Cormorant Survival In Bahrain's Desert: A Mystery Explained

Bahrain is an archipelago in the Persian Gulf, consisting of Bahrain Island and about 30 smaller islands. The Hawar Islands, a group of 16 small desert islands, are believed to hold petroleum and natural gas reserves. They are also home to one of the world's largest concentrations of the Socotra Cormorant, a threatened species of cormorant that is endemic to the Persian Gulf and the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. The Hawar Islands are the only protected nesting colony of the Socotra Cormorant in the Persian Gulf, with about 30,000 breeding pairs.

The Hawar Islands are a breeding ground for cormorants

The Hawar Islands, an archipelago of desert islands, are a breeding ground for cormorants. Located in the Gulf of Bahrain in the Persian Gulf, all but one of the islands are owned by Bahrain, with the remaining island administered by Qatar. The Hawar Islands were first surveyed in 1820 and are now uninhabited, except for a police garrison and a hotel on the main island.

The islands are home to a variety of bird species and have been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. The islands support significant populations of Socotra cormorants, with some 200,000-300,000 adults recorded in 1992, making it the largest known breeding concentration in the world. The Socotra cormorant, also known as the Socotran cormorant or Socotra shag, is a threatened species endemic to the Persian Gulf and the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula.

The Hawar Islands provide valuable feeding and breeding grounds for migratory seabirds. The breeding colony of Socotra cormorants on the islands is the largest in the world, with the birds gathering in large flocks. The islands also support other bird species such as western reef egrets, Saunders's and white-cheeked terns, and sooty falcons.

The unique environment and ecology of the Hawar Islands attract numerous birds, including the Socotra cormorant, which finds the islands an ideal habitat for breeding and nesting. The islands offer a combination of desert, coastal, and marine habitats, providing the cormorants with ample space and resources for their breeding and feeding habits.

In addition to the abundant bird species, the Hawar Islands are also home to other wildlife, including Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, sea turtles, and dugongs. The islands have been recognised for their ecological significance, and efforts are being made to protect and preserve this unique environment.

Bahrain's climate is hot and humid

During the winter months, from November to March, temperatures are more comfortable, ranging between 10°C and 21°C. The coolest month is January, with average lows of 59°F and highs of 68°F. Overall, the temperature throughout the year typically varies from a low of 58°F to a high of 101°F.

In addition to the heat, the humidity in Bahrain can make the summers particularly uncomfortable. The combination of high temperatures and humidity is a defining feature of the country's climate. The seas around Bahrain are shallow, and they heat up quickly during the summer, leading to very high humidity levels, especially at night.

While the winters are milder, humidity often rises above 90% during this season. From December to March, prevailing winds from the northwest, known as the shamal, bring damp air over the islands, contributing to the high humidity levels.

Rainfall is minimal and irregular in Bahrain, with most precipitation occurring during the winter months. The average annual rainfall is around 2.8 to 3 inches, and the period from June to November is typically rainless.

The climate and weather conditions in Bahrain vary throughout the year, with hot and humid summers and mild, humid winters. The high temperatures and humidity define the summer months, while the winters are characterized by cooler temperatures and increased humidity.

Cormorants are gregarious birds

Cormorants are highly gregarious birds, often gathering in large flocks. They are social creatures that nest in colonies and can often be found living alongside other aquatic birds. They are coastal birds that nest on trees, islets, or cliffs near the shore, and some have even colonised inland waters. Cormorants are excellent divers, propelling themselves underwater with their feet and sometimes with the help of their wings. They are fish-eaters, catching their prey by diving from the surface.

The Socotra cormorant, a threatened species of cormorant, is known to breed on the Hawar Islands off the coast of Qatar. These islands are a part of Bahrain, which is an archipelago of islands located in the Persian Gulf. The Hawar Islands are a protected area, providing valuable feeding and breeding grounds for various migratory seabirds.

The Socotra cormorant is just one of the many species of cormorants. They are medium-to-large birds, with body weights ranging from 0.35 to 5 kilograms and wingspans of 60 to 100 centimetres. They have dark feathers, long thin hooked bills, and webbed feet. Cormorants are known for their distinctive spread-wing posture, which is believed to aid in drying their feathers after diving.

Cormorants are colonial nesters, and both male and female birds work together to build their nests. The male chooses the nest site and attracts a female, who then builds the nest with materials gathered by the male. Cormorant nests are usually found in the centre of a colony, with new nests expanding outward over time. These gregarious birds are almost always found near water, as their diet consists mainly of fish.

Cormorants are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List

A taxon is listed as Vulnerable (VU) when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Vulnerable and is therefore considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. The Socotra cormorant, which is found in Bahrain, has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 2000 due to its small number of breeding localities and ongoing rapid decline. The decline is caused by coastal development, disturbance, and marine pollution near its nesting colonies. In 2000, it was estimated that the world population of the Socotra cormorant was about 110,000 breeding pairs or 330,000–500,000 individual birds. The bird may also be affected by oil pollution at sea.

Bahrain's natural environment is under threat

Degradation of Arable Land and Coastal Degradation

Desertification is a significant issue in Bahrain, caused by the degradation of limited arable land, droughts, and dust storms. Bahrain's environment is also affected by coastal degradation due to oil spills and other discharges from large tankers, oil refineries, and distribution stations. These activities damage coastlines, coral reefs, and sea vegetation, threatening the biodiversity of Bahrain's marine ecosystems.

Water Resource Issues

Bahrain faces challenges with water resource management, as groundwater and seawater are the only sources of water. The lowered water table leaves aquifers vulnerable to saline contamination, and desalinization provides about 90% of the country's freshwater.

Pollution and Waste Management

The country also struggles with waste management, as domestic waste is landfilled without treatment, posing risks to human health and the environment. Industrial waste is also a concern, with hazardous materials and chemicals contributing to environmental pollution.

Conservation Efforts

Bahrain has designated protected areas, such as the Hawar Islands, to preserve its natural environment. These areas provide vital habitats for migratory birds, marine life, and endangered species. However, these efforts may not be sufficient to mitigate the impacts of human activities and climate change on Bahrain's natural environment.

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