EPAA Announces Significant Discovery Of Three New Plant Species Recorded For The First Time In UAE

The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah has announced a significant scientific breakthrough. Researchers from the Sharjah Seed Bank and Herbarium have identified three plant species previously unrecorded in the UAE. This discovery underscores the UAE's leadership in environmental research and plant discovery. The new species include Dactyloctenium australe, known as Durban Crowfoot Grass, and two varieties of Neurada procumbens: Neurada procumbens var. stellata and Neurada procumbens var. al-eisawii.

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the EPAA, highlighted the importance of this achievement. She stated: "This milestone reflects our dedication to field research through the efforts of our specialized team at the Sharjah Seed Bank and Herbarium, which stands as one of the most successful scientific research initiatives launched by the Government of Sharjah. The initiative is dedicated to preserving and protecting Sharjah’s plant biodiversity, ensuring its sustainability for future generations."

Al Suwaidi emphasized that these discoveries result from rigorous scientific exploration using advanced techniques. Regular expeditions by the field team aim to explore, collect, analyse, and document wild plant species and seed samples. These efforts bolster national initiatives to protect biodiversity and tackle environmental challenges.

The newly recorded plant species are notable for their unique characteristics. They offer fresh opportunities for future studies on their ecological roles in desert environments. Al Suwaidi noted that this strengthens Sharjah’s reputation as a hub for environmental sustainability and ambitious scientific projects.

Al Suwaidi expressed gratitude for the Sharjah Seed Bank and Herbarium team's dedication. She stated: "Their ongoing efforts to explore the local environment not only expand our scientific knowledge of native plant species but also enhance research collaboration at both local and international levels. Through their work, we continue to document rare and previously unrecorded wild plants, contributing to global botanical research."

The EPAA remains committed to sustainable strategies for conserving natural resources. It focuses on raising environmental awareness and fostering international collaboration for an ecologically balanced future. Additionally, EPAA is dedicated to training national talents in field-based scientific research.

Sharjah Seed Bank's Role

The Sharjah Seed Bank and Herbarium was established in 2018 in Al Dhaid with a mission to preserve rare wild and desert plants in the UAE. It plays a crucial role in developing a comprehensive database on plant biodiversity, aiding in discovering new plant species within the UAE.

This initiative actively publishes research in international journals, contributing significantly to updating the Arabian Peninsula’s plant registry and Red List of endangered species. Through its work, it strengthens national efforts in preserving UAE’s natural resources while promoting sustainable conservation practices.

With inputs from WAM