TIME: Refreshments from 7pm, lecture from 7.30pm VENUE: Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi LECTURE TITLE:  Arabian Sea Humpback Whales: History, mystery, current study and an uncertain future by Robert Baldwin LECTURE SUMMARY: The waters of Arabia are surrounded by whales. We don’t see them largely because we don’t look for them, but perhaps also because we don’t really expect to see them. From an ecological perspective, this would seem like a reasonable expectation. The Arabian region is in a cul-de-sac of the Northern Indian Ocean where the marine climatic regime is as harsh as anywhere on our salty planet. Rob Baldwin first came to this part of the world in 1988 and began studying whales as part of his academic study, and then his career. By the early 90’s it was becoming clear that whales (and dolphins), far from being absent, were both diverse and abundant in the region. They were also apparently a little bit different. After many more years of detailed scientific study, focused largely on humpback whales, it is now clear that they are very different. In the case of the humpback whale, Arabia’s population is geographically, demographically, and genetically distinct. It is also in danger of extinction. During the past few years, research efforts have therefore been ramped up in a bid to learn more in time to help recover the population, revealing fascinating new information about a little-known whale. ABOUT THE SPEAKER:  Robert Baldwin has lived and worked in the Middle East for over 25 years.  His main experience is in marine scientific research and conservation, particularly on marine mammals and sea turtles. He began his career in Coastal Zone Management and has since broadened his experience to include a range of multidisciplinary environmental and research topics. Robert represents several international organisations as an expert advisor on marine mammals and sea turtles, such as IUCN, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the UN Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), and the International Whaling Commission (IWC). Rob has been a driving force behind the challenge to understand and protect endangered marine life of the Arabian region for many years. He is currently Director at Five Oceans Environmental Services in Oman, which he treats as both a company and a cause, with the primary aim of helping to bridge the gap between development and conservation. 

TIME: Refreshments from 7pm, lecture from 7.30pm VENUE: Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi LECTURE TITLE:  Evolutionary Dead-Ends in Eastern Arabia by Dr Richard (Dick) Hornby   LECTURE SUMMARY: In a changing environment, it is usually the most highly adapted species that suffer most. Dick Hornby will draw on his long experience of the region to highlight some of the strangest and most highly adapted species in UAE and Oman, and he may speculate about their future prospects. A diverse range of animals and plants will be covered, including some very odd invertebrates, fish, reptiles, birds and mammals, and a few higher plants. ABOUT THE SPEAKER:  ENHG Life Member Dr Richard (Dick) Hornby has a background in zoology, but he also has a keen interest in botany and ecology in general. After working with the Nature Conservancy Council in East Anglia and Southern England, he moved to Abu Dhabi in 1993 to set up the National Avian Research Centre (NARC), which is now part of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi. When the organization was well established he moved to the UAE Federal Environmental Agency to advise on wildlife and land use issues.  In 1996 he became an independent ecological consultant, extending his interests into marine and coastal ecology. In 1997 Dick joined the staff of The Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems as an Academic Editor, while continuing with ecological consultancy. In 2005, jointly with Veryan Pappin, he established Nautica Environmental Associates, which is the only Abu Dhabi based consultancy that specialises in ecology. The company has grown to about fifteen people and has carried out hundreds of environmental studies and ecological surveys. Dick takes the lead with all the terrestrial surveys but also devotes a lot of time to marine invertebrate work, mostly in the laboratory. Dick has published in the ENHG’s journal Tribulus on the following topics:  A Red List of Birds of UAE, Red List of Mammals of UAE, Checklist of Reptiles of UAE, gazelles in UAE, coastal biodiversity, intertidal molluscs, clam shrimps, spoon worms and dragonflies. He was Chairman of the Emirates Natural History Group from 1993 to 1999.

Join us for an informal get-together to chat about ENHG activities and common interests. All welcome. Location: The Beach House Terrace, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Date: Tuesday, 29th March. Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Update Itinerary for ENHG-AD camping trip to Jebel Akhdar 25-27 March 2016   Day 0 Thursday 24th March:    To enjoy three full day in Jebel Akhdar, we will start on Thursday afternoon from Abu Dhabi and drive in convoy to Nizwa. Usually, the border facilities are quicker in the evening; we can expect arriving in Nizwa around 9 pm. There are some cheap accommodations like Majan Guest house. Each participant is responsible of his own’s booking. Other hotels are available. Majan Guest House +968 25 431910 GPS N22.88715 E57.52620   3:00 pm: Those travelling with our convoy from AD will be meeting up at ADNOC station 1.5 km past Mussafah Bridge. GPS 24.395853, 54.508963 Please confirm if you want to join the convoy or if you want to meet us in Nizwa on Friday morning. ETA 9:00 pm If not too late, we can have a walk inside Nizwa Souk, getting ready for the big Friday Market   Day 1 Friday 25 March 8:30: Meeting on the parking of Majan Guest House and drive in convoy to Jebel Akhdar GPS N22.88715 E57.52620 ETA 9:00 am: (or later) at Jebel Akhdar police checkpoint at the bottom of the Jebel Akhdar road. N22.96072 E57.67784 From this point only 4WD can continue. Participant with saloon car will have to transfer to 4WD (please indicate if you need a seat). Our guide Moo is proposing to lend a 4WD for 45 OMR/day. ETA 10:00 am: (or later) at Jebel Akhdar Hotel parking lot, where we will our guide Moo (Mohammed) will meet us. Picnic lunch in shady spot. (bring this along with you).and then we will then drive 15 min to the camping spot and set up tents.   5:30 pm: Moo will lead us to the Sunset viewpoint (more dramatic than Diana’s Point to watch the sun set.) 6:30 pm: Diner at the camp. Moo will bring prepared BBQ meat for our whole group and will cook it over a campfire.  Some of us have already agreed to bring cooked white rice, Arabic bread and hummus. Late evening Moonwalk Day 2 Saturday March 26th:  8.30 am:  Start and drive to 3 hrs. walk from Al Aqur village. Finish at ruined ancient village of Wadi Bani Habib. Organise drivers to collect cars. Walk not steep through villages, families are welcome, walk is easy. Please wear discreet clothing in the traditional villages.       12.30 pm: Moo will give us lunch in his house, Omani food guaranteed. 1:00 pm: Drive to visit to various scenic spots on the plateau:                 Diana's Point lookout.                 Other scenic walks Moo may show us. 5:00 pm: Visit of the Rose water factory with Moo 6:30 pm: Moo guide us for a full moon walk. 7:30 pm: After our own dinners prepared at the campsite, we will have more socializing round the campfire, moon gazing and star spotting.   Day 3 Sunday March. 27th 7:00 am: Have an early breakfast and break camp. 9:00 am: Head down the mountain Moo will point out the way to a scenic spot we may want to stop at, just past the police post at the bottom of the mountain road: Wadi Sadr,: a great place for wadi pool swimming, involving only a short hike from the road. Possible last stop on the way out: ruined village Al Tanuf, near Al Hamra. Finally, we will head home to Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, some of us stopping for biryani lunch in Bahla or Ibri, planning to arrive home before dark.   Trip is reserved for paid-up members of ENHG (any chapter) at their own risk. Nights can be cold on Jebel Akhdar, campsite is located at 2,300m alt. Bring warm cloths. Please allow a participation for the cost of the guide and the food he will provide. You can contact me queromain@gmail.com Yves Queromain   ENHG Field trip are reserved to paid-up members under their own responsibilities  

Anoucement from Dubai Chapter, only few place available. If interested please contact Sonja at lavson@gmail.com   Old Dubai Field Trip: Walk through Dubai historical neighborhoods: Shindagha, Al Fahidi (Bastakia) and Deira’s Old Souks on Saturday, March 19, 2016   On Saturday March 19 Dubai Natural History Group is inviting members of all ENGH Chapters to visit Dubai historical neighborhoods.   We will start our walk in Shindagha, walk along the Creek, through old textile souk and passing Indian temple area to Al Fahidi (previously known as Bastakia). We will then take the traditional abra to cross the Creek and visit Deira old souks.   Shindagha, the strategic peninsula at the entrance to the Creek, was once the centre of Dubai’s trade, economy as well as the residence of the ruling Maktoum family. With the development of new harbors, trade centers and the expansion of new Dubai, the historic neighborhood of Shindagha has lost its importance and remained at the edge of Dubai’s modern life. Almost completely demolished in 1991 to allow for new developments, Shindagha was later reconstructed based on old testimonials and photographs.  As part of Dubai Creek – Khor Dubai historical area, Shindagha (unsuccessfully) participated in the 2013 UNESCO bid.   We will visit some of the local museums: Sheikh Saeed House, residence of Sheikh Saeed’s father, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al Maktoum; Juma and Obaid bin Thani's house, once owned by two rich merchants, now a Calligraphy Museum; we will pass by the new Camel, Horse and Traditional Architecture museums and stop by the 1939 Shindagha watch tower in Ghubaiba.    We will then walk through the old, but still lively textile souq to Al Fahidi area, previously known as Bastakia. This district is one of the heritage areas build along Dubai’s Creek. It was originally named after Bastak, a province in southern Iran from where the merchants emigrated in the late 19th, early 20th century to avoid taxation by the Iranian state. The district is especially known for its famous wind towers, barjeel to provide cooling in the hot summer months, the narrow winding streets, sikkas and traditional houses built around a central courtyard. It is at a short walking distance from Al Fahidi Fort, which houses the Dubai museum.   We will stop along the way for a lunch break, when you can sample some of the area’s street food – shwarma, falafel,… or bring your own picnic lunch.   In the afternoon we will take a traditional boat, abra, for an hour-long ride along the Creek to see the Creek from a different, off-shore perspective.   We will disembark on Deira shore of the creek for a walk through famous Deira souks (Spice souk, Gold souk) and have some free time for browsing the souks.   Late afternoon we will cross the Creek on abra again to return to our starting point in Shindagha.     Time, location and cost   This is a full day trip.   We will meet at 10 am in Shindagha Heritage Village parking (map will be sent additionally). There is a payable parking, 24 hrs for 10 AED.    (Alternatively you can park your car at one of the Metro stations (e.g. Rashidiya, UAE Exchange, etc) and use the Metro. Our meeting point is on the Green line, Ghubaiba metro station.)   There will be free time for lunch (you can bring your own picnic lunch or buy some street food).   Abra crossing is 1 AED, abra 1 hour Creek trip is cca 15 – 20 AED per person (depending on number of people). Entrance to Sheikh Saeed house is 3 AED.   You will need: - comfortable shoes (all day walk!) - water and snacks, (picnic lunch) - hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera and perhaps a light sweater for boat ride and chilly museum rooms. Please bring approx 20 - 30 AED per person in small denominations for parking, museum entrances and abra ride.   If interested please contact Sonja at lavson@gmail.com  

TIME: Refreshments from 7pm, lecture from 7.30pm VENUE: Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi LECTURE TITLE:  Fossils of the UAE and Northern Oman by Valerie Chalmers LECTURE SUMMARY: A brief discussion of the rock formations and stratigraphy of the Oman mountains will be followed by a detailed look at the different types of fossils found in the UAE and Northern Oman with particular reference to echinoderms, rudists and ammonites. Mention will also be made of Miocene fossils from Abu Dhabi and visits to the Saiq Plateau and the Ibri Anticline in Oman. ABOUT THE SPEAKER:  Valerie Chalmers has lived in Dubai for 40 years. She taught biology to advanced level at the Latifa School for Girls for 19 years and retired in 2006.  Her interests in plants and fossils stem from her plant ecology courses and one-year geology course which formed part of her B.Sc Special Honours Degree in Botany from King's College, London University.  She furthered her interests when she joined the Ladies Ecology Group in 1980 and started to collect both UAE plants and fossils.  She is a founder member of the DNHG and is currently vice-chairman, secretary and plant and fossil recorder.  For many years, Valerie has regularly taken fossils which she has collected to the Natural History Museum in London for identification.  Members of the Palaeontology Department, notably Dr Andrew Smith and Dr Noel Morris, both now retired, helped with the identification of her collections and maintained close links with her.

ENHG Field Trip Announcement : Date: Saturday March 12th, 8.00am - 13.00pm, 12 people max Departure point: In Al Bateen (details to be provided later) Captain Maarten Verhage has again kindly offered to take up to 12 fellow ENHG members in his boat to see the flamingo colony based off the Mussafah channel. Discovered only a few years ago, the 18,000 strong breeding colony is a magnificent sight. We will see many other sea birds that frequent the UAE and if we are lucky dolphins. BYO binoculars and cameras. Meeting 7.45am for 8am boarding. A cooler with water and snacks, plus sunscreen is highly recommended. A windbreaker jacket may also be a good idea, if you feel the cold. Please email: Yves Queromain to confirm attendance. Please provide names, a contact email, telephone number and the number of attendees. "NOTE: BOOKINGS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED IF A TELEPHONE CONTACT NUMBER IS PROVIDED" Open only to paid-up members of the ENHG, and all participants go at their own risk.

TIME: Refreshments from 7pm, lecture from 7.30pm VENUE: Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi LECTURE TITLE:  Why do we study sea turtles? The greatest survivors of all time by Lisa Poppi   LECTURE SUMMARY: The evolutionary position of turtles still puzzles the scientific community. Turtle physiology and anatomy are very unique. They are incredibly long-lived animals (with members of some species routinely living over a century), have temperature-dependent sex determination and can survive severely cold, hypoxic, and hypocaloric conditions for years and perhaps decades. Sea turtles are at the top of the food chain and, as top predators, play a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of oceanic marine ecosystems. As large marine vertebrates, sea turtles, due to their long life, can potentially be used to determine the environmental status of marine ecosystems, especially when the most dangerous threats are from human activities (pollution, marine litter, disturbance to nesting, by-catch etc.) The IUCN Red List (the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature) classifies three species of sea turtle as either "Endangered" or "Critically Endangered". An additional three species are classified as "Vulnerable". In this presentation we will learn how sea turtles live and the threats that affect them, as seen trough the eyes of a vet pathologist. We will discover how an animal from the very distant past can teach us innovative things and why very specialized mammals such as us human beings must protect one of our most distant ancestors. ABOUT THE SPEAKER:  Lisa Poppi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (Veterinary Medicine) at the University of Padua, Italy. She works in the Veterinary General Pathology and Veterinary Pathology area, performing necropsies and histopathological analyses. Passionate about reptiles, she spent the last few years studying the causes of death afflicting sea turtles in the Adriatic Sea.  She recently edited a book entitled "Sea turtle management manual".

Dear All,   The Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi has kindly offered to host the ENHG at the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, which has recently been opened to the public. This visit will be on the 27th Feb from 3pm until sunset (outside the normal opening times) and will offer an excellent opportunity to learn more about the reserve in addition to seeing the flamingos plus other migrating birds that are wintering or en-route through Abu Dhabi. Further details about the reserve can be found below. The visit will be led by Oscar Campbell This trip is open to a maximum of only 15 participants, so if you are interested in attending, please email me (Yves Queromain ) immediately to get your name on the list (Please make sure to include the names of all people in your group, a contact telephone number and contact email address if different from the one used).   Meeting time is 1500 at the reserve car park. (see attached Instructions) Bring a hat / sleeves, as there is no shade on the walk and a (small) chance of bugs at dusk. Also bring water in a bottle suitable to carry; we will walk about 2-3km in all. Also, please, please bring binoculars - you will get far more out of the visit if you have your own. We will be back at the car at about dusk, or just afterwards (c1830 approx).   This trip is open only to paid-up members of the ENHG, and all participants go at their own risk.   Please also note that the reserve is open every Thursday and Saturday from 8am to 2pm – further details can be obtained from the EAD website:- http://www.ead.ae/al-wathba-wetland-2/ The website also has links to Species fact sheets, Trail Map and Field Guide. The attached map to this email provides more detailed directions of how to get there.  

Each year, the UAE's four Natural History Groups – Emirates Natural History Group Abu Dhabi, Emirates Natural History Group Al Ain, the Dubai Natural History Group, and Emirates Natural History Group Fujairah – get together for an educational yet social weekend involving a dinner and various activities and trips. It is a chance to meet new people and old friends from the other groups. The event is organized annually by one of the groups in rotation. This year it is the turn of the Emirates Natural History Group Fujairah.   Hotel IEW 2016 will be based in Fujairah at the Hilton Fujairah Resort. An iconic main-stay in Fujairah, the Hilton Fujairah Resort is located right on the sea and has a private beach, swimming pool, gym, and more. The hotel is located just past the north end of Fujairah’s corniche, where Al Gurfa, Nakheel, and Faseel Streets meet – just opposite the Della (coffee pot) Roundabout. Room rates are attractive and are intended to facilitate attendance by all NHG members who are interested. (GPS: 25 08 09.87 N 56 21 18.69 E)   Programme Field trips will be conducted on Fri and Sat, February 19-20 and are expected to include (but are not limited to): Musandam Coast Dhow Trips Khor Kalba Nature Preserve Wadi Wurayah National Park Ancient Finds at Mleiha Wadi Hayl Village & Oasis Strategic Forts of Wadi Ham Marine Life of the East Coast Ancient Village of Wamm Geology, Entomology, Ornithology, Botany, and, of course, History (A complete activity list and signup spreadsheet is coming soon!) Thursday evening is intended for arrivals, registration and socializing. Bull-butting (not bull fighting) is a traditional east coast entertainment that takes place Thursday and Friday afternoon/evenings. It is free and is only a 2 km walk south from the hotel.   On Friday evening there will be an outdoor buffet dinner in the Hilton Fujairah Resort garden (Dh 140 Net per person) followed by a short programme, including; a keynote speaker, the annual IEW Photographic Competition, NHG Quiz, and the historic accolades presented by the ENHG Abu Dhabi: The Sheikh Mubarak bin Mohammed Award for Natural History and The Bish Brown Award.   Rooms The hotel has reserved a block of rooms for the Thursday and Friday nights on a first-come first-served basis. Hilton Fujairah Resort rates (per night) are reduced by 100Dh for IEW participants: Single Room – Dh 550 Net, Double Bed/Twin-Bedded Room – Dh 600 Net. These rates are inclusive of: 20% tax and service charge, and Hilton Buffet Breakfast. *They are exclusive of in-room Internet (50 AED per day). Children aged 12 years and under stay for free when sharing a room with their parents. Children under 6 years eat for free, children 6-12 years receive a 50% discount in the all-day dining restaurants.   Lunch Box Options Two options for packed lunches will be available for Friday and Saturday, the cost of which is still being negotiated at the time of this writing. Participants should inform the hotel of their requirements for lunch boxes at least 24 hours in advance. Non-vegetarian Option A includes: Sweet Paprika Roasted Chicken breast & mayonnaise sandwich on white bread / Fresh fruit (apple & banana) / Fruit yoghurt (200ml) Vegetarian Option B includes: Oven Roasted Mediterranean Vegetable sandwich with creamy pesto dressing / Fresh fruit (apple & banana) / Fruit yoghurt (200ml) Reservations Individuals will be responsible for making their own hotel reservations. The ENHG Fujairah will not be responsible for bookings or payments. *Cancellation policies may vary depending on the rate or dates of your reservation. **Accepted Payment Options: Cash, American Express, Diner's Club, Eurocard, MasterCard, and Visa. To make a reservation, participants should click here for the dedicated IEW Group Reservation page.   Group Name: Emirates Natural History Group Group Code: GENHGA   In case of queries, phone Yana Dubrovskaya, Groups & Events Coordinator, on 050-649 4408. The hotel desk number is: 09-222 2411.   Check-in time is 1500 hrs. Check-out time is 1200 hrs.   When you have made your booking, please pop in to our website here and add your information, so that we might have an idea of the numbers attending the weekend. Looking forward to seeing you all in Fujairah!   ENHG (Fuj) Website:  ENHG (Fuj) Facebook ENHG(Fuj) Instagram    

TIME: Refreshments from 7pm, lecture from 7.30pm VENUE: Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi LECTURE SUMMARY: The Earth is composed of three layers: a core, mantle and crust. The crust, which is the thinnest and outermost layer, can be oceanic or continental. Continental crust is thicker and more buoyant, which is why it rises above the oceans. Over 60% of the Earth’s surface is covered by oceanic crust, which is thinner and denser and sits beneath the world’s oceans. Most of our understanding of oceanic crust and upper mantle come from slices that have been emplaced onto continental margins, called ophiolites. The largest, best-preserved, and most studied ophiolite on Earth is exposed along the Oman-UAE mountains. The Oman-UAE ophiolite exposes the upper mantle and a complete crustal section that consists of layered and massive gabbro at the deepest levels, through sheeted dykes structurally higher, overlain by basaltic flows, and finally pillow basalt that erupted on the ocean floor.   In this presentation Tyler is going to present an overview of the Oman-UAE ophiolite based on his recent work in the UAE. Whereas Tyler’s work is based on what can be observed at the Earth’s surface, Brook will demonstrate how geophysical methods can be used to study the geology deep beneath the surface. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:  Tyler Ambrose is a geologist whose research focuses on understanding the processes that occur when two tectonic plates collide. Tyler completed a BSc at the University of Victoria (Canada), where he studied the coast and Rocky Mountains of British Columbia, and an MSc at the University of British Columbia (Canada), during which he spent 3 months in the Himalaya. Currently, Tyler’s PhD research at the University of Oxford brings him to the UAE-Oman mountains, where he is studying the Hajar Mountains, which offer the best example of oceanic crust anywhere on Earth. Brook Keats is a geophysicist from New Zealand whose research currently focuses on imaging and modelling deep crustal structure using integrated geophysical methods. He studied Physics and Mathematics at Victoria University of Wellington, completing a BSc. in 2009, before switching his focus to the Earth and completing a BSc. (Hons) in Geophysics in 2010. A 2 year stint at GNS Science in Wellington followed, before he returned to Victoria University of Wellington to complete his MSc. He is currently a DPhil student at the University of Oxford. 

Rough itinerary:   Friday: We plan to meet at 10am  at Rahba Petrol Station (2 km behind exit 371 on AD – Dubai highway) then continue to Wadi Bih, RAK. We will go for a late afternoon walk  and build a camp.   Saturday: Early morning  about  6a.m.  (to avoid all the traffic which is heavy there) we will drive up the  Jebel Jais, park our cars where  tarmac ends we take a four-km walk up to the summit .  Then, when we are back at our campsite we pack tents and drive back to AD.   On the way back we take a detour to Wasit Wetland Centre in Sharjah which was reopened on November last year and contains a number of rare birds.        For those who are interested please sign up: alenaruzickova@centrum.cz

TIME: Refreshments from 7pm, lecture from 7.30pm VENUE: Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi LECTURE SUMMARY: Small civilian drones have the potential to revolutionize the way that ecological conservation is managed in the Middle East, by providing efficient routine monitoring systems of plants and animals.  Archaeological sites can also be accurately documented with relative ease, opening doors for augmented reality experimentation.  This presentation will show some visual examples of ecological monitoring and archaeological documentation within the UAE.  Most of the potential is still in the future, but I'd like to share some hopes and dreams for that wonderful place: We understand how the desert ecosystem is changing over time.  Long term ecological effects of overgrazing and water extraction are understood. Every single archaeological site on the Arabian Peninsula is stored in digital 3D.  Maybe even the roundabouts. Know what is happening with the most endangered species.  There's a lot of programming needed to make this happen, but it's important. ABOUT THE SPEAKER:  Dr Gallacher is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies at Zayed University. He uses micro-UAV (drone) mounted cameras to improve knowledge and management of rangelands in the Middle East. David graduated with 1st class Honors from the University of Melbourne for his BS Bachelor of Agricultural Science, and then undertook a PhD in Plant Genetics at James Cook University of North Queensland. He enjoys natural science, technology and travel.  He’s one of the few people in the world who can call themselves a drone ecologist, has visited 53 countries and worked in the UAE since 2002. In his own words its “hard to see the dreamer through all the quantitative stuff that gets in the way.” 

TIME: Refreshments from 7pm, lecture from 7.30pm VENUE:  Alayzia ballroom 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Oscar Campbell, originally a chemistry teacher at the British School Al Khubairat, is the chairman of the Emirates Bird Records Committee. He has carried out original research and published extensively in local, as well as international scientific publications, recording and counting populations of important resident and migratory birds around the UAE. He plans to continue researching and recording rare and endangered bird species such as the Socotra cormorant, of which Abu Dhabi hosts 35 percent of the world’s population. His diligent work in the research of birds has awarded him Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak prize for Natural History in June 2013. 

Join us for an informal get-together to toast the new year, chat about common interests and ENHG activities. All welcome.  Location: Sacci, Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa  Date: Tuesday, 12th January 2016. Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm Price: AED 150pp includes antipasti and free-flowing beverages RSVP: marieke.vd.vlugt@gmail.com