Due to birds nesting season, The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced that Al Wathba Wetland Reserve will close early this year and will remain closed till November.
Over 1,000 nests have been recorded as a result of the the flamingo nesting starting in February this year, where typically it starts each March.
Around 4,000 flamingos have been noted to live on the reserve.
Five other migratory and resident species of birds have also started nesting on the reserve including Kentish Plover, Black-Winged Stilt, Red-Wattled Lapwing, Ring Plover and White-Tailed Lapwing.
Ahmed Alhashmi, Acting Executive Director, Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity at EAD said, "We were extremely happy to witness the early flamingo nesting season, which started last month, and to ensure that the nesting season continues successfully, we have decided to close Al Watbha Wetland Reserve, as part of our commitment towards the conservation of our bird species and the reserve's biodiversity. The success of the reserve in attracting important birds for nesting is a positive indication of the improvement of conditions and the provision of a suitable environment for the birds to breed. This indicates the sustainability of the ecosystems in the reserve, as well as the good management and protection, which enhanced the willingness of these species to start nesting and increase their numbers."