4 new species of spiders discovered and 12 classifications recorded for the first time in the Emirates
Sharjah, 6 April / WAM / The Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority announced the achievement of a new scientific achievement that reflects the emirate’s leadership in the fields of environmental research and biodiversity, through the discovery of four new species of spiders in a number of mountainous environments and valleys in the Emirates, in addition to recording eight genera and four other species for the first time in the country.
The discovery is the result of the efforts of the scientific research team at the Al Dhaid Wildlife Museum, led by Dr. Mustafa Sharaf, with the participation of a number of female researchers, and under the supervision of the museum administration.
Two types of spiders were documented in Wadi Shees, a third type in Wadi Al-Hilu, while the fourth type was discovered in the Masafi region, which reflects the rich environmental diversity that these areas abound.
Her Excellency Aisha Rashid Dimas, Chairman of the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority, confirmed that this achievement embodies the Authority’s vision of making scientific research a fundamental pillar of environmental protection, noting that the discovery represents a qualitative addition to the UAE’s stock in the field of environmental studies and biodiversity, and contributes to enhancing understanding of environmental systems and supporting the development of effective policies to preserve and sustain natural resources.
She added that the Authority continues to invest in scientific research and build international partnerships to enhance Sharjah’s position as a leading regional and global center in environmental studies.
The Authority explained that one of the new species was named “Hajar Mountains Spider” in reference to the Hajar Mountains, while another species was named “Emirates Spider” in honor of the country, while the other two species were named based on their anatomical characteristics.
She pointed out that the results of this discovery were published in issue (1276) of the specialized scientific magazine “ZooKeys”, as part of an international research cooperation that included an elite group of scientists from several countries, which reflects the growing scientific presence of the UAE on the map of global environmental research.
The Authority confirmed that these discoveries represent a step in an ongoing research process, in light of the promising scientific treasures that the UAE’s mountains, valleys and deserts abound in, which requires continuing field and exploratory studies to uncover more secrets of wildlife.
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