Endangered Species Conservation
In late 2015, WKC was engaged to provide expert advice related to the conservation of Persian Wonder Gecko at a proposed development site in Dubai, UAE. Within Arabia, Persian Wonder Gecko (Teratoscincus scincus keyserlingii) are restricted to the UAE and are significantly threatened by habitat loss due to urban development and over-grazing. These reptiles are currently listed as Critically Endangered on the Arabian Peninsula IUCN Red List Red and are subsequently regarded as a species of ‘Very High Conservation Value’.
WKC performed a baseline survey and developed a Species Management Plan in accordance with International Financial Corporation (IFC) Guidelines Performance Standard 6 (PS6): Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources. The application of the Performance Standard in the development of the Species Management Plan is unique in the Emirate of Dubai.
The baseline survey identified the population of Persian Wonder Gecko currently inhabiting the site, and the management plan aims to ensure the ongoing protection and conservation of the Gecko through various measures involving:
- Policy and Legislation
- Habitat Loss
- Biodiversity Conservation
- Threatened Species
- Ecological Value Education
- Construction and Operations and
- Management Plan Reviews
To learn more about these kinds of services offered by WKC see our Ecology page or contact us.
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