Rare dragonfly species Urothemis thomasi found in UAE

An extremely rare species of dragonfly has been found for the first time in Wadi Wurayah National Park by Dr Jacky Judas, an expert in tropical ecology and a research consultant in the wadi, according to Fujairah Municipality.

This species, which is new to the UAE, is a dragonfly called Urothemis thomasi. According to IUCN data, this endemic species, only previously been recorded in a few sites in Oman, has not been recorded anywhere since 1957 and was even thought to be extinct.

Recent wildlife surveys show that 21 of the 30 known dragonfly and damselfly species that occur in the UAE, have been recorded in Wadi Wurayah National Park; further establishing this site as a hotspot for dragonflies.

"These latest exciting discoveries further the evidence that Wadi Wurayah is an exceptional site for wildlife. It is vital to conserve this rich area in order to protect the unique species which rely on it for survival," Director of Fujairah Municipality, Mohammed Al Afkham, said in a press release.

"As we move into establishing Wadi Wurayah National Park, this news yet again confirms that this area remains a stronghold for wildlife in the UAE," Ida Tillisch, Director General of EWS-WWF said.

In January 2013, EWS-WWF signed an official agreement appointing the organisation to develop and implement the management plan for a National Park of international standards and high quality, while working in close collaboration with Government of Fujairah and other stakeholders.

An ischnura nursei, a small colourful damselfly found in Pakistan, India and Iran, was also spotted for the first time in the UAE at another site in Fujairah last week.

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