Lecture: Monitoring Terrestrial Mammals in Abu Dhabi Emirate by Shakeel Ahmed

This talk will discuss small and large mammals assessment and monitoring using trail camera traps in terrestrial protected areas of Abu Dhabi Emirate. Camera trapping technology is helping to carry out assessment of nocturnal and crepuscular species of animals in different habitats in the wild. These monitoring efforts have led to the 'rediscovery' of the Arabian Sand cat after a gap of 10 years in Abu Dhabi's Western region. Population monitoring of the critically endangered Arabian Tahr on Jabel Hafeet will also be highlighted in the presentation. 

About the Speaker: Shakeel Ahmed has worked for the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi in Terrestrial & Marine Biodiversity Sector over the last 10 years. He is a trained biologist who holds an MPhil in Zoology and has worked on a range of research projects for government and non-government organizations.As Assistant Scientist in the Environment Agency, his role is designing and conducting projects on the assessment and monitoring of specific high priority species (endemic and threatened species, flagship species) and their habitats. Shakeel is key member of the EAD terrestrial species monitoring team and oversees camera-trapping studies in the field.