Eleven additional potential IBAs were identified in Yemen, which included the vast gravel plain along the coast west of Aden, which supports mature acacia savanna, where the continued presence of Arabian bustard was confirmed (one record). This area may still hold a nationally important population of the species. One of the largest remaining tracts of juniper forest in Yemen, discovered on Jabal Iraf on the old North/South Yemen border north of Aden, supported populations of Arabian woodpecker Dendrocopos dorae, Arabian waxbill and golden-winged grosbeak, as well as plain nightjar Caprimulgus inornatus (of which there are only very few previous records from Yemen). In the Mahra region of eastern Yemen there is a substantial zone of drought deciduous woodland, covering many square kilometers (an extension of the Dhofar region in Oman), which probably supports the highest breeding density of golden-winged grosbeak in Yemen, together with spotted eagle owl Bubo africanus and breeding didric cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius. A largely unvegetated desert plain ca. 40km west of al-Ghayda, (ca.QB09) held a small population of lappet-faceted vultures Torgos tracheliotus. Internationally important numbers of crab plovers Dromas ardeola (170) were found on the Dhubab Flats, on the Red Sea coast north of Bab al-Mandab, along with large numbers of migratory waders. Other notable finds involving migratory species included substantial passage of rufous bush robin Cercotrichas galactotes and barred warbler Sylvia nisoria. In contrast was the complete absence of Abyssinian roller Coracias abyssinicus, a rains-migrant from sub-Saharan Africa. On Socotra, sites on the lowland coastal plain, through the mid-altitude zone and up to montane habitats of about 1,100 m, were surveyed. The island's four endemic bird species were all found, three in good numbers: Socotra sunbird Nectarinia balfouri (very common), Socotra Warbler Cisticola incana (relatively common in suitable habitats) and Socotra grackle Onycognathus frater (also relatively common in suitable habitats). Somewhat surprisingly perhaps, only one Socotra bunting Emberiza socotrana was discovered, in rocky terrain at about 400 m. In contrast its congener the cinnamon-breasted rock bunting Emberiza tahapisi was encountered frequently in many habitats. Several sites merited IBA status, in particular Wadi Ayhaft, a well-vegetated wadi on the north coast. The Socotra race of rufous sparrow Passer motitensis insularis (considered by some to be a separate species) is abundant. Forbe-Watson's swift Apus berliozi is a fairly common mid-high altitude species. One individual was mist-netted.
