UAE

UAE Scientists Discover New Species of Scorpion in Hajar Mountains

Scientists in Fujairah have discovered a new species of scorpion in the Hajar mountains. The creature is said to be part of the Orthochirus family, which is not known to populate the UAE.

The group of experts came across 50 black scorpions during their field trip to Wadi Wurayah National Park in April this year. While most of the scorpions found were the more familiar Hottentotta jayakari – or black-tailed alligator species, another caught the scientists’ eyes because it stood out from the rest.

“The scorpion species we found at Wadi Wurayah is the genus Orthochirus,” said Andrew Gardner, associate director of biodiversity conservation at Emirates Nature–WWF.

He told sources that while he believed it to be a new species to the region, there are other several similar species and the exact identification would require a closer look under a microscope.

“In general, Arabian species are often lumped as O. innessi but this is likely to be a group of different species,” he said. “A new species was recently described from Saudi called O. katerinae, while O. glabifrons is known from Oman. So it could be one of these, or something totally new.”

The new species was identified by its rounded tail segment and pitted exoskeleton, as well as its short fat tail carried close over its body.

The Wadi Wurayah National Park is home to more than 1,100 species, including the rare Blandford fox, Gordon’s wildcat, hedgehogs and caracal – but it was the tiny arachnid that drew the attention of the scientists.

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The National
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