Gary Feulner, a Dubai-based lawyer and dedicated naturalist, is being recognized for his four decades of tireless work studying the flora and fauna of the UAE. In a testament to his contributions, a new species of gecko, discovered in the Hajar Mountains, has been officially named Pristurus feulneri, or Feulner's semaphore gecko, in his honor.
The newly identified gecko gets its descriptive name from its unique method of communication, using semaphore-like signals with its tail and body. This method is a common behavior among the species, which is commonly found across the rugged landscapes of the Hajar Mountains straddling the UAE and Oman.
Feulner, a 77-year-old American citizen who has called the UAE home since the early 1980s, expressed his deep gratitude and honor. "It was nice to know that my work was appreciated," he said, reflecting on the recognition of his decades-long dedication.
His journey into the natural world of the Emirates began with hiking trips into the countryside. "I explored it thoroughly," Feulner explained, emphasizing the importance of keen observation. "If you go places you haven't gone before, you see things you haven't seen before. No matter how many times you've been out, if you look carefully you always see something that's new or different." He documented his findings meticulously, transforming his weekend explorations into valuable scientific data.
Feulner's passion and dedication have led to numerous scientific papers covering a broad spectrum of topics, from lizards and beetles to geology and mountain ecosystems. He also currently serves as the chairman of the Dubai Natural History Group, a role he has held since 1995.
Professor Salvador Carranza, director of the Institute of Evolutionary Biology at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona and the senior author of the study identifying the new gecko species, lauded Feulner's dedication. "Gary has been really active in the mountains, in the Hajars he's a specialist," Carranza said. "He's been working there for ages… He's really expert in the geology of the Hajar Mountains and a real expert in the natural history of the UAE."
Even with this significant recognition, Feulner remains humble, emphasizing the collective efforts of amateur scientists. He said the gecko naming was "a recognition of the contribution of amateur scientists" to the study of the UAE's natural history.
Now, with a species bearing his name, Feulner is driven by a renewed curiosity to understand the gecko's semaphore communication. "Maybe with my name on it, I'll go out of my way and spend some time... and see if I can figure out what they're saying to each other," he pondered.
Johannes Els, of the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife in Sharjah and co-author of the study, echoed the sentiment, stating the naming was "a fitting tribute to his extensive and enduring contributions to the study of natural history in the UAE and northern Oman." He added that Feulner has also played a key role mentoring other naturalists and facilitating engagement between enthusiasts and professional researchers.
This discovery shines a light on the rich biodiversity of the UAE, with other native gecko species like the Emirati leaf-toed gecko contributing to the ecosystem. The diverse gecko population highlights the importance of continued research and conservation efforts.
Feulner's remarkable story serves as an inspiration, showcasing the profound impact that passion, dedication, and careful observation can have on our understanding of the natural world. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of naturalists in the UAE and beyond.