UAE > Khor Kalba

Khor Kalba

The intertidal sea floor at Khor Kalba has a mix of rocky and sandy zones providing a range of habitats for many peculiar inhabitants. Colorful varieties of sponge, algae and sea squirts live here, alongside colonies of sea urchins and solitary sea stars.

Easily recognizable with their distinetive spiny and star silhouettes the urchins and sea stars appear motionless but are surprisingly dynamic!For migrating birds, Khor Kalba is one of the last undisturbed coastal wetlands along the East Coast of the UAE. It provides a necessary rest stop for birds flying the Africa-Asia flyway and is thus a critical site for global bird migration.

The willow warbler can be seen at Khor Kalba during its migration journey, during spring and autumn. К return journey of 11,300 km takes this tiny bird from a cold north-east Siberia to a warmer winter in Southern Africa. It is an incredible journey for a bird that weighs less than the weight of al AED coin.This kingfisher breeds only within the old mangroves of KhorKalba - far this reason it is classified as Critically Endangered. The species is threatened by habitat destruction and modification of the surrounding environment. Protection of Khor Kalba is therefore crixicai to ensuring the continuity of the species.For resident populations, the mangroves offer shade from the sun in the day and shelter from predators at night. The dense forest network provides plentiful and undisturbed nesting opportunities and species diversity ensures ample food.

Sharks, rays and barracuda have returned to hunt in the mangroves.

Around 200 turtles now call the mangroves home and some now nest on our protected beaches.The important nesting and nursery role of the estuary has been reestablished, thereby improving open sea stocks.

The land at Khor Kalba was once public land. It was a calm retreat from the city, popular at evenings and weekends. Sadly this came at a cost to both plants and animals.

Recognising the importance of the site and its native wildlife, the EPAA took steps to return Khor Kalba to its natural state by incorporating it into the wider Protected Areas network.The site has now come back to life and there is more to see than ever before!

Plant growth has re-established across all intertidal and dune landscapes, extending the habitat potential for many species.

Resident and migratory species have returned to this wetland refuge in huge numbers; a delight for birdwatchers!

Reintroduction by the EPAA has re-established a missing link on the ecological chain.

Increased species diversity and abundance has strengthened the foundation of the food chain.

Ground 1 minute would be spent at the bottom of the sea collecting the oysters, but it could take as much as 90 seconds to get down there.