Threatened Birds in Qatar
The state of Qatar supports many globally threatened birds throughout the majority of the year. Threatened birds can be found using a variety of habitats in Qatar, from beaches to farmland to rawdahs (desert “gardens” caused by collecting water that supports the growth of vegetation).
The Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarious) is perhaps one of the most notable threatened birds found in Qatar, being the only Critically Endangered species. The recent emergence of large agricultural fields in the country—which replicate their natural habitat preferences as grassland specialists in the steppes of Central Asia—has led to a major increase in their presence. They can be found during the winter months, and spend the majority of their time in fields with short or even no vegetation, although they have been recorded in wetlands as well.
The Socotra
Cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis) is another notable
threatened bird in Qatar. They are resident breeders that are present all year
round along the coast of Qatar. The Socotra Cormorant is unique in the fact
that they are the only threatened species that is also a resident breeder in Qatar.
During the breeding season they can be seen gathering in large flocks of up to
thousands of birds.
Why Socotra Cormorant is Vulnerable ?
1. Breeding Disturbance:
The species breeds in large, dense colonies on low-lying islands. Human activities such as tourism, fishing, and coastal access can cause disturbance, leading to nest abandonment and chick mortality.
2. Habitat Loss:
Coastal development and modification of island habitats in the Arabian Gulf have reduced the availability of suitable breeding sites. Since the species relies on a limited number of nesting islands, habitat loss has a significant impact.
3. Overfishing and Food Shortage:
The Socotra Cormorant feeds mainly on small schooling fish. Overfishing reduces prey availability, which can lead to reduced breeding success and increased mortality.
4. Oil Pollution:
Oil spills and marine pollution in the Gulf region pose a serious threat. Oil contamination damages feathers, affecting insulation and buoyancy, often leading to death.
5. Restricted Range:
This species is endemic to the Arabian Gulf and nearby waters. Its limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to regional environmental changes and threats.
Conservation Status:
The species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with an estimated population of approximately 110,000–120,000 individuals, showing a declining trend.
To learn more about other threatened bird species, the “Conservation Status” filters under the “Explore Qatar Birds” can be used to filter all birds with an IUCN status of Vulnerable, Endangered, and Critically Endangered.
References:
1. IUCN Red List –
Phalacrocorax nigrogularis:
https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22696793/93623873
2. BirdLife International
Species Factsheet:
https://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/factsheet/socotra-cormorant-phalacrocorax-nigrogularis
3. Jennings, M.C. (2010). Atlas
of the Breeding Birds of Arabia.
4. Environment Agency Abu Dhabi
(EAD) Reports on Socotra Cormorant Colonies.
5. Aspinall, S. (1996). Status
and conservation of breeding seabirds in the UAE.
