From a Middle east perspective, Hypocolius is a very special bird and generally one that is right at the top of the wish-list of birdwatchers visiting the UAE. There are a couple of reasons for this, for instance the species has a rather unusual (and fabulously subtle, smooth) plumage pattern and a restricted world range, breeding mainly in Iran and Iraq and wintering in southern and eastern Arabia, with small numbers reaching east to northwest India. But perhaps even more no

🌊 Proud Milestone Achieved! Nautica Environmental Associate LLC Laboratory is now ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited! ✅ This accreditation confirms our technical competence to perform testing and analysis of Benthic Infauna, Zooplankton, and Phytoplankton samples to the highest international standards. We remain committed to supporting environmental monitoring and assessment programs with reliable, accredited laboratory services. #NauticaLaboratory #ISO17025 #EnvironmentalMonitor

There are few birds in the UAE that feel as anchored to a single place as the Egyptian Vulture. Globally, it ranges from southwest Europe and west Africa across to central Asia and the Indian subcontinent, but its overall trend is going the wrong way, today it’s considered Endangered, with a declining population. In Abu Dhabi Emirate, though, the story becomes far more specific. The Egyptian Vulture is essentially a Jebel Hafeet bird, so much so that the Environment Agency  A

The Red-veined Darter Sympetrum fonscolombii  is the only member of its genus to occur in the UAE. This small dragonfly is a rather scarce and erratic visitor, despite having a very wide-ranging distribution, from North Africa and the Mediterranean basin to Mongolia; it also occurs across much of India south to Sri Lanka. Like all dragonflies it requires wetlands in which to breed; it seems to be increasing its range northwards, presumably in response to climate change – it i

We’re proud to highlight the inspiring work featured by Gulf News “Inside UAE desert wildlife: How one artist explores lives of gazelles, scorpions and more” which beautifully captures the intersection of art, science and UAE’s unique natural heritage. At our company, excellence isn’t just about what we do, it’s about why we do it. From innovation to integrity, teamwork to environmental awareness, every member of our team brings more than skills, they bring passion and purpos

Tuwaiq Agama basking in the sun near the edge of the Tuwaiq escarpment This little desert dragon has quickly become one of my favourite...

The warm waters of Abu Dhabi island are great for watching various species of terns all year round. Three species breed in summer and...

South Africa is well known for its wildlife, but what often surprises first-time visitors is just how diverse its habitats are. From...

On the back of our Spiny-tailed Lizard Rescue and Relocation Project, this creative work is a collage of 25 photographs shaped together...

Back in 2016, while working near one of the projects in Kizad, I came across an amazing looking creature for the very first time, the...

Of all arachnids, scorpions are the most feared and fascinating. Coming in different shapes, sizes, and toxicity levels, they have...

It is hard to believe looking outwards from the city of Abu Dhabi, but the capital is surrounded by a fantastic array of marine and...

Many of you will know by now that our beloved Boris is no longer with us. He was in the best place possible at the end – but time took...

Reticulated Filefish ( Stephanolepis diaspros ) Check out this little guy! I had never heard of it before — the first time I saw one was...

Phytoplankton, the microscopic algae drifting near the surface of oceans, lakes, and estuaries, play a significant role in maintaining...

Tribulus arabicus , also known by its synonym Tribulus omanense , proudly stands as the national flower of the United Arab Emirates. With...

Here at Nautica we are lucky to be able to spend a lot of time working in fantastic marine and intertidal habitats close to home, right...

The Shy Desert Engineer: Meet the Spiny-Tailed Lizard

The passing of Peter Hellyer in July left all of us at Nautica incredibly sad. Peter was our sponsor for ten years, a long-term friend to...

Last week we were pleased to host, on the Nautica balcony, a talk given by Nico Pantaleoni, a biologist with the Danish natural design...