Sharjah Environment Authority announces the discovery of a rare type of ant
Sharjah, 24 November / WAM / The Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority, through the Al Dhaid Wildlife Center, announced the discovery of a new and rare species of ant in Wadi Shees, which has been officially documented as Carebara Sharjahensis, known as the “Sharjah ant”, to be added to the record of the emirate’s achievements in scientific research and protection of biodiversity. This discovery is the first of its kind of the genus Carebara in the United Arab Emirates, and the third in the Arabian Peninsula, which highlights the richness of the Hajar Mountains environment in species. Endemic and rare.
The discovery was made by Dr. Mustafa Sharaf from Al Dhaid Wildlife Center, after carrying out careful field surveys in Wadi Shees, where a single specimen of the “soldier” species was found despite numerous visits to the site, which indicates that this species lives in very private environments and tends to a subterranean lifestyle that is difficult to monitor.
The authority confirmed that the discovery of the “Sharjah ant” represents a scientific achievement that enhances the emirate’s efforts in supporting specialized research and documenting the environmental riches of the Hajar Mountains, praising the role of the Al Dhaid Wildlife Center team and its continuous efforts in conducting field research and environmental surveys. She also explained that this rare discovery reflects the success of the environmental monitoring system in Sharjah and the competence of specialists in its centers, and embodies the emirate’s vision of consolidating science and knowledge as a basis for preserving and sustaining biodiversity.
The scientific study showed that the “Sharjah ant” is characterized by unique anatomical characteristics, most notably the presence of developed lateral horns on both sides of the head, interspersed with fine hairs, and a uniform yellow color, in addition to fine structural details in the head and thorax, which makes it an important addition to the biological inventory of the region.
Researchers continue to conduct field surveys to discover more members of the colony, as initial indications indicate that this species follows an underground lifestyle and relies on living in the soil and decomposing organic materials.
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