Unique Ant Species Found in Sharjah's Hajar Mountains

In a stunning revelation, Sharjah's Hajar Mountains have unveiled a remarkable discovery. Researchers from the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) have identified a new and rare ant species, Carebara Sharjahensis, commonly referred to as the “Sharjah Ant.” This marks the first recorded instance of the Carebara genus in the UAE, and just the third known species of this type across the Arabian Peninsula.

This significant finding emerged from comprehensive field studies in Wadi Shees, led by Professor Dr. Mustafa Sharaf from EPAA's Al Dhaid Wildlife Center. Despite numerous visits, only a solitary “soldier” ant specimen was identified, indicating that this species resides in highly specialized subterranean environments, rendering it particularly elusive.

According to experts, the Sharjah Ant possesses unique characteristics that distinguish it from other species. It features prominent lateral horns on either side of its head, fine sensory hair, a consistently yellow body, and distinct structural attributes in both the head and thorax. Significantly, while it shares some superficial similarities with an ant species from Zimbabwe, it has enough distinctive traits to be categorized as a unique species.

This discovery reinforces Sharjah's dedication to biodiversity research and environmental oversight. The Hajar Mountains, known as one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the UAE, continue to uncover rare and endemic species that enrich the emirate's natural legacy. Researchers are persistently working to discover other colony members, including queens, males, and workers, believed to inhabit underground spaces and decaying organic matter.

This rare finding not only emphasizes the ecological importance of the Hajar Mountains but also positions Sharjah as an emerging center for specialized scientific research in the area.