Scientists have declared a breakthrough in the protection of rare Arabian sand cats despite three kittens dying shortly after being born from artificial insemination.
Although hailed as an initial success, failure of the latest efforts to breed the rare cats in captivity at Al Ain Zoo have emphasised the challenges facing conservationists and scientists in preserving endangered species.
The zoo collaborated with scientists at the Centre for Research of Endangered Wildlife and experts at Cincinnati Zoo, Ohio, following more than 15 years of research into the reproductive biology of sand cats.
Sperm samples from sands cats in Al Ain were collected, frozen and used for research into artificial insemination at Crew laboratories in Cincinnati, reported state news agency Wam.
“Despite their death, the birth of the three cats is considered a great success,” said Omar Al Blooshi, spokesman for Al Ain Zoo.
“Careful research and planning by Crew scientists overcame several challenges with artificial insemination that had previously hindered success.”
The sand cat, also know as the sand dune cat, can be found across the deserts of Arabia, northern Africa and central Asia.
The solitary animals are notoriously timid and usually spend hot daylight hours in shallow burrows before emerging at night to hunt rodents.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature, a global conservation network, lists the species as animals of Least Concern, despite their relatively low population densities. In the UAE, however, their numbers remain low, with research in 2005 suggesting just 250 animals survived in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Al Ain Zoo — which began its sand cat conservation programme in 2013 — currently has 40 of the animals, the largest captive population anywhere in the world.
“We carry out research to study the sand cat’s numbers and habitat in addition to carrying out genetic studies that have improved captive population management,” said Mr Al Blooshi.
The collaboration between Al Ain and Cincinnati is the latest example of international partnerships attempting to preserve endangered species in the UAE.
Dugongs — a marine mammal from the same family as the sea cow — and carpet sharks are other rare species in the Emirates facing threats from climate change and human intervention, although conservationists claim progress is being made.
Today, experts at the Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment continue to examine wide-ranging methods to help preserve vulnerable species.
The particularly harsh environment of the Middle East poses many challenges for marine life in particular, including high temperatures and salinity.
Similarly, human-led environmental threats through coastal development, desalination plants, and oil and gas exploration have also threatened numerous species by damaging natural habitats.
"Abu Dhabi has been leading the role in the field of the conservation locally, and recognises the political and economic importance of conservation," Maitha Al Hameli, lead specialist in marine threatened species and habitats at the EAD, told The National.
“When it comes to the marine environment, Abu Dhabi has been investing in conservation of the main umbrella species — dugongs, marine turtles and dolphins, with ongoing monitoring and conservation programmes.”
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Read more:
The UAE's only wild hunting resort says visitor numbers are growing
Al Ain Zoo names baby rhino after Sudan
Al Ain Zoo’s lowland gorilla Lady dies aged 41
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Through its Dugong Conservation Program, the EAD is currently studying the extent and density of seagrass beds in an effort to learn how best to protect them as an important nutrition source.
The Sharks Educational Institute, based in the Canary Islands, has also been carrying out research into shark numbers in UAE waters, as well as offering courses for divers in Dibba and Abu Dhabi on how to spot rare species and assess marine damage.
“Right now we are working on certifying new carpet shark divers and bringing more people in to dive and observe their natural habitat in Abu Dhabi waters,” said Fernando Reis, the institute’s executive director.
“As far as we have been studying and researching, little is still known by scientists about population numbers.
“Due to progressive habitat degradation we believe they need much more protection. There's still time to do something for this small and beautiful species.
“We really believe the carpet shark needs to be better known, so we’re working on bringing their plight to common public knowledge.”
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
The team
Videographer: Jear Velasquez
Photography: Romeo Perez
Fashion director: Sarah Maisey
Make-up: Gulum Erzincan at Art Factory
Models: Meti and Clinton at MMG
Video assistant: Zanong Maget
Social media: Fatima Al Mahmoud
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Blah
Started: 2018
Founder: Aliyah Al Abbar and Hend Al Marri
Based: Dubai
Industry: Technology and talent management
Initial investment: Dh20,000
Investors: Self-funded
Total customers: 40
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
The five pillars of Islam
The specs: 2019 Lincoln MKC
Price, base / as tested: Dh169,995 / Dh192,045
Engine: Turbocharged, 2.0-litre, in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power: 253hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 389Nm @ 2,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 10.7L / 100km
A little about CVRL
Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.
One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases.
The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
Test
Director: S Sashikanth
Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan
Star rating: 2/5
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
CONCRETE COWBOY
Directed by: Ricky Staub
Starring: Idris Elba, Caleb McLaughlin, Jharrel Jerome
3.5/5 stars
Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion
The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".
The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.
He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.
"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.
As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES
All kick-off times 10.45pm UAE ( 4 GMT) unless stated
Tuesday
Sevilla v Maribor
Spartak Moscow v Liverpool
Manchester City v Shakhtar Donetsk
Napoli v Feyenoord
Besiktas v RB Leipzig
Monaco v Porto
Apoel Nicosia v Tottenham Hotspur
Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid
Wednesday
Basel v Benfica
CSKA Moscow Manchester United
Paris Saint-Germain v Bayern Munich
Anderlecht v Celtic
Qarabag v Roma (8pm)
Atletico Madrid v Chelsea
Juventus v Olympiakos
Sporting Lisbon v Barcelona
The%20specs
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'Nope'
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BIRD%20BOX%20BARCELONA
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UAE tour of the Netherlands
UAE squad: Rohan Mustafa (captain), Shaiman Anwar, Ghulam Shabber, Mohammed Qasim, Rameez Shahzad, Mohammed Usman, Adnan Mufti, Chirag Suri, Ahmed Raza, Imran Haider, Mohammed Naveed, Amjad Javed, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
Fixtures and results:
Monday, UAE won by three wickets
Wednesday, 2nd 50-over match
Thursday, 3rd 50-over match
Walls
Louis Tomlinson
3 out of 5 stars
(Syco Music/Arista Records)
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
Company Profile
Name: JustClean
Based: Kuwait with offices in other GCC countries
Launch year: 2016
Number of employees: 130
Sector: online laundry service
Funding: $12.9m from Kuwait-based Faith Capital Holding
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
ACL Elite (West) - fixtures
Monday, Sept 30
Al Sadd v Esteghlal (8pm)
Persepolis v Pakhtakor (8pm)
Al Wasl v Al Ahli (8pm)
Al Nassr v Al Rayyan (10pm)
Tuesday, Oct 1
Al Hilal v Al Shorta (10pm)
Al Gharafa v Al Ain (10pm)
57%20Seconds
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BLACK%20ADAM
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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