Persian Gulf desert and semi-desert

• Category: Desert Biomes.
• Geographic Location: Asia.
• Summary: This important habitat for Palearctic waders is under threat from oil spills and other anthropogenic activities.

The low desert plains of the Persian Gulf are located on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. The Persian Gulf is approximately 615 miles (990 kilometers) long. This ecosystem includes a stretch of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) coastline at Abu Dhabi, the island nation of Bahrain, the coastline of Qatar, parts of Kuwait, and parts of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia extending up to the Rub’al-Khali Desert. The region is marked by red-brown sandy mounds and sparse vegetation. It is an important stopover for migratory birds traveling to Asia and Africa. Overgrazing, poaching, and oil spills are some of the major threats to the bird population in this region.

This ecosystem is comprised of typically dry low desert plains west of the Arabian Gulf into the Al-Dahna Desert, which connects the an-Nafud Desert with the Rub’al-Khali Desert in the southeast; all are divisions of the Arabian Desert. Due to the limestone and sandstone formations containing microscopic shell material, the coastal sands appear to be whiter than the red sands of the Al-Dahna and the Rub’al-Khali deserts. The Arabian Desert stretches roughly 1,300 miles (2,092 kilometers) long, covering most of the Arabian Peninsula, with a width of around 684 miles (1,100 kilometers); making it one of the largest deserts in the world. The Rub’al-Khali Desert is mostly uninhabited, hence the name, meaning the Empty Quarter. It is one of the largest continuous bodies of sand on Earth, and holds one of the largest oil reserves in the world.

Dry lakebeds in the desert indicate the presence of water here thousands of years ago. The terrain is covered with sand dunes, and sprinkled with gravel and gypsum plains. The presence of feldspar gives the sand a reddish-orange color. The windblown sand accumulates at the base of plants, forming sand hummocks. A sand hummock is a small, rounded mound of sand, often formed around vegetation in coastal areas, and is typically part of a larger dune system.

Long, hot, dry summers with northerly winds sometimes cause sandstorms in the region. This ecosystem is sometimes classified as hyperarid. A hyperarid climate is the driest type of climate, with annual rainfall often less than 100 millimeters (3.93 inches) and an aridity index under 0.05, indicating an extreme moisture deficit. These environments are essentially deserts and support minimal vegetation due to evaporation rates that far exceed precipitation. Annual rainfall ranges from one to six inches (35 to 150 millimeters).

The region has an average temperature of 73 degrees F (23 degrees C) in winter. In summer, the temperature is usually 95 degrees F (35 degrees C), but may rise to 122 degrees F (50 degrees C).

Along the coast, humidity levels may reach 90 percent in summer. The "Shamal" northerly winds during summer are a key factor in influencing the region's humidity. The Shamal is a strong northerly wind that sweeps across the Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf, particularly in summer, carrying cool, dry air from the north. By displacing moisture-laden air, it significantly reduces humidity and acts as a natural drying agent for the region.

Several freshwater artesian aquifers, along with wells, form oases in the inland, which help with wheat and alfalfa cultivation in this climate. UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar are increasingly re-landscaping most of the area to make it cultivable where an adequate supply of water is possible. In the twenty-first century, these countries are leveraging advanced technologies and strategic planning to transform arid regions into cultivable land. By tapping into freshwater artesian aquifers and wells, they sustain traditional crops like wheat and alfalfa in inland oases. Additionally, these nations are employing modern irrigation methods, such as drip irrigation and hydroponics, to optimize water use and reduce waste. Desalination plants play a crucial role in providing an adequate water supply for agriculture, while soil enrichment techniques and protective greenhouses enhance the viability of cultivation in harsh climates.

Biodiversity

The vegetation in the region is sparse, with limited varieties. Although date palm groves are in abundance, reeds like phragmites, mace, Pamarix aphylla, and Prosopis juliflora also grow in the region. Additionally, various small shrubs, such as Rhanterium epapposum and Hammada elegans, as well as grass tussocks such as Panicum turgidum and Stipa capensi, are also seen in the area. Avicennia marina, or grey mangrove, is found in the muddy channels of the seashore.

The desert is an important habitat for migratory seabirds, as it connects Africa with Eurasia. More than 250 species of birds are estimated to be found here. The coastline is especially vital for the black-necked and great crested grebe, and for Saunders’s little tern. More than 95 percent of the world's Socotra cormorant breeding population is estimated to migrate through the region, with between 97,150 and 123,150 mated pairs. This population nests on islands in the southern Arabian Gulf, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Tarut Bay on Saudi Arabia’s gulf coast, a nursery for fish and shrimp, hosts a significant number of wintering and migrating waterbirds.

The Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia is the only site for the breeding of quail, spotted sandgrouse, and great grey shrike. Bahrain and Qatar have relatively fewer species and varieties, but waders are common in Bahrain on the coast. Many species are rare or occur accidentally in Bahrain, a haven for globally threatened species such as the houbara bustard. Although reptiles and mammals find it difficult to survive in the desert conditions, some animals are very well adapted the environment. Red foxes, Cape hares, and Ethiopian hedgehogs are typical in this ecosystem, while plenty of marsh frogs and Caspian pond turtles are also found.

Human Activity, Threats, and Conservation

The populations of seabirds and migratory birds face threats from oil spills along the coastline and pollution caused by other anthropogenic factors. In the 1990s, the damage of Kuwaiti oil facilities caused oil spills that released toxins into the atmosphere, causing the deaths of thousands of seabirds and rendering parts of the area uninhabitable. The spoiled wells released a huge amount of oil into the desert and seasonal lakes, contaminating the soil. During the Gulf War, armed forces applied depleted-uranium-tipped projectiles in Kuwait and Iraq, particles of which are thought to pollute the surrounding areas, including the Arabian Desert and its divisions.

The tern population is reported to be threatened on Saudi Arabia’s gulf coral islands. Most of the people living in this region are nomadic or seminomadic; overgrazing by camels and goats pose a serious threat to the area’s vegetation. Animals such as the jackal and honey badger are eradicated here, while others are endangered. Hunting and poaching also threaten species in the region.

Relandscaping the arid desert for cultivation is also critical. In doing so, there is a possibility of introduction of new species from surrounding areas, affecting the local desert bird species in particular. However, the increased salinity of water and soil can cause disequilibrium of prevailing conditions. Coastal degradation due to oil spills and waste from oil refineries also threaten the habitat. Climate change may impact the desert areas, causing some areas to increase while others shrink.

In the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, there has been an increasing need to form protected areas across the region. The Persian Gulf region features a variety of protected areas dedicated to preserving its biodiversity, including marine protected areas, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries. Notable marine reserves include the Jubail Marine Protected Area in Saudi Arabia, Dayyer-Nakhiloo National Park in Iran, and Marawah in the UAE. National parks such as Lar and Golestan in Iran protect diverse ecosystems, with the latter recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, wildlife sanctuaries like the Gulf Islands Wildlife Sanctuary and reserves like the Hara Biosphere Reserve safeguard habitats for species like Persian leopards, marine mammals, and the Houbara bird.

Protected areas in the Persian Gulf region preserve biodiversity and maintain ecological balance. These zones serve as sanctuaries for diverse marine and terrestrial species, including fish, corals, mangroves, and migratory birds, which face growing threats from overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution. By designating and effectively managing these areas, the region can safeguard critical ecosystems, promote the regeneration of degraded habitats, and protect species essential for ecological and economic stability.

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