Successful re-introduction of Rhizophora mucronata – an extinct mangrove species on Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi emirate, United Arab Emirates

Summary

Rhizophora mucronata, a mangrove species long extinct from the UAE and listed on the IUCN Red List, had been successfully reintroduced only once before, at Ras Ghanada Island in 2004, with no further attempts made for nearly a decade. In December 2013, Barari Forest Management, which had established a mangrove nursery in 2008, supplied propagules sourced from Pakistan's Shah Bundar Forest for a ceremonial planting by UAE leadership of 21 seedlings at the Habari site on Sir Bani Yas Island, an eco-tourism destination and wildlife park, alongside a comparative experimental plantation of 19 seedlings at the nearby Da'asha site in March 2014 to test differing soil types, sandy loam versus clay loam with existing Avicennia marina cover. Only healthy seedlings at least 60 cm tall were selected for planting, and both sites were fenced with shade netting to protect against free-roaming animals, heat and dust. Survival was tracked in June 2014, December 2014 and June 2015, with dead seedlings replanted after each assessment; Habari improved from 71% to 86% and finally 100% survival, while Da'asha rose from 84% to 95% and then 100%, with plants at both sites showing steady height growth and R. mucronata establishing in mixed stands alongside mature A. marina, which appeared to shelter the younger mangroves from sun and wind. Difficulties included sourcing propagules internationally, harsh summer conditions, and barnacle fouling on stems. The project rates itself successful, crediting careful site selection favoring clay-loam soil over bare sand, healthy properly sized planting stock, correct planting timing, and planting alongside established Avicennia marina cover.