TIME: Refreshments from 7pm, AGM from 7.30pm, Lecture from 7.50pm.   VENUE: Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi AGM: The Annual General Meeting of the ENHG-AD will also be held before this lecture at 7:30 PM, before the ENHG-AD lecture meeting.  This approximately 20-minute AGM will consist mainly of the Treasurer’s and Chairman’s PowerPoint presentations reviewing the finances and activities of the Abu Dhabi chapter of the ENHG from Sept 2014 through Aug 2015 (2014-2015 membership year). As always, the AGM is open to all to the general public, but only paid-up members will be invited to vote on the ratification of ENHG-AD Committee officers/members and approval of the revised ENHG-AD Constitution (click here to veiw) with which this short meeting will conclude. LECTURE TITLE:  The leopard identification project by Leopard Trails, Bespoke Tented Safaris, Yala, Sri Lanka, by Game Ranger Avijja Fonseka. LECTURE SUMMARY: The Leopard Trails leopard identification project initiated over 4 years ago has not only established that parts of Sri Lanka have the highest density of leopard in the world, it has also given us insights into how leopard behaviour in Sri Lanka differs to other parts of the world partly due to Leopards being the apex predator in Sri Lanka. Through the project we hope to help conserve the Sri Lankan leopard for many generations to come. Apart from the leopard, Sri Lanka has been blessed with a wealth of other wildlife. It is the best place in the world to witness the Asian Elephant in all their glory during the “Gathering that takes place every year on the lush banks of the Minneriya reservoir. In addition Sri Lanka is a paradise for bird lovers as it boasts over 400 species of birds both endemic and migratory.  This richness in wildlife however is not restricted to the land as Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to watch the behemoths of the ocean. From the playful Spinner dolphins to the gigantic blue whales which are the only known global population of whales that does not migrate. ABOUT THE SPEAKER:  At the age of three Avi was introduced to the wilds of Sri Lanka by his parents. This passion that was established at an early age has resulted in a life-long obsession with wildlife. Avi literally spends any spare time exploring our island rich bio diversity. Upon completing high school in Colombo, Avi completed a bachelor's degree in Biodiversity and Conservation from the Macquarie University (Sydney, Australia), commenting a future career in a subject close to his heart. Avi has worked on the Umkwali Predator Conservation Project (South Africa) and it is here that the learnt art of tracking, during his field work with Big Cats. Avi has also been involved in Leopard identification work carried out by the Wilderness and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Sri Lanka. He is an active member of Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka. He is always keen to share stories about his experiences in the bush both in Africa and Sri Lanka and is secretly an avid birder. Avi can be found pursuing his hobby of wildlife photography whilst at Leopard Trails and during his free time.   This talk has kindly been arranged by Country Holidays, one of the world’s foremost providers of luxury tours for more than 20 years has opened its doors in Dubai.  Country Holidays is a specialist in the extraordinary — offering unique tours to some of the world’s most exciting destinations including Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam. More info:http://www.countryholidays.ae/en/

Dear All, We’ve decided to offer ENHG members who haven't yet made plans for the upcoming long National Day break a chance to get out and enjoy a couple of days of camping in what we hope will be pleasant weather. On Tuesday 1st Dec at 1 p.m. we’ll leave Abu Dhabi for Al Qudra Lakes (see attached pictures). This site is about 140 km towards Dubai, not far from the 611. It is described as a home to hundreds of migratory birds. We hope to find a quiet place for camping and do some serious bird watching. Bring along your binoculars and field guides. On Wednesday 2nd Dec around 10 a.m. we’ll leave our first campsite and head to RAK, to the Wadi Shah road – a turnoff from Wadi Beah road which runs up towards the summit of Jebel al Jais. We’ll set up camp at a site on high ground near the base of that road, and we’ll do a short wadi walk that afternoon. On Thursday morning 3rd Dec we’ll drive to where the tarmac road ends and then walk 4 km to the summit. We’ll have a lunch on the highest spot in the UAE and then head slowly back towards Abu Dhabi. On the way back we will try to visit the newly opened Wasi Wetland Centre in Sharjah, not far from the E11. In case of bad weather, we will avoid Jebel al Jais and may go only for one night of camping at the first site. Trip Leaders: Keith Taylor and Alena Ruzickova Call Keith on 050-820-4938 to sign up and get trip meet-up information. This trip is open only to ENHG members; ENHG sign-up is possible at the start of the trip. 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. Salon 1 is most easily accessed from the ballroom enterance.  LECTURE TITLE: Operation Wallacea, citizen science in tropical ecosystems – an emerging conservation opportunity by Charlotte Palmer   LECTURE SUMMARY: Operation Wallacea (Opwall) is an NGO that has been bringing together scientists, students and local people together for the aim of conservation research over the last 20 years. Opwall now run conservation research projects in 15 different countries across the world, each of which is biologically important and under some sort of threat, from deforestation and hunting to mining and urbanisation. This lecture will focus on Opwall's longest running project on Buton Island, South East Sulawesi, Indonesia, where a recent funding application for $20 million has been submitted to protect this island and the unique flora and fauna found there. All of the data for this application was collected through 'citizen science', taking relatively unskilled high school and university students and teaching them to collect data on a large scale. ABOUT THE SPEAKER: I have always had a love for the outdoors and nature, and I began volunteering for conservation organisations from a young age. During my first year of university I volunteered for Rainforest Concern in Ecuador, and from then on decided upon a career in wildlife and habitat conservation. I first came across Opwall 10 years ago whilst studying for my BSc, and decided to join their expedition to Honduras to collect data for my undergraduate dissertation, and I have been part of the organisation ever since. After completing my MSc I joined Opwall as a full-time member of staff, working on our projects in Honduras, Indonesia, China and South Africa. My particular interest is working with our school groups to give them an insight into the world of conservation, and how all of us can be part of that. I am happy to say this summer was the first time we saw school students from the UAE join our expeditions, and I really look forward to working with more students from the UAE in the future. My next challenge is setting up Opwall's newest project in East Timor, a country with fascinating biodiversity, and where very little research has been completed.   N.B. Before the lecture there will be a 10 minute presentation about Ghaf trees from Nasrin Sakkir, a grade 9 student from Abu Dhabi Indian School.  She will describe the Ghaf tree’s general appearance, main habitats, importance in desert life, uses, planting methods, threats and conservation tips.

VENUE: Salon 1 - 3, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.  Salon 1 is most easily accessed from the ballroom entrance. TIME: This drop-in / drop-out interactive workshop with run from 6pm – 9pm. TITLE: The ENHG insect collection comes to Abu Dhabi with Dr Brigitte Howarth SUMMARY: More than 2,000 arthropod species have been found in the UAE since 2008, and approximately 380 of them are new to science. Ever since the origins of the ENHG over 35 years ago, the group has understood the importance of collecting arthropod specimens and record data as they realized little was known about the organisms found in the UAE. The collection serves as a reference source, as well as a data source. Individuals such as founder Bish Brown were careful in recording detail, learning curation of insects, and hence have left a legacy of several hundreds of specimens with important biological data. Many others, including ENHG members, have since added to this collection. Seeing the collection up close, one begins to understand the importance of preserving it. Rows of butterflies, moths, beetles, dragonflies, bees, flies, and many other specimens fill the boxes. Some of them may initially look the same, but most have differences which are not always visible to the naked eye. At this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to see the collection and appreciate the incredible diversity of arthropods we have in the UAE; most of the collection is comprised of insects. We plan to curate some insects recently collected from Saadiyat Island and move some of the older specimens into new entomological cabinets; this requires a steady hand, though the task in itself doesn’t require skills, just patience! Please ensure: - You don't wear long sleeves that may drag over pinned specimens - Tie back long hair - Do not wear dangling jewellery   ABOUT THE FACILITATOR:  Dr Brigitte Howarth is an experienced ecologist, with a BSc in applied ecology (University of East London, 1992), and a Ph.D in ecological and behavioural entomology (University of Central Lancashire, 1998). She has a thorough knowledge of the UAE and Oman’s ecology, fauna and flora, with over 10 years’ experience in this region. She is a recognised expert in the local (UAE) insect fauna, including the Oman border region, specialising in the flies (Diptera), but is also skilled in identifying other insect orders. She has helped in the identification of medically important ticks from offshore oil platforms in the UAE. As well as serving as Chair of the Department of Natural Science and Public Health, she currently lectures in ecology at Zayed University, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and is involved with the Emirates Natural History Group, Al Ain, where she has served in many different capacities (curator and custodian of the entomological collection, chair, vice chair, speaker coordinator, recording officer, outreach coordinator).

VENUE: Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.  Salon 1 is most easily accessed from the ballroom entrance. TIME: Refreshments from 7:00pm, Talk from 7:30pm LECTURE TITLE: The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation  by John Roberts, Director of Elephants & Conservation Activities,  Anantara Resorts & Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation LECTURE SUMMARY: A talk about the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, our work all the way through to the conservation efforts to save the Asian elephant and how tourism can help those efforts. ABOUT THE SPEAKER: John Roberts is the director of elephants at the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation. He earned a degree in materials science and engineering at Bath University in the U.K. before volunteering in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park in the desert of West Texas. He then pursued his interest in conservation in Northern Australia, followed by five years in Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Currently, John coordinates the activities of GTAEF, is a trustee of the International Trust for Nature Conservation, and has contributed articles to several publications, including Bird Conservation Nepal. This talk has kindly been arranged by Country Holidays, one of the world’s foremost providers of luxury tours for more than 20 years has opened its doors in Dubai.  Country Holidays is a specialist in the extraordinary — offering unique tours to some of the world’s most exciting destinations including Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam. More info: http://www.countryholidays.ae/en/

NEW VENUE: Meeting room 9, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Downtown, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE  https://goo.gl/maps/cprTVV7rRVQ2   LECTURE TITLE: The West Pacific Odyssey: travel by expedition ship from New Zealand to Japan by Stephen James LECTURE SUMMARY: The WPO is a 31 day journey from New Zealand to Japan. It is on an expedition ship with only 35 passengers & 22 crew! It is a re-positioning journey from the Antarctic to the Arctic (where it spends the northern summer). This journey is carefully planned to try and see some of the world’s rarest seabirds. Some of which are hard or even impossible to see by any other means. From NZ ones goes to Norfolk Island, then New Caledonia, four different islands in the Solomon's,  eastern Papua New Guinea & finally Micronesia en route to Japan. Often these out of the way places are explored by zodiac landings, followed by rigorous hiking to the interior. Many endemic island birds are seen on each landing. ABOUT THE SPEAKER: I am 60 years old & retired. I have had a lifelong passion for nature & the great outdoors, which I indulge at every opportunity. I spent 22 years working in Abu Dhabi & virtually every spare moment was spent camping/birding. . 

Non ENHG EVENT The Eye on Earth Summit is an international gathering of leading experts in the "data-for-sustainability"field.  Falling just days days after the launch of the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG's) the Summit promises to be a landmark event.   Citizen Science and Societal Engagement are key to achieiving the SDG's; the organisers - which include the Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Inititiative - therefore welcome the particiption of ENHG. The Summit is a by-invitation event - so there is no registration fee.  A limited number of passes maybe available from ENHG Treasurer:  derek.gliddon@ead.ae More details at:    http://www.eoesummit.org/summit-2015/        

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 Sept. Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Field Trip to Mazirah Island 22-26 September 2015 Mazirah is an island on the east cost of Oman.  The island is 80 km long and can be accessed by ferry several times each day. Developed only recently it was occupied by a military airbase, first British, now Omani. Mazirah is a natural reserve with many species: turtles, flamingoes, birds of prey, shells, fish and many others. There are some recent resort on the island but we are planning for a camping trip on the remote South coast. We will set the camp for 3 days on the beach. Last time we went in 2009, we did not see a soul for 3 days. From there, we can explore the 2 sides of the island, large wild beaches on the East coast with many birds and shells. Small beaches in the mountains on the west side. Please confirm attendance:        Yves Queromain; queromain@gmail.com

Venue:  Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi   LECTURE SUMMARY: -          Background and history of the project -          The vision and mission of the Centre -          How we deliver our vision and mission The design of the building Our 5 Pearl Estidama rating Our exhibits Our public programmes The contribution that we will make to Al Ain Zoo, Abu Dhabi Emirate and the UAE ABOUT THE SPEAKER:  Nick has more than 30 years’ experience in the museum and science centre sector. He has worked as a Curator, manager in a funding agency, consultant and museum Director. Much of this experience was gained in the United Kingdom, but in recent years he has worked in Saudi Arabia, Singapore and now the United Arab Emirates. Nick’s professional agenda is to support the development of institutions that closely reflect the culture in which they are located, which address the needs and expectations of local audiences and which help to project the values of the local society.  

VENUE:  Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi   LECTURE SUMMARY: In early 2013, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi commissioned a project to produce a habitat map of the entire Emirate. The goal was to produce a highly detailed record of the entire landscape as a baseline to work from for future environmental planning. Using Very High Resolution satellite imagery the entire Abu Dhabi Emirate was mapped at 1:10,000 scale, classifying the land and sea into 42 terrestrial and 13 marine habitats. The map, which is now complete, was ground breaking in its magnitude and level of detail; the methods that were used are usually only deployed for small scale Environmental Impact Assessment studies. This map is the first of its kind in the world to use these techniques over such a large area. This presentation will explore how this highly detailed habitat  map can be used to inform environmental decision making in years to come, as well as briefly explaining how the map was created, using a mixture of disciplines and techniques, combining classic cartographic principles with cutting-edge satellite processing technologies and local ecological expertise. A demonstration of the final map will be given, and how this can be accessed by the general public through the Environment Agency’s website. ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Richard Flemmings is the General Manager of Proteus, a company who specialise in using innovative map making techniques, primarily using satellite imagery. He moved from the UK to Abu Dhabi in 2013 to lead the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi habitat mapping project. Richard has a degree in Cartography and a MSc in Geographical Information Science. He has 14 years’ experience in surveying and map making. Richard has worked in offshore survey in the Indian Ocean and Australia, and was a camera operator in survey aircraft mapping several countries in Africa and Europe. His passion for map making and discovering new landscapes and environments has led to him becoming a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS), and achieving Chartered Geographer status (CGeog). Richard sits on the ENHG committee and is responsible for coordinating corporate sponsorship for the group. 

Venue: Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island.   Notes :   Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (ADFH) is the largest falcon hospital in the world and leading institution for falcon medicine with an influx of 11,500 falcon patients per year. ADFH offers special internship opportunity for graduated veterinarians, veterinary students, veterinary nurses/assistants & laboratory technicians and falconers & raptor rehabilitators from different countries. One of the leading tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi, ADFH has received several international awards in the field of tourism and quality. Its Shaheen Conference Center offers a unique corporate venue for innovative events, meetings, workshops and conferences. Moreover, ADFH Pet Care Center provides a rewarding and excellent care for pets with its advanced small animal veterinary hospital. It also provides comprehensive pet services like pet boarding, grooming and dog training. ADFH has added a Dog Agility Park to provide an exercise area for dogs. Web: www.falconhospital.com    The Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter for stray cats and dogs is managed by Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, which is the only authorized veterinary hospital for the neutering program of stray cats and dogs for Abu Dhabi Emirate following the decision of Abu Dhabi Government in 2010. The Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter keeps cats and dogs of all different breeds, sizes and age for adoption by the general public. Adoption of a pet from the Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter also supports animal welfare in Abu Dhabi Emirate.  Web: www.abudhabianimalshelter.com  This presentation aims to introduce the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital and Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter and its professional services and achievements.   About the Speaker:  Dr. Margit Gabriele Muller is the Director of Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital and Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter. In this role she leads a professional team responsible to provide best possible medical care and fast and reliable laboratory analysis  for falcons and other avian species and pets and to enhance animal welfare for feral cats and stray dogs. Dr. Muller has become one of the leading falcon veterinary doctors in the world. She has 20 years’ experience in falcons and raptors and 17 years experience with dogs, cats and other pets. She obtained her PhD on “Studies on bumblefoot in falcons used for hunting in the United Arab Emirates” in 1999 from University of Munich, Germany and her Masters degree in Business Administration from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.   Dr. Muller is Board Certified in veterinary dentistry in Germany  after receiving her Diploma in Veterinary Homeopathy, UK. Moreover, she is also a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, UK.   Furthermore, Dr. Muller is the author of the book: “Practical Handbook of Falcon Husbandry and Medicine” (September 2009) and Modern Veterinary Practice Management (January 2012)  apart from more than 40 international scientific publication and presentations.   With all this achievement Dr. Muller has discovered 2 new diseases in falcons and continued her professional education in Small Animal and Avian Medicine. In 2008, Dr. Muller received the Abu Dhabi Award from H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, for her efforts for Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital and Falcon medicine and research organizations, and development banks. He has authored or co-authored over 100 technical reports.  

PETER HELLYER first came to Abu Dhabi in 1975, to make documentary films for the late Sheikh Zayed. He has been a committee member of the ENHG since 1985 and is now a Life Member.  He was chairman for a couple of years around 1990-1991. He launched the group's peer-reviewed journal, Tribulus, in 1991 and has edited it ever since. He was the first recipient nearly twenty five years ago of the Jashanmal Annual Award for Natural History, the forerunner of the Sheikh Mubarak bin Mohammed Award, which he has also received. He has written or edited a dozen books on the UAE's history, archaeology and natural history and was also a founder member over twenty years ago of the Emirates Bird Records Committee, of which he remains a member. Between 1991 and 2006, he was also Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Islands Archaeological Survey, ADIAS, finding numerous important archaeological and fossil sites throughout Abu Dhabi, often in collaboration with two other former Group Chairmen, Simon Aspinall and Drew Gardner. His current interests include birds and UAE history before the federation, topics that he often covers, besides politics, in his fortnightly columns for The National, while his official job is as Director of External Information and Research for the government's National Media Council He was given UAE citizenship by the President in 2010, for his contributions to knowledge of the country's heritage and natural history, and received the Abu Dhabi Award in 2014 His wife, Wafa, was Group Secretary for nearly a decade from the early 1990s. 

About the Speaker: Sean Parker was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1974. In 1977 the family relocated to the small coastal village of Umhlanga Rocks in Kwa Zulu-Natal where nature still abounded. Being able to watch wild dolphins from the front garden as well as having mongoose, vervet monkeys, Blue Duiker and a whole host of other animals in the area, instilled a deep love and passion for the Animal Kingdom. In 1997, Sean began his career with animals by starting off as a bird trainer at the Umgeni River Bird Park in Durban, South Africa. This show was the first free-flight bird show in Africa and focused on endangered African birds (Wattled Crane, Blue Crane, Crowned Crane, Southern Ground Hornbill and Cape Vulture). In addition, the show allowed guests to come face to face with exotic species such as Palm Cockatoos and various macaw species. In total there were over 30 different bird species in the show ranging from tiny owls, small raptors, large eagles, parrots, lorikeets, pelican and even Marabou Storks. During his time working with birds, Sean managed to do an internship in the United States and studied bird training and behavior with Steve Martin – not the actor. Wanting to experience more of South Africa and the incredible wildlife it offered, Sean studied guiding in 2001 and qualified as a guide though FGASA, where he spent the next few years living and working in the African bush. After working with the creatures of the air and terrestrial beasts, Sean wanted to fulfill a childhood dream of working with dolphins. In 2004 he was accepted into a position as an assistant trainer at uShaka Marine World in Durban, South Africa. In 2007, Sean accepted a position as a Marine Mammal Specialist in Dubai and is now an Associate Director for Marine Mammals. About the Presentation: The presentation will be a photographical journey through the Greater Kruger National Park. Brief information will be given on the history and the ecology of the park. The focus will be on leopard sightings and the differences in the behavior between leopard found on private land and those found in the public spaces. One if the private farms is known as the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, and it forms a part of the Western Boundary of the Greater Kruger National Park. The Public spaces in the Kruger National Park are able to be self-driven, and you may take your own vehicle or hire a vehicle to go and look for wildlife. There are many rules that apply to these self drive safaris, one of which is no off-roading. This means that if you see something interesting in the distance, it is impossible to get closer unless it moves towards the road. In the private reserves, you may not use your own vehicle, and here you need to go on organized trip in an open game viewer. The benefit of the game viewer is that you are able to follow an interesting sighting off-road. These organized drives are conducted by professional guides and are often accompanied by trained trackers who are able to find the animals based on the evidence they leave behind. The presentation will focus on the differences in behavior exhibited by a leopard with regards to the self-drive system with no off-roading and organized game drives where off-roading is allowed. It will highlight the differences in photographical opportunities and give the pros and cons of each.

There is more to Abu Dhabi than shopping malls and busy streets! With a significant and diverse coastline and a mix of terrestrial habitats inland, Abu Dhabi offers visitors and residents with the opportunity to explore natural habitats and sometimes observe their uniquely adapted species. Many of us go on our camping, diving and trekking adventures with a sense of responsibility and commitment to leave no trace. This consultation seeks to consolidate observations and opinions on the true definition of 'ecotourism' and on best outdoor practices to contribute towards a responsible adventuring guideline for Abu Dhabi. It's time to encourage all Abu Dhabi residents and visitors young and old to venture outside the city, get out there, discover, love and play a part in protecting Abu Dhabi's natural beauty . Please join and be part of the effort and add your voice. This discussion will take the form of an interactive workshop where participants will be encouraged to actively participate, voice their views and recount stories. The discussion will be jointly facilitated by Keith Taylor, ENHG-AD Chairman, and Nessrine Alzahlawi, ENHG-AD Online Outreach Coordinator.