Tognelli, Marcelo F.

Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) are areas contributing significantly to the global persistence of biodiversity. KBAs need to be managed to ensure environmental flows are sufficient to support these fragile freshwater ecosystems. The information and data provided in this report will help guide conservation actions and management, development of policies and make informed decisions regarding development activities that may impact freshwater ecosystems in Canada

Freshwater habitats and biodiversity in the Arabian Peninsula are unique and highly valued for the essential role they play in people's survival, as well as that of its native flora and fauna. This project aims to provide an accurate picture of the present conservation status and distribution of Arabian freshwater species, as well as to identify the main threats that affect them and action requirements for their successful long term conservation.

The Arabian Peninsula contains a diversity of desert and mountain habitats. Reptile species richness is high, with 172 species currently recognized. Among these, 89 species (52%) are endemic to the Arabian Peninsula. The conservation status of these species was assessed at a workshop held in Sharjah, UAE, 6-9 February 2012 through the application of the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria at the global and regional scales. Distribution maps were compiled for the majority of species. The dataset provides a valuable baseline to inform the conservation and development planning process.