Bar-tailed Godwits have shown a downward trend over the years.

The majorityof the migratory birds come to Barr Al Hikman from northern breeding areas as far away as northern Europe and even the Russian Far East.

Located in the centre of Oman’s East coast in Al Wusta Governate, Barr Al Hikman is a vast desolate area made up of sabkha (salt flats) and rocky ridges.

Barr Al Hikman is probably one of the most important stop-over sites in the Middle East for waterbirds. The site is recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International and qualifies for designation as a Ramsar site –wetlands that are recognized as being of international importance.

Ward Hagemeijer, Head Business and Ecosystems at Wetlands International, said that through the surveys they conducted in 2016 and 2017 with support from SDO, Wetlands International has demonstrated that Barr Al Hikman is an exceptionally important site for waterbirds.

“This has informed the decision by the Oman Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs to propose these wetlands to be designated as Ramsar sites,” Hagemeijer said.

“In 2017, we increased our understanding of how the birds utilise this site, including where the greatest concentrations are roosting on the Sabkha, the saltplains that are so typical for the region, during high tide. This information is critically important for the sustainable management and conservation of Barr Al Hikman,” Hagemeijer added.

Meanwhile, Chris Breeze, Shell’s Country Chairman in Oman, said that Shell Development Oman is proud to work closely with Wetlands International and contribute towards developing a better understanding of Barr Al Hikman.

“The recent survey by Wetlands International provides another vital source of information for both conservation and management of this unique area. We are proud of the opportunity to positively contribute to better understanding the ecologically rich environment at Barr Al Hikman,” he said.

Source: Timesofoman