Scientific Report Water Research and Learning Programmed2ouvy59p0dg6k.cloudfront.net/downloads/wrlp_scientifc_report_lr.pdf · Scientific Report Water Research and Learning Programme

Scientific ReportWater Research and Learning ProgrammeWadi Wurayah National ParkFielding Season 2014–2015

1 Marine Turtle Conservation Project Final Scientifc Report Marine Turtle Conservation Project Final Scientifc Report 21 Scientific Report | Water Research and Learning Programme | Wadi Wurayah National Park | Fielding Season 2014–2015

Cover Photo Credit © Oliver Kerr/EWS-WWF

For information about the program, please contact: [email protected]

Address:The Water Research & Learning Programme P.O BOX 9777Wadi Wurayah National Park, Fujairah, UAE

Prepared by:Jacky Judas, EWS-WWFPatricia Cabrera, EWS-WWFAlex Cloke, EWS-WWFSamar Gewily, EWS-WWF

Reviewed By:Olivier Combreau, EWS-WWFPaola Ferreira, EWS-WWF

HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd.One of the largest international banks in the Middle East and a key financial partner and supporter of Wadi Wurayah National Park since 2006. HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd. established the Water Research and Learning Programme as part of its Global Water Programme.

Fujairah MunicipalityStrategic partner and driver of Wadi Wurayah National Park development. The mission of Fujairah Municipality is to provide advanced infrastructure, a sustainable environment, and excellence in services to the people of Fujairah.

Emirates Wildlife Society-WWFEmirates Wildlife Society-WWF is a UAE environmental nongovernmental organisation established under the patronage of H. H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ruler’s representative in the western region and chairman of Environmental Agency Abu Dhabi. Since its establishment, Emirates Wildlife Society has been working in association with WWF, one of the largest and most respected independent global conservation organisations, to initiate and implement environmental conservation and education projects in the region. EWS-WWF has been active in the UAE since 2001, and its mission is to work with people and institutions within the UAE and the region to conserve biodiversity and tackle climate change through education, awareness, policy, and science-based conservation initiatives.

Earthwatch InstituteEarthwatch Institute is a leading global nongovernmental organisation operating from offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, and Brazil. The Earthwatch Institute engages communities in environmental projects in more than 40 countries worldwide. Scientists, educators, students, corporations, and the general public are engaged in initiatives to promote the understanding of and actions necessary for a sustainable environment.

Project partners

3 Marine Turtle Conservation Project Final Scientifc Report Marine Turtle Conservation Project Final Scientifc Report 4

Table of Contents1 Introduction 5

2 General objectives 6

3 Monitoring of freshwater habitats 7

3.1 Water quality parameters 7

3.1.1 Purpose 7

3.1.2 Measurements of water quality parameters 8

3.1.3 Amplitude and factors of variations 11

3.1.4 Inter-annual variations 13

3.2 Freshwater Watch 15

3.2.1 Purpose 15

3.2.2 The standard method 15

3.2.3 Results and interpretation 15

3.3 Zooplankton as bio-indicators 16

3.3.1 Purpose 16

3.3.2 Samplingandidentification 16

3.3.3 Variations of zooplankton abundance 16

3.3.4 Improving the sampling technique 18

3.4 Freshwater invertebrates 18

3.4.1 Purpose 18

3.4.2 Samplingandidentification 18

3.4.3 Collected samples 19

3.4.4 The way forward 19

4 Odonate studies 20

4.1 Population monitoring 20

4.1.1 Diversity and abundance on point counts 20

4.1.2 Factors of variations in population abundance 20

4.2 Population studies 22

4.2.1 Capture and tagging 22

4.2.2 Morphometric measurements 22

4.2.3 Population turnover 23

4.2.4 Collection of exuviae 24

5 Toad population study 26

5.1 Purpose 26

5.2 The method of point count 26

5.3 Monitoring of population abundance 27

5.3.1 Spatiotemporal variations 27

5.3.2 Effects of habitats 27

5.3.3 Effects of water and weather parameters 27

5.4 Variations in body size 28

5.4.1 Body measurements 28

5.4.2 Relations between body size and habitat use 28

5.5 Inter-annual variations 29

5.6 Conclusions 29

6 Monitoring of terrestrial habitats 30

6.1 Vegetation study 30

6.1.1 Purpose 30

6.1.2 Pilot study 30

6.1.3 Sampling 31

6.1.4 Species richness and abundance 32

6.1.5 Species phenology 34

6.1.6 Biomass 35

6.1.7 Conclusions and Remarks 35

6.2 Rodent Trapping 36

6.2.1 Population study 36

6.2.2 Sherman trapping 36

6.2.3 Results of capture 36

6.3 Random naturalist observations 37

6.3.1 The contributions of citizen science to biodiversity knowledge 37

6.3.2 The use of iNaturalist 37

6.3.3 Volunteer contributions 38

7 Discussion: perspectives 39

8 References 41

9 List of abbreviations 42

SCIENTIFIC REPORT WATER RESEARCH AND

LEARNING PROGRAMMEWadi Wurayah National Park Fielding Season 2014–2015

5 Marine Turtle Conservation Project Final Scientifc Report Marine Turtle Conservation Project Final Scientifc Report 6Scientific Report | Water Research and Learning Programme | Wadi Wurayah National Park | Fielding Season 2014–2015 65 Scientific Report | Water Research and Learning Programme | Wadi Wurayah National Park | Fielding Season 2014–2015

Wadi Wurayah National Park was officially created in 2009 by royal decree of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, ruler of Fujairah Emirate, and was listed as a wetland of international importance under the RAMSAR convention in 2010. In 2013, Emirates Wildlife Society in association with the World Wildlife Fund (EWS-WWF) signed an agreement with Fujairah Municipality to spearhead the development of the national park. An agreement signed between EWS-WWF and Earthwatch, funded by HSBC Bank Middle-East Ltd within the framework of the HSBC Water Programme, soon followed, resulting in the creation of the Water Research and Learning Programme (WRLP). This programme aims to sensitize and educate volunteers on water conservation challenges relating to development and socio-economic growth as well as to involve those volunteers in field research activities in freshwater habitats in particular but also focusing on other conservation topics related to the management of the national park.

This programme started with the establishment of a base camp at the entrance of the national park, comprising offices, accommodations, and different facilities which host citizen scientists comfortably for the five days of the research programme, during which they learn from a tailored environmental education curriculum and contribute to the collection of scientific data in the field.

This season, October 2014–April 2015, was the second season of the programme, which is itself intended to last five years. This report presents the main scientific results derived from this second WRLP field research season.

In line with the management plan of Wadi Wurayah National Park, completed in 2014, the park’s research and monitoring programme intends to study and monitor five priority conservation targets:• Freshwater ecosystems• Terrestrial vegetation• Carnivores• Endangered ungulates• Other terrestrial vertebrates (birds and reptiles)

Wadi Wurayah is one of few locations in the UAE with permanent pools and streams. This permanent freshwater system, the main ecological asset of the park, is home to a rich but fragile biodiversity (Tourenq et al. 2009), which closely depends on freshwater quality. Understanding and monitoring this ecosystem is the main focus of the Water Research and Learning Programme. In this framework, the following objectives have been defined:1. Describe the physicochemical components and factors of variation within the

habitat2. Describe the biodiversity components (species diversity, relative abundance,

population size, etc.) and their spatiotemporal variations3. Understand the relations between physicochemical characteristics of the

habitats and their biodiversity components4. Determine the ecological requirements and the tolerance limits of key species

(plants, insects, frogs, fish, etc.)5. Assess the dispersal propensity of key species6. Measure impacts of human activities (agricultural practices, tourist

frequentation, well construction, etc.) on water quality7. Assess the contribution of anthropogenic freshwater habitats as biodiversity

refuges8. Develop scenarios of biodiversity drift in relation to climate change models and

propose adapted conservation strategies

EWS-WWF have developed research activities for the WRLP volunteers to contribute to these broad research objectives and to the conservation programme. Field activities for the second season continued from the findings of the first season, either to complete data sets initiated in 2013–2014 or as part of long-term monitoring programmes.

1. INTRODUCTION 2. GENERAL OBJECTIVES


3.1 WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS3.1.1 PurposeThe biodiversity and ecological balance of the park greatly depend on freshwater quality. EWS-WWF requests that water quality be monitored to ensure the sustainability of this ecosystem and detect in a timely manner any disturbance, such as variations of freshwater parameters beyond threshold values, which might compromise the survival of some species and require human intervention. Determining these thresholds values and interpreting data from the water monitoring programme requires a good understanding of the mechanisms underlying the freshwater chemical parameters and their natural variations.

The purpose of the water quality monitoring is as follows:• Determine the physical and chemical parameters of different waterbodies in

Wadi Wurayah• Understand their natural spatiotemporal variations• Assess threshold values of variations• Improve monitoring methods, accuracy, and precision of measurement devices

3.1.2 Measurements of water quality parametersWater quality parameters were measured from October 2014 to April 2015 in six freshwater habitats (Figure 1), with different substrates, bank vegetation, and aquatic life in running water and permanent pools. The researchers measured ten environmental variables in situ on a weekly basis, while six other environmental variables were analysed in the laboratory from water samples collected in the field (Table 1, Table 2).

Table 1: Summary of methods for the determination of water quality parameters measured in Wadi Wurayah

Parameters (units) Instrumentation/method MeasuredTemperature (°C) Temperature sensor YSI and TestR In situ

Dissolved oxygen (mg/L and % saturation)

Oxygen electrode YSI In situ

pH (pH units) pH electrode TestR In situ

Salinity (g/L) Conductivity sensor YSI and TestR In situ

Conductivity (μS/cm) Conductivity sensor YSI and TestR In situ

Total dissolved solids (mg/L)

TDS sensor YSI and TestR In situ

Water flow (m/s) Flowmeter In situ

Turbidity (nephelometric turbidity units: NTU)

Secchi tube In situ

Ammonium (mg/L) Ammonium sensor YSI In situ

Nitrite (mg/L) Diazotization colorimetric method In lab

Nitrate (mg/L) Nitrate sensor YSI In situ

Total hardness (mg CaCO3/L)

EDTA titration In lab

Alkalinity (dKH) Acid titration with indicator solution In lab

Chloride (ppm) Acid titration with indicator solution In lab

Iron (ppm) Colorimetric method In lab

Phosphates (ppm) Colorimetric method In lab

3. MONITORING OF FRESHWATER

HABITATS

WADI WURAYAH WATER QUALITY

IMPROVED AFTER PARK

CLOSURE TO THE PUBLIC


Table 2: Mean and SD of environmental variables measured at six locations from October 2014 to April 2015 (n=26)

Variable (units) Waterfall area Wadi Wurayah Waterfall Pool Stream Downstream Gorge Fish spa

Temperature (°C) Mean 23.57 23.67 24.7 22.9 24.27 25.81

SD 2.52 2.52 2.93 3.31 2.42 1.29

Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) Mean 7.09 6.35 6.83 7.13 6.64 6.21

SD 0.81 0.76 1.12 0.82 1 1.02

Dissolved oxygen (% saturation)

Mean 82.6 72.93 80.95 83.07 79.96 74.73

SD 10.36 7.9 12.4 9.86 10.8 10.46

pH Mean 8.58 8.35 8.49 8.77 8.8 8.71

SD 0.22 0.14 0.24 0.29 0.29 0.19

Salinity (g/L) Mean 0.31 0.31 0.3 0.24 0.24 0.24

SD 0.01 0.01 0.01 0 0 0

Conductivity (μS/cm) Mean 622.08 608.17 602.36 491.14 494.05 502.82

SD 29.1 34.89 35.94 30.44 17.65 20.7

Total dissolved solids (mg/L)

Mean 436.41 432.12 416.23 347.96 342.45 339.25

SD 19.5 27.59 25.98 39.83 11.86 11.49

Water flow (m/s) Mean 0.01 0.05 0.11 0.04 0.1 0

SD 0.04 0.09 0.13 0.17 0.15 0

Turbidity (NTU) Mean 0 0 0 0 0 0

SD 0 0 0 0 0 0

Ammonia (mg/L) Mean 0.21 0.1 0.14 0.17 0.14 0.21

SD 0.29 0.05 0.16 0.13 0.1 0.22

Nitrite (mg/L) Mean 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.03 0.03

SD 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01

Nitrate (mg/L) Mean 0.83 0.58 0.69 1.76 1.71 1.05

SD 0.41 0.3 0.28 1.15 1.25 1.08

Alkalinity (dKH) Mean 8.31 8.05 7.36 7.35 6.88 7.4

SD 1.6 1.44 1.43 1.13 1.31 0.99

Total hardness (mg CaCO3/L)

Mean 988.9 944 881.27 890.09 872.29 926.05

SD 229.81 204.4 209.57 139.84 131.36 172.8

Chloride (ppm) Mean 4.98 4.8 5.18 4.18 3.87 3.25

SD 0.68 0.58 0.91 1.21 0.86 0.56

Iron (ppm) Mean <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02

SD 0 0 0 0 0 0

Phosphates (ppm) Mean <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02

SD 0 0 0 0 0 0

Figure 1: Map showing the distribution of the six main sampling locations for water quality, as well as where most field research activities took place during the season

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Wadi Wurayah NP

Research SitesEcotourism Zone

Datum:WGS 1984Scale:1:8,000

Meters

Car ParkRoad

0 200

P


3.1.3 Amplitude and factors of variationsWater temperature has a major influence on chemical and biological processes including reaction rates, water density, and dissolved oxygen content, which strongly affects many aquatic organisms. The main source of variation of water temperature is linked to the seasons’ cycle. The temperature varied from a maximum of 32.1 °C in October to a minimum of 17.5 °C in January. Spatial variability occurred due to differences in water depth, presence of macrophytes, and shading from shoreline vegetation or relief.

Wadi Wurayah water is ultrabasic with a relatively high pH (>8, Figure 2a), which is common in ophiolite catchments. The maximum pH found was 9.9, and the minimum was 7.96. Because of low precipitation, the water mostly comes from groundwater, and its composition is dependent upon the geology of the catchment basin. The pH of fresh water is also significantly influenced by algae and aquatic vegetation. Fluctuations can result from the combined effects of photosynthesis and respiration.

Rapidly moving water tends to contain more dissolved oxygen than still water (Figure 2d). Running water locations presented an average of around 80% saturation, while in still water this average was close to 70%. However, photosynthetic activity of algae and aquatic vegetation can locally increase dissolved oxygen levels, even in still water. Dissolved oxygen is essential for the development of aquatic life. Different organisms have different requirements, but in general, a high level of saturation, as was observed in Wadi Wurayah, is beneficial for a number of species and for fish respiration in particular.

Salinity in the waterfall area was slightly higher than in the gorge of the main wadi, with average values of 0.31 g/L and 0.24 g/L respectively. This range of salinity values is normal for fresh water (Figure 2e), but the cause of this range of variations is not yet clearly understood. Salinity measurements in an increased number of sampling locations presenting different characteristics (substrate, vegetation) will need to be conducted to identify the main factors of variations.

The variability in total dissolved solids (TDS) is mainly influenced by the origin of the water sample. The three sampling locations near the waterfall presented higher average TDS values (436.41 mg/L, 432.12 mg/L, and 416.23 mg/L) than the three sampling locations of the Wadi Wurayah main branch (347.96 mg/L, 342.45 mg/L, and 339.25 mg/L). This variability might be due to groundwater sources as well as the extent and type of habitats crossed upstream.

Conductivity can be used as a substitute for total dissolved solids (Trebitz et al. 2007). In this regard, the same trends were observed, with higher average values in the waterfall area (622.08 μS/cm, 608.17 μS/cm, and 602.36 μS/cm) than in the gorge of the Wadi Wurayah main branch (491.14 μS/cm, 494.05 μS/cm, and 502.82 μS/cm). Conductivity is generally a good indicator of productivity in freshwater ecosystems. Therefore, we can assume that waterbodies in the waterfall area are more productive than in the gorge (Figure 2c).

Concentrations of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates are linked according to the nitrogen cycle and vary seasonally according to water temperature. Seasonal maxima for nitrate and ammonium were higher at the beginning and the end of the season, when temperatures were highest. The flash flood at the end of October induced an increase in nitrate concentration in November, presumably caused by a release of sediments. Water evaporation also induced an increase in nutrient concentration at the waterfall pool, with a maximum of 1.85 mg/L of nitrates recorded when the water level was the lowest.

The average water flow speed varied from 0 m/s–0.05 m/s in pools and never exceeded 0.17 m/s in streams.

Across all locations, water remained very clear, with a measured turbidity of 0 NTU. Turbidity increased temporarily during flash floods but returned to its normal level in less than 24 hours.

Alkalinity is one of the best measures of the sensitivity of a waterbody to acid inputs. On average, alkalinity stayed rather constant across all locations, ranging from 6.88 dKH to 8.31 dKH, qualifying the water as hard (Figure 2b).

Calcium carbonate concentrations ranged from an average of 872.29 mg CaCO3/L to 988.9 mg CaCO3/L per site. The causes of variation between sites are not yet fully understood but might be linked to water source and geochemistry of the catchment basin.

Average chloride concentration per site ranged from 3.25 ppm to 4.98 ppm. Causes of variation between sites are still not fully understood. As for salinity, researches will need to sample an increased number of sites selected according to specific characteristics suspected to influence these variations.

Iron concentrations were <0.02 ppm in all sites throughout the season. An increase of iron above 1 ppm would affect the algal community, shifting from a dominance of green algae to cyanobacteria.

Phosphate concentration constantly stayed <0.02 ppm as expected in the absence of major potential sources of phosphate, such as fertilizers or phosphates naturally present in the ecosystem.


Figure 2: Comparison of Wadi Wurayah water parameters with water from other origins: a) PH, b) hardness, c) conductivity, d) dissolved oxygen, e) salinity

3.1.4 Inter-annual variationsWater quality parameters measured at the waterfall (Brook 2006; Tourenq et al. 2009) are compared with the measures done by the WRLP volunteers in 2014 and 2015 (Table 3). Water parameters from 2006 and 2009 are from single measurements, while those from seasons 2013–2014 and 2014–2015 at the waterfall have been averaged for comparisons.

Table 3: Comparison of historical and recent water quality measurements at the Wadi Wurayah waterfall

Jan-06 2009 Mar-14 Mar-15Temperature (°C) - 25 24.52 24.05

pH 8.4 8.3 8.8 8.6

Salinity (g/L) - - 0.26 0.27

Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) - 8.21 9.72 7.12

TDS (mg/L) 362 310 394 388

Conductivity (μS/cm) 510 - 539 553

NO2 (mg/L) <0.02 <0.02 - <0.02

NO3 (mg/L) 1 5.76 0.49 0.74

Chloride (ppm) 7.4 - 3.8 4.7

Fe (ppm) <0.01 - 0.75 <0.02

Temperature, salinity, and nitrites (NO2-) did not vary significantly, but pH slightly

increased, as well as TDS and conductivity, from 2006–2009 to 2014–2015. Iron never exceeded 1mg/L, staying in the normal values. Variations of dissolved oxygen from 7.12 mg/L to 9.72 mg/L might be due to different factors, but values remained within the expected range. Chloride concentration shows some decrease since 2006, without clear explanation for the time being. Lower nitrate (NO3) concentrations in 2014 and 2015 (<1 mg/L) might be due to a decrease in human presence following the closure of the park to the public in December 2013.

Distilled water

Melted snow

Tap water

Freshwater streams

Industrial wastewater

Wadi Wurayah waters 7-8 dKH

Wadi Wurayah waters 500-600 μS/cm

Extremely hard

Very hard

Hard

Moderately hard

Slightly hard

>14 dKH

10-14 dKH

7-10 dKH

3-7 dKH

<3 dKH

0.5-3 μS/cm

2-42 μS/cm

50-800 μS/cm

100-2000 μS/cm

10000 μS/cm

Dissolved oxygen

Wadi Wurayah waters 6-7 mg/L

5.4 to 14.8 mg/LTypical range in natural waters

5-6 mg/LOptimal range for

aquatic growth activity

0.1-5 mg/LLow range in

natural waters

Freshwater

Brackish water

Black sea

Dead sea

Ocean average

<0.5 g/L

0.5-17 g/L

16 g/L

34.2 g/L

35 g/L

Salinity

Wadi Wurayah waters 0.2-0.3 g/L

Hypersaline lake500-600 μS/cm

a)

b)

d)

e)

c)

pH= 2 Vinegar

pH= 4 Acid rain

pH= 6.5 Rain

pH= 7 Pure water

pH= 8 Arabian Gulf sea water

pH= 8-9 Wadi Wurayah waters

pH= 10 Magnesium

pH= 13 Bleach

Neutral

Acidic

Basic


3.2 FRESHWATER WATCH3.2.1 PurposeFreshwater Watch is a global initiative from Earthwatch operating in 32 cities to monitor and assess freshwater quality and availability. The Water Research and Learning Programme of Wadi Wurayah National Park is part of this network.

Two of the most important factors affecting water quality are nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations. Excessive nitrogen and phosphorus, called eutrophication, leads to algal blooms, wherein algae float on the surface of water and create a barrier that limits the exchange of gasses and light, produce many negative impacts on the freshwater ecosystem, and generally result in worsened water quality.

In Wadi Wurayah National Park, citizen scientists are trained to measure nitrate and phosphate concentrations, thereby monitoring water quality at a local level. On a global level, Freshwater Watch aims to establish a water quality monitoring network throughout the world, to obtain information from waterbodies that might not have previously been studied, and to assist in mapping the spatial extent of eutrophication.

3.2.2 The standard methodA global standard methodology is used for Freshwater Watch tests, with researchers filling a standardised data sheet describing the ecosystem conditions, recording the simple colorimetric tests for nitrate (NO3

-) and phosphate (PO43-),

and measuring turbidity levels with a Secchi tube. All citizen scientists are trained and supervised by the staff of the Water Research and Learning Programme, who have received direct training from Earthwatch .

3.2.3 Results and interpretationFor all 245 tests conducted between October 2014 and April 2015 in four different pools, turbidity and concentrations of nitrate (NO3

-) and phosphate (PO43-) were

recorded and expressed in number of tests per range (Table 4).

92.2% of the tests measured a very low nitrate concentration of <0.2 ppm. Most nitrate concentrations greater than 0.2 ppm were recorded in November, after the flash flood of the end of October.

87.4% of the phosphate tests measured a concentration of <0.02 ppm, and turbidity stayed below <12 NTU on all sites throughout the season.

These results support the hypothesis that the closure of the park to the public has had a beneficial effect on water quality. With the disappearance of diverse sources of pollution (littering, leftovers, fires, fishing…), nitrate and phosphate concentrations have dropped to the normal level of unpolluted and healthy freshwater. The low turbidity is also beneficial for the health of the ecosystem.

3.3 ZOOPLANKTON AS BIO-INDICATORS3.3.1 PurposeZooplankton is composed of small floating or weakly swimming organisms that drift with water currents. Freshwater ecosystems are generally productive areas with rich zooplankton populations, which are a vital component of the freshwater food webs, forming a link between the phytoplankton community and larger species such as fish and invertebrate predators. Zooplankton species might be either primary consumers (feeding on phytoplankton) or secondary consumers (feeding on other zooplankton species).

Zooplankton communities occur in almost all lakes and ponds but don’t develop well in rivers and streams because they cannot maintain positive net growth rates in the face of downstream losses. Zooplankton can be used as biological indicators for pollution, water quality, and eutrophication (Webber et al. 2005). Preliminary investigations on the zooplankton of the fresh water of Wadi Wurayah was integrated this season into the field research activity to test sampling methods, start identifying species, and assess populations.

3.3.2 Sampling and identificationZooplankton samples were collected from January to April 2015 on a weekly basis in six sampling locations using two different techniques. During the first two weeks, a long conical plankton net (mesh size 100 µm, mouth diameter 13 cm) was used to sample the zooplankton. The net was held vertically by hand, and 10 L of water, collected from the surface, was filtered through it. The second technique used in the next 13 weeks consisted of collecting 1 L of water from the surface. In the laboratory, water samples were poured into a 7×27×43 cm white tray, and zooplankton were captured using a pipette and counted. Identification was performed, under a 40× magnification Swift binocular microscope, following the guidelines of “Practical Guide to Identifying Freshwater Crustacean Zooplankton” and by approaching international specialists.

3.3.3 Variations of zooplankton abundanceFrom the 90 water samples, 420 specimens of two different species (Cyclops sp. and Daphnia sp.) were collected and identified. Cyclops sp. was the dominant species of the zooplankton community (98.5%), present at all sampling locations,

Table 4: Concentrations of nitrate and phosphate expressed in number of tests per range of concentrations per month and turbidity expressed in number of tests in NTU values per month (n=245) Low levels of nitrates and phosphates

Nitrate (ppm) Phosphate (ppm) Turbidity (NTU) <0.2 0.2–0.5 0.5–1.0 2.0–5.0 <0.02 0.02–0.05 0.05–0.1 0.1–0.2 <12

October 26 20 6 26

November 18 4 1 4 22 5 27

December 25 5 27 2 1 30

January 48 4 41 11 52

February 32 29 2 1 32

March 41 1 39 2 1 42

April 36 36 36

SUM 226 10 5 4 214 28 2 1 245

LOW LEVELS OF NITRATES AND

PHOSPHATES INDICATE

A HEALTHY FRESHWATER

ECOSYSTEM


whereas Daphnia sp. (1.5%) was only present in two locations. Zooplankton communities were the most abundant at sampling locations which also held the highest biodiversity (Wadi Wurayah waterfall and a pool downstream of the Wadi Wurayah main branch).

The plankton net method allowed researchers to sample on average 39.3 individuals per sample, whereas the second method resulted in an average of 7.6 individuals per sample.

The highest number of cyclopoid copepods (Figure 4) was found in the first two weeks of sampling (January 18–27) using the plankton net. Between February and April, the abundance increased, culminating at the end of March, and then decreasing in April until the last two weeks, during which zooplankton were completely absent (Figure 4).

Figure 3: Cyclopoid zooplankton with egg sacs

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Change in sampling methodology

Abundance Cyclopoid sp.

Tota

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of in

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Figure 4: Intra-seasonal variation in abundance of Cyclops sp.

The plankton samples were dominated by copepodids, the larval stage of copepods (82.3%). Adult females were also present, but in much low numbers (17.3%), and only one adult male was recorded (0.2%). Other organisms present in the plankton samples included mayflies and mosquito larvae.

3.3.4 Improving the sampling techniqueThis new zooplankton investigation has already provided very interesting preliminary results, which suggest the need for some adjustments in the methodology and for further investigation.

The plankton net appeared to be a more efficient method for capturing a higher number of zooplankton despite increasing the effort required for counts and identification. This problem will be solved by reducing the volume of sampled water in order to limit the effort of sorting and identifying the specimens of zooplankton collected. The sampling should also be performed at different depths to assess vertical migration and species diversity in the water column. This adjustment in the technique might reveal more important populations of Daphnia sp. and spatial variations in behaviour according to development stage. This might explain the higher concentration of copepodids close to the surface, while adults may be found deeper. The record of females carrying egg sacs indicates that the Cyclops population has been in a reproductive phase. However, no Nauplius (first larval stage in crustaceans after hatching) have been observed, which might be due to predation or a segregation in habitat use, such as migration to deeper areas, at different development stages. Further studies should help answer these questions and possibly increase the number of species found.

3.4 FRESHWATER INVERTEBRATES3.4.1 PurposeFreshwater invertebrates (insects, crustaceans, snails, and worms) are also often used as bio-indicators of freshwater habitats (streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds). Learning to identify species and their life cycles is a prerequisite for monitoring their populations and interpreting any observed variations that can inform us on the health of the ecosystem.

Our initial objective is to learn to identify species present in the waterbodies of Wadi Wurayah National Park by collecting, sorting, and preserving specimens. This reference collection of aquatic invertebrates will serve as a repository for further studies and for educational purposes.

3.4.2 Sampling and identificationFreshwater invertebrates were collected during three sessions of 30 minutes each in November 2014 and March 2015 at two different sampling locations. Specimens were captured with a small hand net, placed into a tray filled with water, and sorted by taxon in the field. Only one individual of each species was kept for preservation and identification in the laboratory; others were released. Insect larvae, mostly dragonflies and damselflies, were not collected but were photographed and released. Collected specimens were preserved in Isopropyl alcohol (70%) for 30 minutes, dried under the sun for an hour, and finally mounted on specially

© E

WS-

WW

F


designed insect pins with legs and antennae adjusted in the most lifelike manner possible. Large insects were mounted directly on pins, while those too small to be placed on pins were mounted on card points. This collection is visible at the Wadi Wurayah laboratory.

3.4.3 Collected samplesTwelve specimens were collected and preserved.

Seven specimens were identified at the species level, of which two were new records for the national park (Eretes sticticus and Dineutus aereus). One specimen was identified at the family level, while the four others were identified at the order level (Table 5).

3.4.4 The way forwardWadi Wurayah, as a stronghold for the invertebrate fauna of the UAE due to its habitat diversity and presence of permanent surface water (Tourenq et al. 2009), deserves further studies on its aquatic fauna, which will contribute to a better understanding of species ecology and population dynamics.

The field research activity focusing on freshwater invertebrates will be further developed during the third field season by increasing the effort devoted to it, improving the sampling methodology to allow more systematic population monitoring, establishing contacts with specialist to help in species identification, and developing a simple visual guide of the most common freshwater invertebrate species.

Table 5: List of specimens collected and preserved in Wadi Wurayah

Class Order Family SpeciesInsecta Coleoptera Gyrinidae Dineutus aereus

Dytiscidae Cybster (Melanectes) vulneratusDytiscidae Hydaticus (Prodaticus) histrioDytiscidae Eretes sticticus

Unidentified

Unidentified

Heteroptera Notonectidae Enithares lineatipesHemiptera Naucoridae Heleocoris minusculus

Nepidae Laccotrephes fabriciiGerridae Unidentified

Unidentified

Unidentified

4.1 POPULATION MONITORINGCitizen scientists involved in the WRLP continued to monitor odonate populations (dragonflies and damselflies) during the second season. The monitoring included a systematic record of all species encountered during field research activities as well as standardized point counts performed all along the season. Point counts consisted of a record of all odonates detected in a 5 m radius within 15 minutes.

4.1.1 Diversity and abundance on point counts705 individuals of 17 species were recorded during the 232 point counts performed this season, with an average of 2.6 ± 1.74 species and 5.06 ± 2.49 individuals per point count. The number of species recorded per month showed similar variations to those recorded in season one, with a decrease of species diversity through the winter up to January, followed by a regular increase up to April (Figure 5). Occurrence and breeding activities of all species also showed a general similar pattern as recorded in season 2013–2014.

4.1.2 Factors of variations in population abundanceSpecies diversity and abundance on point counts are correlated to several environmental variables. Thus, abundance and diversity increase with air temperature (Figure 6a) but decrease with wind speed (Figure 6b), humidity (Figure 6c), and pH of waterbodies (Figure 6d). This last correlation would need more investigation to distinguish between direct and indirect causal relations. pH can vary with biological activity and amount of vegetation in the waterbody, which in turn will correlate with abundance of odonates.

4. ODONATE STUDIES

MONITORING OF ODONATES

POPULATION HIGHLIGHT

A SEASONAL PATTERN OF ABUNDANCE

AND DIVERSITY


2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

October November

No of species recorded per monthAverage number of species recorded per point count per month

December January February March April

0

Figure 5: Monthly variation of odonate species diversity from October 2014 to April 2015 in Wadi Wurayah National Park

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

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01.02.0

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6.0

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5

3

7

6

Temperature (in ˚C)

• Number of species

• Number of individuals


• Number of individuals• Number of species




Humidity (in %) pH

Wind Speed (in m/s)(a) (b)

(c) (d)

Ave

rage

num

bers

Ave

rage

num

bers

Ave

rage

num

bers

Ave

rage

num

bers

15-19

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 7 8 9 10 11 12

20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 0 2 4 6 8 10

Figure 6: Correlations between average number of species and individuals and four environmental variables: a) air temperature in degrees Celsius, b) wind speed in m.s-1, c) humidity in %, and d) pH

4.2 POPULATION STUDIES4.2.1 Capture and taggingThe capture of dragonflies continued throughout season two, allowing the tagging of 318 individuals of 13 species during 40 trapping sessions (Table 6). Damselflies were not captured.

Table 6: Number of dragonflies tagged per species and per month from October 2014 to April 2015

Species Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. Oct. Nov. Dec. TotalAnax imperator 1 1 2 1 5

Crocothemis erythraea 1 11 6 11 1 3 33

Crocothemis sanguinolenta 1 20 28 20 69

Diplacodes lefebvrei 1 1

Orthetrum chrysostigma 3 6 2 1 12

Orthetrum ransonneti 1 1

Orthetrum sabina 1 1

Pantala flavescens 1 1

Paragomphus sinaiticus 2 1 1 4

Trithemis arteriosa 32 13 39 15 30 17 37 183

Trithemis kirbyi 1 1 2 1 5

Urothemis thomasi 1 1

Zygonyx torridus 1 1 2

Total 36 46 77 61 36 22 40 318

4.2.2 Morphometric measurementsFor all tagged individuals, the lengths of total body, right wing, and abdomen were measured (Table 7).

Table 7: Morphometric measurements of tagged dragonflies

Measurements (mm)

Total body Abdomen Wing

Species N Mean ± SD Mean ± SD Mean ± SDAnax imperator 5 76.9 7.2 56.7 13.4 50.8 4.4

Crocothemis erythraea 22 35.7 6 22.4 12.1 28.4 2.4

Crocothemis sanguinolenta 54 33.3 6.4 24 14.7 26 3.8

Diplacodes lefebvrei 1 25.5 - 15.9 - 20 -

Orthetrum chrysostigma 12 42.4 6.1 28.4 12.2 29.7 3.9

Orthetrum ransonneti 1 48 - 30.8 - 35 -

Orthetrum sabina 1 49.6 - 33.4 - 36.5 -

Pantala flavescens 1 48.1 - 30.8 - 39.5 -

Paragomphus sinaiticus 4 46 5.4 33.6 13 25.6 3.5

Trithemis arteriosa 181 34.1 6.7 23.1 12 26.5 4.1

Trithemis kirbyi 5 33 5.3 22.9 12.8 27.8 3.5

Urothemis thomasi 1 41.8 - 25.8 - 31.6 -

Zygonyx torridus 2 53.3 4.6 36.5 3 43 3.3

DRAGONFLIES ACTIVITY IS

STRONGLY CORRELATED

TO AIR TEMPERATURE,

WIND SPEED AND HUMIDITY

24 SPECIES OF

DRAGONFLIES RECORDED

AMONG THE 30 KNOWN IN UAE


4.2.3 Population turnoverAmong the 318 individuals tagged, 47 have been recaptured, six of which were recaptured more than once (Table 8). The average recapture rate per species was 14.8%, which is in the same range as during season one (11.8%). All six recaptured species have been considered together (Table 8). For the six species that have been recaptured at least once, the average time between the first capture and recapture was 9.4 ± 9.6 days (Table 9), very similar to season one records (8.9 ± 12 days). The maximum time recorded was 41 days for a Crocothemis sanguinolenta. The average distance between capture and recapture was 186 ± 377 m, with a maximum of 1,583 m for a Trithemis arteriosa (Table 10). The average distance recorded in season two was greater than in season one (89 ± 301m), presumably in relation to the greater number of tagging sites this season.

Table 10: Distance (mean ± SD, min–max) between capture and recapture per species

Distance (m)

Species n Mean SD Min. Max.Anax imperator 1 16 16 16

Crocothemis erythraea 3 112.8 145.1 16 280

Crocothemis sanguinolenta 8 166.4 313.9 8 934

Orthetrum chrysostigma 1 284 284 284

Trithemis arteriosa 26 203.5 429.3 0 1583

Grand total 39 186.2 377.2 0 1583

4.2.4 Collection of exuviaeExuviae are the exoskeletons of odonates remaining after the aquatic larvae moult to their imago stages. They are found on the substrate, hanging on rocks, or in the vegetation around waterbodies where adults have laid and larvae have grown. Exuviae differ between species and prove without doubt that a species is breeding in the area. Collecting and counting exuviae weekly at a number of sites allowed researchers to determine the main period of emergence of the adults, to retrospectively assess the main period of laying according to the duration of the larval growth stage, and to provide another assessment of population abundance.

Exuviae were collected by hand during field activities without time restraint from November 2014 to April 2015. Six sites were visited on a weekly basis. Exuviae were placed into a container labelled with the date and site and either identified in the laboratory or sent to an odonate specialist.

Table 11: Number of exuviae collected per species and per month

Species Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr TotalAnax ephippiger 2 2 8 12Anax imperator 3 5 4 20 28 60Arabicnemis caerulea 13 1 8 6 28Arabineura khalidi 9 2 7 7 25Ischnura evansi 3 1 2 6Paragomphus sinaiticus 1 3 15 9 28Trithemis arteriosa 2 1 18 26 47Trithemis kirbyi 3 1 4Unidentified 1 1Zygonyx torridus 1 1 2 4Urothemis thomasi 1 1Zygoptera sp. 1 1 3 6 11Crocothemis sp. 1 1Orthetrum sp. 1 3 4Ischnura sp. 2 2Total number of exuviae 30 8 10 10 78 98 234Number of species 5 5 4 5 10 10 13

Table 8: Recapture rate of dragonflies tagged between October 2014 and April 2015 (turnover rate represents the percentage of the population which has not been recaptured and might have dispersed or died)

Number of individuals

Species Tagged Recaptured at least once

Recaptured > once

Recapture rate

Turnover rate

Anax imperator 5 1 0 20.0% 80.0%

Crocothemis erythraea 33 3 0 9.1% 90.9%

Crocothemis sanguinolenta 69 8 1 11.6% 88.4%

Diplacodes lefebvrei 1 0 0 0.0% -

Orthetrum chrysostigma 12 1 0 8.3% 91.7%

Orthetrum ransonneti 1 0 0 0.0% -

Orthetrum sabina 1 0 0 0.0% -

Pantala flavescens 1 0 0 0.0% -

Paragomphus sinaiticus 4 0 0 0.0% -

Trithemis arteriosa 183 33 6 18.0% 82.0%

Trithemis kirbyi 5 1 0 20.0% 80.0%

Urothemis thomasi 1 0 0 0.0% -

Zygonyx torridus 2 0 0 0.0% -

Grand total 318 47 7 14.8% 84.9%

Table 9: Number of days (mean ± SD, min–max) between capture and recapture per species

Number of days

Species n Mean Min Max SDAnax imperator 1 7 7 7

Crocothemis erythraea 3 3 1 7 3.46

Crocothemis sanguinolenta 8 23.4 1 41 12.36

Orthetrum chrysostigma 1 8 8 8

Trithemis arteriosa 33 6.8 1 22 6.24

Trithemis kirbyi 1 8 8 8

Grand total 47 9.4 1 41 9.63


234 exuviae of 13 species were collected, of which 215 of ten species could be identified at the species level (Table 11). The number collected per month was in accordance with the pattern of abundance determined by point counts. The presence of exuviae of Anax ephippiger is interesting to note, proving its breeding in Wadi Wurayah, as this species is rather known as a migrant crossing the UAE, sometimes in large numbers, during midwinter (December–January).

5.1 PURPOSEAmphibians have long been considered indicators of ecosystem health and good water quality due to the nature of their lifecycles: They are highly sensitive to aquatic pollution during all phases of their life (Boyer and Grue 1995). In the UAE, there are two species of amphibians, the Arabian toad (Duttaphrynus arabicus) and the Dhofar toad (Duttaphrynus dhufarensis). The Arabian toad is typically found close to water throughout the year, while the Dhofar toad is known to live away from water but to access it after rains for mating (Soorae et al. 2013). In Wadi Wurayah, both species are present, but the Arabian toad is by far the most abundant, while the Dhofar toad is rarely encountered. Studying toads will help researchers build a better understanding of their populations’ dynamics and distribution within Wadi Wurayah. With their different ecological requirements, these two species of toad might also represent an excellent model to study the effects of climate change in the Al Hajar Mountains ecosystem.

5.2 THE METHOD OF POINT COUNTThe monitoring of toad populations was conducted from October 2014 to April 2015 at six different sampling locations. At each of them, toads were searched for and captured within a 20 m diameter area within 20 minutes on average and placed into a bucket partially filled with water. Total body length (from snout to crotch), rear leg length, and weight were measured before the toads were released back into the same stretch of water.

5. TOAD POPULATION STUDY

Figure 7: Dragonfly larva of the Aeshnidae family

Figure 9: Recapture of a tagged Trithemis kirkyi

Figure 8: Trithemis arteriosa, most common dragonfly in Wadi Wurayah

Figure 10: Urothemis thomasi, endemic of UAE and Oman

517 ARABIAN TOADS WERE CAUGHT AND

RELEASED THIS SEASON

© E

WS-

WW

F©

EW

S-W

WF

© E

WS-

WW

F©

EW

S-W

WF


Table 12: Variations in number of toads caught per point count (mean ± SD) according to month and sampling location

Waterfall area Wadi Wurayah Mean

Waterfall Pool Stream Downstream Gorge Fish spaOct. 6.5 ± 3.5 5.5 ± 0.7 3.5 ± 0.7 19 14.5 ± 3.5 7 9.5 ± 6.2

Nov. 3 1.5 ± 0.7 11 ± 7.1 4 ± 4.2 0 4 ± 4.7 4.7 ± 4.8

Dec. - 1 5 9 ± 3.6 4 6.3 ± 1.2 5.8 ± 3.1

Jan. 5.7 ± 3.2 3 9 10 ± 2.6 - 3.3 ± 2.5 6.3 ± 3.7

Feb. 13.5 ± 0.7 4 0 8 ± 2.6 3.5 ± 0.7 3.3 ± 0.6 6.0 ± 4.4

Mar. 8.5 ± 2.1 6 4 24 ± 14.1 4 ± 2.8 1 8.3 ± 7.7

Apr. - 5.5 ± 2.1 - 18.5 ± 2.1 2.33 ± 1.2 1.5 ± 2.1 6.4 ± 7.1

Mean 7.7 ± 4.0 3.9 ± 2.1 5.9 ± 4.8 12.5 ± 7.7 4.8 ± 4.6 3.7 ± 2.7 6.7 ± 5.8 (-) indicates that no point counts were performed, while (0) indicates that no toads were found.

5.4 VARIATIONS IN BODY SIZE5.4.1 Body measurementsAll 517 Arabian toads captured were measured and released. The average body weight was 5.1 ± 3.0g (n=496, min–max 0.2–15.5 g), the average body length was 36.6 ± 8.4 mm (n=517, min–max 12.3–56.7 mm), and the average rear leg length was 31.5 ± 7.8 (n=517, min–max 0.85–47 mm). The average size of toads varied between months (Figure 11), with the most important variation occurring between November and December.

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

0

gram

s pe

r in

divi

dual

Oct/14 Nov/14 Dec/14 Jan/15 Feb/15 Mar/15 Apr/15

Figure 11: Monthly variations in the body weight of toads from October 2014 to April 2015 (different quartiles of the box plots represent the distribution of weight per quarter of the sample size)

5.4.2 Relations between body size and habitat useToads were sorted into three different classes of size according to their body mass measurements (Table 13). The proportions per class were then compared between habitats to investigate whether smaller or bigger toads tend to prefer different habitats or segregate per habitat (Figure 12).

Table 13: Weight and body length (average ± SD) of toads per class of size

Class 10.2 to 3 g

Class 23 to 7 g

Class 37 to 15.5 g

n 144 203 151

Weight (g) 1.6 ± 0.6 4.8 ± 1.2 8.7 ± 1.8

Body length (mm) 26.7 ± 4.2 37.3 ± 4.5 45.6 ± 3.2

The smallest toads (Class 1) appeared to be more abundant, proportionally, in waterbodies with running water and no vegetation than in waterbodies with stagnant water and no vegetation, whereas the largest toads (Class 3) were more abundant in waterbodies with running water and reeds but less abundant when there was no vegetation. Medium toads (Class 2) appeared to be more abundant in waterbodies with stagnant water independently of the bank vegetation.

5.3.2 Effects of habitatsWe compared the average number of toads according to the habitats in which point counts were performed. We distinguished running water from stagnant water and the presence or lack of vegetation (mainly reeds) on banks. On average, 9.6 ± 6.7 (n=35) toads were found in waterbodies with reeds, while only 4.1 ± 3.3 (n=17) toads were found in waterbodies without vegetation. Similarly, on average, 6.9 ± 5.3 (n=37) toads were found in waterbodies with running water, and 4.5 ± 3.9 (n=38) toads were found in waterbodies with stagnant water. From these records, Arabian toads appear to prefer running water with vegetation on banks.

5.3.3 Effects of water and weather parametersNo significant correlations were found while testing the relation between water parameters (water temperature, pH, salinity, TDS, and conductivity), meteorological parameters (air temperature, relative humidity, and cloud cover), and the abundance of toads.

5.3 MONITORING OF POPULATION ABUNDANCE517 Arabian toads (Duttaphrynus arabicus) were counted during 76 point counts distributed among the six sampling locations. No Dhofar toads were found. The average number caught per point count was 6.7 ± 5.8 (min–max 0–34, n=76).

5.3.1 Spatiotemporal variationsThe number of toads counted and captured per point count showed important variations in time and between locations (Table 12). The abundance was highest in October and lowest in November, showing a second peak of abundance in March. The pools downstream of the gorge in the main branch of Wadi Wurayah and around the waterfall had the highest abundance.


Running water

Class 1

Class 2

Class 3

Body mass class

Stagnant water

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%No vegetation Reeds No vegetation Reeds

Figure 12: Distribution of number of toads per size class according to habitat

5.5 INTER-ANNUAL VARIATIONSThe total number of toads caught this season (517) was higher than in the first season (333) even though fewer point counts have been done this year (Table 14). Moreover, toads were on average bigger last season than this one. This suggests a higher abundance of smaller toads (juveniles) this season, which might possibly be reflective of better reproductive success.

6.1 VEGETATION STUDY6.1.1 PurposeThe vegetation study aims to identify and implement methodologies to assess the vegetal biomass and productivity in Wadi Wurayah National Park. These two environmental parameters are critical in assessing the carrying capacity of the park for herbivores. An assessment of how much food is available for herbivores and how that availability might vary in time and space would enhance the design of the reintroduction strategy for Arabian tahr and mountain gazelle within the park as well as provide direction for better park management. In addition, vegetation surveys will help researchers understand and monitor flora species phenology.

6.1.2 Pilot studyA pilot study was conducted from March 29 to May 20, 2015, to develop the protocol for measuring and monitoring vegetation, looking for the most effective, most efficient, and least destructive method. The protocol aims to assess species richness (presence of species), relative abundance, and evenness in the six main habitats of the wadi, following the habitat classifications defined by Feulner (2014). The six habitats are categorized as pool, wadi bed, wadi slope, mountain slope, gulley, and terrace.

From preliminary field surveys, EWS-WWF have built a species-area curve to compare the efficiency of two different methods: 1) increasing the size of the sampled quadrat and 2) increasing the number of 1 m2 quadrats (Figure 13). Sampling a number of 1 m2 quadrats appeared to be a more efficient method than sampling the same area in a single quadrat.

6. MONITORING OF TERRESTRIAL

HABITATS

Table 14: Comparison between seasons one and two

Season 1 2013–2014 Season 2 2014–2015Total number of point counts 114 76

Total number of toads caught 333 517

Average weight 7.2 ± 3.0 5.1 ± 3.1

Average body length 41.8 ± 6.8 36.6 ± 8.4

Average leg length 51.3 ± 10.1 31.5 ± 7.85

5.6 CONCLUSIONSThe variations in abundance by time and between sampling locations, although highlighting some differences, did not reveal any clear pattern and cannot be clearly explained by habitats or other environmental variables. These apparent variations will require more complex analysis and further field investigations. To better understand population dynamics, EWS-WWF will develop an individual PIT tagging programme over the course of the next field season. Preliminary trials of post-dorsal subcutaneous injections of electronic PIT tags were conducted successfully on three Arabian toads in May 2015. Moreover, the presence of eggs and tadpoles will be systematically recorded in order that researchers might gain a better understanding of the toads’ breeding season, life cycle, and growth rate. This programme will be implemented beginning October 2015.

ARABIAN TAHR PRESUMABLY

LOCALLY EXTINCT SINCE

END OF 2012


Spec

ies

Ric

hnes

s

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

00 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18

Sampled Area (m2)

Number of plotsQuadrat size

Figure 13: Mean plant species richness in wadi bed per sampled area determined by two different methods: 1) increase of the quadrat size, 2) increase of the number of 1 m2 plots (n=27)

6.1.3 SamplingOf the six predefined habitats, only two (wadi bed and terrace) were sampled, in two locations each. The sampling technique consists of describing the vegetation of ten 1 m2 quadrats distributed every 5 m along a 50 m line transect. The total area sampled was 30 m2 for each habitat. Sampling of each transect was performed by a team of five HSBC volunteers and their field guide. Sampling ten quadrats (one transect) took an average of 1.22 hrs. A total of 7.33 hrs was spent on sampling six transects.

For each quadrat, its relative position on the line transect, the substrate, the percentage of vegetation cover, the effective height (maximum height of dense vegetation), and the species present were recorded. For each species, percent cover, number of individuals, average maximum height, and number of stems in each growth/reproductive stage (seedling, vegetating, flowering, seeding, or dry) were recorded. Bird’s eye view photos of the quadrat were taken for more accurate cover analysis and biomass assessment. To estimate biomass from image analysis, we estimated a regional bulk density constant. Three samples of the five most dominant species (Arundo donax, Nerium oleander, Tephrosia apollinea, Saccharum griffithii, and Asphodelus tenuifolius) were photographed using a digital camera. Effective height was measured, and samples were then clipped and dried in a hot, dry place for a week until weight stabilised.

6.1.4 Species richness and abundanceThe same species richness was found for both sampled habitats, with 18 species recorded in each. The Shannon index, which measures diversity and entropy from the number of individuals per species, was 2.29 and 2.33 for terrace and wadi bed respectively, evenness was 0.79 and 0.81, and the average vegetation cover was 5.2% (1.57 m2) and 6.1% (1.82 m2) of the total area sampled per transect.

Species composition and relative abundance calculated as a percentage of all species present in the habitat community differed (Figure 14). In the wadi bed, the most abundant species were Arundo donax (26.4%), Saccharum griffithii (21.1%), and Nerium oleander (16.5%), while on the terrace, the most abundant species were Tephrosia apollinea (38.6%), Convolvulus virgatus (11.7%), and Heliotropium brevilimbe (9.7%).

Figure 14: Relative abundance of all flora species (presented in percentage cover) recorded for Wadi Wurayah National Park terrace and wadi bed habitats during the pilot study in six locations

207 SPECIES OF

PLANTS WERE FOUND IN

WWNP45.00%

Terrace Wadi40.00%

35.00%

30.00%

25.00%

20.00%

15.00%

10.00%

5.00%

0.00%

Rel

ativ

e %

cov

er

Species

Aca

cia

tort

ilis

Aiz

oon

cana

rien

se

Ana

galli

s ar

vens

is

Arg

yrol

obeu

m r

oseu

m

Aru

ndo

dona

x

Asp

hode

lus

tenu

ifoliu

s

Ble

phar

is c

iliar

is

Boe

rhav

ia e

lega

ns

Con

volv

ulus

vir

gatu

s

Dip

lota

xis

harr

a

Eup

horb

ia la

rica

Faba

ceae

sp.

Fago

nia

brug

ueri

Fors

skao

lea

tena

ciss

ima

Hel

iotr

opiu

m b

revi

limbe

Lava

ndul

a su

bnud

a

Leuc

as in

flata

Ner

ium

ole

ande

r

Och

rade

nus

auch

eri

Plan

tago

cili

aris

Ploc

ama

auch

eri

Poac

eae

sp.

Pter

opyr

um s

copa

rium

Rei

char

dia

ting

itan

a

Ros

trar

ia p

umila

Rum

ex v

esic

ariu

s

Sacc

haru

m g

riffi

thii

Senn

a it

alic

a

Teph

rosi

a ap

ollin

ea

Uni

dent

ified

sp.


Ground cover per species and habitat showed high variations between quadrats and transects, especially for the most dominant species, Arundo donax, Tephrosia apollinea, Nerium oleander, and Saccharum griffithii (Table 15).

Table 15: Percent cover (mean ± SD) of the main species sampled in two habitats (wadi bed and terrace) of Wadi Wurayah

Terrace Wadi

Species Mean SD Mean SDAcacia tortilis - - 8.3 14.4

Aizoon canariense 0.3 0.6 0.3 0.6

Anagallis arvensis - - 1.7 2.9

Argyrolobeum roseum 2.0 3.5 - -

Arundo donax - - 26.7 41.9

Asphodelus tenuifolius - - 15.3 10.7

Blepharis ciliaris 4.3 7.5 - -

Boerhavia elegans 0.7 1.2 - -

Convolvulus virgatus 14.0 24.2 - -

Diplotaxis harra - - 0.7 0.6

Euphorbia larica 0.3 0.6 - -

Fabaceae sp. 0.7 1.2 - -

Fagonia brugueri 0.3 0.6 - -

Forsskaolea tenacissima 0.3 0.6 1.3 0.6

Heliotropium brevilimbe 11.7 20.2 0.3 0.6

Lavandula subnuda - - 0.3 0.6

Leucas inflata - - 0.7 1.2

Nerium oleander - - 16.7 28.9

Ochradenus aucheri 10.3 2.9 - -

Plantago ciliaris - - 0.3 0.6

Plocama aucheri 5.0 8.7 - -

Poaceae sp. 1.7 2.9 - -

Pteropyrum scoparium 2.3 2.5 - -

Reichardia tingitana - - 0.3 0.6

Rostraria pumila - - 4.7 2.9

Rumex vesicarius - - 0.3 0.6

Saccharum griffithii 4.7 7.2 21.3 29.4

Senna italica 10.0 17.3 - -

Tephrosia apollinea 46.3 70.7 0.3 0.6

Unidentified 5.0 3.6 1.3 0.6

On the terrace, which is a highly disturbed habitat, the most common species, Tephrosia apollinea, also had the highest ground coverage, with a 32% difference in cover area compared to the next most common species in the habitat, Convolvulus virgatus. Dominance of Tephrosia apollinea is associated with high grazing activity; since the plant is not edible by animals, it outcompetes continuously disturbed species and dominates the habitat.

6.1.5 Species phenologyThe phenology of each species was assessed by quantifying the percentage of stems in the different growth–reproductive stages. During the sampling period, most parts of the vegetation were either in immature or vegetating stages. The pattern of distribution per stage was quite similar between the two habitats, except a higher proportion of dry stems was present on the terrace in relation to the higher sun exposure and lower access to water (Figure 15). For both habitats, 41.7% of stems were immature, 40.6% vegetating, 8.6% flowering, 17.1% seeding, and 8.4% totally dry.

Figure 15: Distribution of growth–reproductive stages (in % of stems) of the vegetation on the terrace and wadi bed of Wadi Wurayah in April–May 2015

Differences in growth–reproductive stages were noticeable between species (Figure 16), with Acacia tortilis, Asphodelus tenuifolius, Lavandula subnuda, Convolvulus virgatus, and Plocama aucheri flowering while A. tenuifolius and Ochradenus aucheri were seeding. These species are known to flower in summer or even year round.

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Figure 16: Growth–reproductive stages per species (in percentage of stem numbers) recorded in the terrace and wadi bed of Wadi Wurayah in April–May 2015.

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6.1.6 BiomassResearchers analysed images of plant reference specimens (plants collected to establish a bulk density constant) and quadrats using Axiovision software to measure cover area. Using area and effective height, researchers calculated the volume of plants based on the cone formula. Dry mass was then divided over volume to create a density constant of grams per cubic meter for each sample. All samples were then averaged to create a regional bulk density constant (RBDC). The RBDC was then multiplied by cover area and effective height for each quadrat to estimate vegetation biomass per habitat.

Bulk density constants measured for each species had low standard deviations, supporting the possibility of using them for biomass measurement as long as cover area and height are measured in a consistent way. Biomass on the terrace was lower than in the wadi bed in relation to its lower water resources, higher sun exposure, and possibly higher grazing impact of nonindigenous ungulates.

6.1.7 Conclusions and RemarksThe pilot study for vegetation monitoring has successfully enabled the determination of an efficient and reliable sampling technique that can be applied by non-scientists once proper demonstration is provided, given that continuous checking of their work is performed. It has also indicated where improvements are required, such as in the protocol for photographing quadrats. The angle (bird’s eye view) at which pictures are taken and their quality are essential for accurate biomass estimation. Quantification of vegetation coverage based on the analysis of the colour spectrum with Axiovision software will be developed more systematically in season three.

This approach should save time and provide more accurate results. Lateral pictures of vegetation quadrats might also be advantageously used to measure vegetation heights and will thus be tested. More time and effort must be dedicated to this protocol to assess all six habitats, track seasonal changes, and collect abiotic environmental data, such as temperature, humidity, light, wind, soil moisture, and composition, on sampling sites to investigate the relationship between environmental conditions and flora biodiversity. These sampling methods might also be extended to a study of the grazing pressure of feral goats in the park. This information is necessary for future adaptive management programmes.

This vegetation study will also contribute to achieving our goal of preserving biodiversity in Wadi Wurayah National Park, which requires that we understand how diversity and abundance are impacted by different management strategies.

6.2 RODENT TRAPPING6.2.1 Population studyRodents play an important role in the food chain of many ecosystems, being preyed upon by different species (small carnivores, owls, diurnal raptors, snakes) and consuming plant material. Collecting data on rodent species diversity, size, structure, and population dynamics as well as habitat use is an important part of understanding how the ecosystem functions.

6.2.2 Sherman trappingRodent populations are studied by trapping. Lines of ten Sherman traps, spaced by approximately 20 metres apart, are deployed in different habitats. Traps are baited with peanut butter spread on small pieces of bread, and their location is recorded by GPS. The traps are set and armed in the evening, before sunset, and checked on the next morning, right after sunrise. All rodents caught are identified, measured, weighed, and released.

6.2.3 Results of captureThis season, rodent trapping was conducted twice in the main wadi, just after the waterfall, with one line of ten traps. The first capture session conducted in mid January 2015 resulted in the capture of two male Egyptian spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus), while the second trapping session conducted in early February 2015 resulted in the capture of only one male Egyptian spiny mouse.

The Egyptian spiny mouse is the most abundant rodent species within Wadi Wurayah National Park and seems to affect well-vegetated areas of wadi beds. Other species are known to occur (Rattus rattus, Gerbillus dasyurus) but are caught more rarely. In season three, trapping will be combined with tagging; all rodents caught will received a PIT tag by post-dorsal subcutaneous injection. This PIT tagging will bring us a deeper understanding of rodent population dynamics within the national park.

Figure 17: Egyptian spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus)

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6.3 RANDOM NATURALIST OBSERVATIONS6.3.1 The contributions of citizen science to biodiversity knowledgeThe power of citizen science has been increasingly demonstrated this past decade by the huge amount of naturalist observations gathered worldwide, contributing to the global knowledge of species distribution and population trends (Sullivan et al. 2014). The success of this approach might reside in part in its simplicity: everybody can contribute to the development of a worldwide biodiversity database by inputting his or her own observations, from the most common to the rarest species of all taxa. Every single observation added to the others becomes valuable. Systematic recording of random naturalist observations contributes to researchers’ knowledge of the biodiversity of Wadi Wurayah National Park, to the determination of species phenology (period of presence, breeding cycle), and to the monitoring of populations, but also to the worldwide biodiversity database.

6.3.2 The use of iNaturalistDuring field research sessions, volunteers are invited to document the biodiversity of the park by taking pictures and recording the presence of species within Wadi Wurayah. Species observations are described in a datasheet, documented with a georeferenced picture, and uploaded to the website iNaturalist.org on the Wadi Wurayah National Park Project.

6.3.3 Volunteer contributionsFrom October 2014 to April 2015, 44 wildlife observations (21 insects, 18 birds, and 5 reptiles) were uploaded onto iNaturalist. Compared to last year’s observations, 20 species were added to the species list observed by volunteers in iNaturalist (Table 16).

Table 16: Wildlife taxa observed and recorded in iNaturalist by volunteers

Class Order Family SpeciesInsecta

Odonata Coenagrionidae Ischnura evansiPseudagrion decorum

Libellulidae Crocothemis erythraeTrithemis annulataUrothemis thomasi

Mantodea Eremiaphillidae Eremiaphila baueriEmpusidae Blepharopsis mendica

Neuroptera Chrysopidae Unidentified

ReptilesSquamata Colubridae Platyceps rhodorachus

Gekkonidae Bunopus spatalurus hajarensis

AvesAccipitriformes Accipitridae Hierraetus fasciatusCoraciiformes Alcedinidae Alcedo athisFalconiformes Falconidae Falco naumanniGalliformes Phasianidae Ammoperdix heyiiPasseriformes Alaudidae Ammomanes desertiPasseriformes Pycnonotidae Pycnonotus leucotisPasseriformes Pycnonotidae Pycnonotus xanthopygosPasseriformes Emberizidae Emberiza cineracea


This second season of field research activities has brought a flourish of interesting results that complete those already collected in season one, thus creating a better understanding of the ecosystem of Wadi Wurayah National Park.

Water quality monitoring has highlighted the good quality of Wadi Wurayah water and even some improvement as a consequence of the closure of the park to the public, with a decrease in nitrate concentrations. Although the fine variations in freshwater parameters are not yet fully understood, recognizing these variations is the first step to designing new experiments and to identifying and understanding what causes these variations. Some parameters show high variability, while others are rather constant. The sampling schedule of the parameters will be adjusted accordingly for the coming seasons. Some parameters might be measured once a month, while others will require more fine measurements to determine, for example, the profile of water temperature or dissolved oxygen at different depths.

The assessment of the population abundance of different taxonomic groups (zooplankton, odonates, toads, rodents, vegetation) has contributed to the monitoring of these populations. Although population monitoring often requires several years to detect any trends, these population assessments are already very important and interesting for researchers attempting to characterise populations, document their variations, and understand the causes of those variations.

The activities introduced this season have allowed researchers to test the methodology used to measure zooplankton abundance and to assess vegetation biomass. These methods have already provided interesting and original results and will be improved upon and continued over the coming seasons. Vegetation sampling and monitoring, although sometimes perceived by volunteers as being less important than capturing or tagging animals, has opened stimulating new perspectives which should greatly contribute to park management, monitoring, and conservation.

We are currently investigating the possibility of assessing and monitoring vegetation via remote sensing. Vegetation data from the field will be correlated with satellite imagery analysis, aiming to improve the quantification of biomass and productivity. This approach at the park level would result in a better assessment of the carrying capacity of the area, of the number of herbivores that can live there without risk of overgrazing, and of the number of ungulates that can be reintroduced. An additional application might be to remotely and seasonally identify which areas in the buffer zone have higher vegetal productivity, allowing park management to relocate grazing livestock accordingly.

New field research activities will also be developed in field season three. The biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), which measures the biological activities in water and which has more significance to food webs than most water quality parameters, will be measured. The vegetation study will be completed by additional work on trees, but with a different methodology than the one used in season one. Trees on predetermined sampling areas will be individually tagged and geo-located for mapping. Aging trees will be further investigated via dendrochronology using a tree borer to sample the wood core and count tree growth rings. PIT tagging, mainly on toads, but also on rodents and reptiles, will be developed. In addition to being a fun activity for volunteers involved in catching and checking the presence of PIT tags with an electronic reader, these activities should shed new light on the dynamics of the tagged populations.

7. DISCUSSION: PERSPECTIVES


Anderson, J. T., and C. A. Davis. “Chapter 6: Physical and Chemical Monitoring of Wetland Water.” In Wetland Techniques Vol. 1, 327–347. 2013.

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Morton, S. D., and T. H. Lee. “Algal blooms-Possible effects of iron.” Environmental Science and Technology 8 (1974): 673–674.

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Pinel-Alloul, Bernadette. “Spatial heterogeneity in freshwater zooplankton: Variation with body size, depth and scale.” Ecology 69 (1988): 1393–1400.

Soorae, P., J. Els, A. S. Gardner, and H. E. L. Alqamy. “Distribution and ecology of the Arabian and Dhofar Toads (Duttaphrynus arabicus and D. dhufarensis) in the United Arab Emirates and adjacent areas of northern Oman.” Zoology in the Middle East 59 (2013): 229–234

Sullivan, B. L., J. L. Aycrigg, J. H. Barry, R. E. Bonney, N. Bruns, C. B. Cooper,…and S. Kelling. “The eBird enterprise: An integrated approach to development and application of citizen science.” Biological Conservation 169 (2014): 31–40. doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2013.11.003

Tourenq et al. “Characterization of the Wadi Wurayah Catchment Basin, the First Mountain Protected area in the United Arab Emirates.” International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 35 (2009): 289–311.

Trebitz, A. S., J. C. Brazner, A. M. Cotter, M. L. Knuth, J. A. Morrice, G. S. Peterson, M. E. Sierszen, J. A. Thompson, and J. R. Kelly. “Water quality in Great Lakes coastal wetlands: basin-wide patterns and response to an anthropogenic disturbance gradient.” Journal of Great Lakes Research 33(2007): 67–85.

Witty, Lynne M. Practical Guide to Identifying Freshwater Crustacean Zooplankton, 2nd Edition. 2004.

8. REFERENCES 9. LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

dKH: degrees of carbonate hardness (KH is from the German Karbonathärte), used to quantify alkalinity

EDTA: ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid, used for the titration of water hardness

GPS: global positioning system

NTU: nephelometric turbidity units (nephelometry is a technique used to measure the level of cloudiness in water)

PIT: passive integrated transponder

ppm: parts per million

SD: standard deviation

TDS: total dissolved solids

WRLP: Water Research and Learning Programme

YSI: Yellow Springs Instrument Co., based in the United States, specialising in electronic measuring instruments

43 Marine Turtle Conservation Project Final Scientifc Report Marine Turtle Conservation Project Final Scientifc Report 44Scientific Report | Water Research and Learning Programme | Wadi Wurayah National Park | Fielding Season 2014–2015 44

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