Terrestrial Ecology, Threats, and Prioritization of Conservation Needs and Actions

Abstract In this chapter, we review and present Qatar’s terrestrial natural capital, the threats that negatively affect it, and the positive conservation measures that are in place. Additionally, we present original work conducted especially for this publication: a preliminary analysis of habitat loss due to land use change over the last 70 years in selected sites; identification, analysis and ranking of and mitigation measures for global and local-based threats; as well as an assessment of risk of extinction for reported species that formed the basis for the development of species priorities-based conservation strategy also presented here. Based on these, we have identified that the essential elements for conservation and management of the natural capital that are missing, include: the current status of habitats and biodiversity; the definitive number of species per taxonomic group; an assessment of species conservation status; a centralized species database; as well as an assessment of desert specific ecosystem functions. In the concluding section, we offer recommendations and action planning on how to address these and other identified gaps, organized by topic and stakeholder.