Distribution, abundance and conservation status of dugongs and dolphins in the southern and western Arabian Gulf

摘要: Abstract The marine mammals of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were censussed by three strip–transect aerial surveys. Arabian Gulf supports a population ca. 5800 dugongs (Dugong dugon), which is largest known outside Australia. most important habitats occur (1) around Murawah Island (UAE), (2) between Bahrain (3) UAE. Surveys UAE repeated 13 years apart. two estimates dugong not significantly different, suggesting stable 3000 1986 1999. In region Kuwait Oman, Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) common cetacean (71% groups individuals), followed Indo-Pacific humpback (Sousa chinensis; 27%) finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides; 2%). abundance in differed 1999 indicate decline 71%. At least die-offs occurred these countries southern are developed affluent well positioned to take lead conservation region. A coordinated series protected areas could greatly enhance long-term prospects for other components biodiversity