Etihad Rail has relocated to different habitats a number of wild animals from Misanad Protected Area in Sharjah to eliminate the possible effects that the ongoing development of United Arab Emirates national railway network may have on indigenous wildlife and vegetation and to implement its ‘Good Neighbour’ programme.
The company is committed to being a ‘Good Neighbour’ to the local community surrounding the national railway network by implementing the highest environmental standards and preserving the diverse natural heritage of the UAE. In line with this commitment, Etihad Rail carefully organised the transport of animals from the Misanad Protected Area, through which the planned route of the national railway runs, to other suitable and protected habitats.
The relocation, that has been completed in line with leading international best practice, was conducted in cooperation with the Sharjah Environment & Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), along with environmental experts, specialists, and other relevant national authorities.
The Misanad Protected Area is home to a range of wildlife species, including snakes, Cheeseman’s Gerbils, scorpions, and pigeons. In addition, the rare and endangered Persian wonder gecko, which is one of the most colourful types of gecko in the UAE, lives in the Misanad Nature Reserve.
Etihad Rail relocated over 300 animals, including 242 Middle Eastern Short-Fingered geckos, 24 Baluch rock gecko, 5 Saw-faced vipers, and others.
Last week, Etihad Rail announced its partnership with Emirates Nature-WWF, Fujairah Environment Authority and Fujairah Adventures, to implement an environmental conservation and habitat rehabilitation project in Al Bithnah, Fujairah.
Under the Good Neighbour initiative, Etihad Rail undertakes a range of measures, such as close monitoring of wildlife movement patterns and protecting their natural habitat, to ensure that any interference is minimised. The company avoids wildlife breeding sites, particularly in the case of rare or endangered species, throughout the construction of the railway, and ensures that any vegetation in the path of railway routes is carefully extracted and re-planted in a suitable site.
Etihad Rail is in progress with its projects to construct the railway sections under the second phase of railway network development. In January, the company has started the tracklaying for the Al Ruwais – Ghuweifat section, while the other working sites are ongoing.
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