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In spite of its harsh physical conditions, characterized by exceedingly high temperatures, minimal rainfall, persistent drying winds and rocky, sandy, saline soils, Abu Dhabi is still home to approximately 400 species of vascular plants, 50 species of mammals, 416 bird species, 55 species of reptiles, and between 4,000 and 5,000 species of invertebrates. One of nine sector papers on Abu Dhabi’s State of the Environment, this sector paper describes Abu Dhabi’s rich and diverse natural habits and the wide range of plant and animal species that thrive in them.

First released in 2006, the nine sector papers were revisited by AGEDI in 2009 to address previously identified shortcomings, while further enhancing the knowledge base by increasing the level of more current data and information. The review of these papers aimed to increase access to current information, re-engage stakeholder participation, build the partner network, and catalog all the information and data into a knowledge base that the stakeholder community could access and further develop via the Geospatial Portal.