Amphibians In Bahrain: A Diverse Ecosystem

The Kingdom of Bahrain is a small island country in Western Asia, situated in the Persian Gulf. It is comprised of a small archipelago of 50 natural islands and 33 artificial islands, centred on Bahrain Island. Bahrain's wildlife includes 17 species of terrestrial mammals, 14 species of reptiles, a single species of amphibian, 54 species of fish, and over 300 species of birds. The only species of amphibian found in Bahrain is the marsh frog, which is native to a wide range of countries in Europe and Asia.

Bahrain's climate and geography

Bahrain is an archipelago of islands situated in the Gulf of Bahrain in the Persian Gulf, close to the shore of the Arabian Peninsula. It is located between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, with the Gulf of Bahrain to the south and west, and the Persian Gulf to the north. The country consists of Bahrain Island, which makes up around 78% to 83% of its land area, and 33 other natural islands, with a further 33 artificial islands. The total area of Bahrain is around 691 to 760 square kilometres, or about four times the size of the District of Columbia.

Bahrain has a predominantly arid climate with two distinct seasons: an extremely hot summer and a mild winter. Summer temperatures average 40°C and can reach 46°C to 48°C during May, June, and July. The combination of intense heat and high humidity makes this season uncomfortable. A hot, dry southwest wind, known as the qaws, periodically blows sand clouds across the southern end of the country towards the capital city of Manama. In winter, temperatures are much cooler, ranging from 10°C to 20°C, but humidity often rises above 90%. From December to March, prevailing winds from the northwest, known as the shamal or shammal, bring damp air over the islands.

The terrain of Bahrain is mostly low-lying and barren desert, with outcroppings of limestone forming low rolling hills, stubby cliffs, and shallow ravines. The limestone is covered by various densities of saline sand, capable of supporting only the hardiest desert vegetation, such as thorn trees and scrub. However, there is a fertile strip along the northern coast where date, almond, fig, and pomegranate trees grow. The interior of Bahrain Island contains an escarpment that rises to 134 meters, forming the Jabal al Dukhan (Mountain of Smoke), named for the mists that often surround its summit. This area is the site of most of the country's oil wells.

Bahrain receives little precipitation, with an average annual rainfall of around 71 to 72 millimetres, usually confined to the winter months. There are no permanent rivers or streams on any of the islands, and the rainwater is not typically saved for irrigation or drinking. However, there are natural springs in the northern part of the country and on adjacent islands, which have been an important source of drinking water for centuries. In recent decades, however, desalination plants have provided about 60% of daily water consumption.

The Marsh Frog

Marsh Frogs are voracious eaters, consuming a wide variety of prey. Their diet includes terrestrial and aquatic insects, small fish, other amphibians (including conspecifics), reptiles, small birds, and rodents. They have even been known to climb onto water buffalo to eat the flies attracted to them. During the winter, Marsh Frogs hibernate, either underwater or in burrows, and they use the Earth's magnetic field to locate breeding ponds.

This species of frog is quite resistant to environmental pollution and can survive in waters polluted by domestic waste, fertilizers, and even the polluted neighbourhoods of large metallurgical and chemical enterprises. They are commonly caught for research, medicine, and education. Marsh Frogs are also used for food trade in eastern Asia and on the Balkan Peninsula.

In terms of conservation status, the Marsh Frog is listed in the Red List of Threatened Species in the category of Least Concern. However, in some areas, their populations have declined due to anthropogenic activities, such as the commercial collection of the species for meat trade.

The Hawar Islands

In 2002, the Bahraini government applied to have the islands recognised as a World Heritage Site due to their unique environment and habitat for endangered species, however, the application was ultimately unsuccessful.

The Al Areen Wildlife Park

The park has undergone multiple renovations over the years, adding new attractions such as an aviary, an Arabian wild animals complex, a falcon stadium, and a petting zoo. It is a popular destination, attracting nearly 200,000 visitors in 2013. The park is easily accessible, located just a 40-minute drive from Manama, Bahrain's capital, and adjacent to the Bahrain International Circuit.

In terms of amphibians, Bahrain is home to a single species of amphibian, with 25 species of amphibians and reptiles recorded in the country. However, it is unclear from the sources whether any of these species are found within the Al Areen Wildlife Park.

The country's environmental issues

Bahrain is an archipelago of islands in the Persian Gulf, with a hot summer climate and a very small amount of annual precipitation. The terrain is mostly arid, with agriculture only possible on eight percent of the land area. Water is extracted from the Dammam Aquifer, but this is becoming increasingly brackish, and desalination plants are being used more and more to provide fresh water.

Bahrain faces several environmental issues, including:

• Droughts
• Dust storms
• Degradation of arable land
• Desertification of the coastline
• Rising sea levels associated with global warming

In addition, the country emits a lot of carbon dioxide per person compared to other countries, contributing to climate change in the Middle East and North Africa.

Bahrain's marine life has declined drastically due to the booming oil industry and pollution. Coral reefs, sea turtles, dugongs, and numerous fish species are suffering the effects of marine pollution. With population growth, increased production and consumption of plastic products and packaging have exacerbated the problem, contributing to the diminishing fish stocks.

To address these critical environmental challenges, Bahrain joined the UN Environment Programme's global Clean Seas campaign in 2018. The country has since taken several measures, such as regulating and phasing out the use of plastic bags and expanding recycling initiatives.

Bahrain also faces challenges with waste management, particularly with domestic waste. The country has improved waste management practices and is working to raise awareness about the negative impacts of plastic pollution.

In terms of wildlife, Bahrain is home to a variety of bird species, with more than 330 species recorded in the archipelago. The country also has a small number of terrestrial mammal species, including gazelles, desert rabbits, and hedgehogs.

Overall, Bahrain is taking steps to address its environmental issues and promote sustainability, but there is still work to be done to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect the country's fragile ecosystems.

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