Record flock of a critically endangered birds discovered in Abu Dhabi
The sighting of record numbers of a critically endangered bird in Abu Dhabi this winter has excited conservationists.
At least 34 sociable lapwings – scientific name Vanellus gregarius – were recorded at Al Maha Pivot Fields on February 16. This is almost three times the previous record, when 12 were sighted.
Numbers have declined more than 90 per cent since the 1930s, with just 24,000 left in the world.
While they are usually recorded in the UAE in very small numbers every year, to have such a large number here is striking.
