When people think about UAE, they imagine places like Dubai, jewels in the desert, with stunning architecture, Italian designer cars and opulent wealth. People may also imagine oil fields and mechanical mayhem across the desert but there is so much more than that. There are oasis’s filled with life and unique habitats which are little known outside of the area.
Between Fujairah and Oman, nestled on the border, there is a little harbor called Khor Kalba under the control of the emirate of Sharjah, home to a mangrove forest, which is now seen as globally significant. This is the most northerly mangrove forest in the world, the oldest in Arabia and home to a variety of plant, marine and birdlife not found anywhere else in the UAE. It is also a home to visiting bird species from Europe flying south for warmer climates and rich feeding grounds.
The most notable bird is the Arabian collared kingfisher subspecies – Todiramphus chloris kalbaensis. The bird is unique to this small mangrove and there is said to be fewer than 55 pairs left in existence. If this small population should perish, we will never see its kind again.
Mangroves are delicate eco systems therefore the destruction of one species can directly affect the survival of another within the food chain which means we all have a duty to respect and care for this beautiful natural wonder.
Amongst the more colourful birds seen at the mangrove, two are particularly striking. They are green bee-eaters and common kingfishers. Bee-eaters perform aerial acrobatics catching insects before perching on the nearby fences to finish their meal. These birds are bright green with blue faces and striking red eyes. Common kingfishers, hunting along the riverbanks almost appear to emit light as they fly changing from greens to blues as they dart around just above the surface of the water, this is due to a phenomenon known as the Tyndall effect creating a dazzling iridescence that is always wondrous to behold.
The mangrove hosts many forms of life, from ghost crabs, to oystercatchers, egrets, socrota cormorants (also endangered) and a variety of herons. All appearing at differing times of the day according to the tides so no matter what time you visit, each visit will be different and unique.
Whilst the mangrove is protected and currently out of bounds, one can view it from the bridge that crosses the estuary and marvel at a true hidden jewel of the gulf. Binoculars would be recommended and a camera with a minimum reach of 400mm would be of the most benefit.
It is common for the kingfishers to perch relatively close to the bridge on the overhanging branches so even without specialist optic equipment you can still get the opportunity to see the wild life up close. It is even possible to bump into an Arabian gazelle, which are often seen eating the shrubs on the riverbanks.
By David Tweedy M.Ed, BA (Hons), PGCE, QTLS
David is a wildlife photographer and writer.
Fujairah Observer Magazine Article – January 2019 Issue
