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Site description (2014 baseline):
Site location and context
The site encompasses both banks of the Euphrates River in Baghdadi town. The habitats surveyed in this area included desert shrublands and sparsely vegetated herbaceous vegetation in sparsely vegetated lands as well as riparian vegetation, reedbed and reedmace beds, and rooted submerged vegetation. The geology of the area is Euphrates limestone, shelly, dolomitized limestone.
Additional Important Bird Observations: A total of 84 species was recorded. In addition to those listed in the table the following were observed on passage or in winter at levels that did not meet IBA criteria: in winter Marbled Duck Marmaronetta angustirostris (Vulnerable), Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca (Near Threatened), Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca (Vulnerable) and Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus (Near Threatened).
Other Important Fauna: A local hunter reported on the rare hunting via electrocution of Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra near Haqlaniya. Golden Jackal, Canis aureus have been observed. The veterinary control center of the Coalition forces that were formerly stationed at Al-Asad military base have reported the trapping of adult male Striped Hyena Hyaena hyaena near the base perimeter as well as Rueppell’s fox Vulpes rueppelli and Jungle catFelis chaus in 2010. One amphibian species was observed at the site: Variable Toad Bufotes variabilis.
Fish: While the Euphrates River was not surveyed for fish, the site is important because the sink hole at Sheikh Hadid Shrine contains two endemic cave-dwelling, blind fish species: Typhlogarra widdowsoni and Caecocypris basimi (both Vulnerable). During a spring survey visit in 2012 to the sink hole the team looked for two species that were described in Iraq more than 50 and 32 years ago respectively by Trewavas (1955) & Bannister and Bunni (1980), the team found 25 individuals of Typhlogarra widdowsoni but Caecocypris basimiwas not seen. Recent communication with the IUCN Freshwater Fish Specialist Group recommended that both species be upgraded to Critically Endangered status. Also the site is reported to be an important spawning ground for important species such as Luciobarbus esocinus and Luciobarbus xanthopterus.
The area is characterized by dense date palm orchards on either side of the river, in addition to citrus and other fruit trees. The shores of the Euphrates are grassy and muddy as the river flows towards Ramadi, with occasional rocks rising out of the river in the middle. These are considered an elevated extension of the river matrix, and one of the nesting sites for resident and migrant water birds. There is also occasionally submerged vegetation along the riverbank and some dense reed beds and marsh habitats.
Alongside the main highway there are desert and semi-arid habitats, sandy and open areas with rocky cliffs and scattered vegetation. Al-Haqlaniya is situated to the north of the site c. 10 km from the city of Haditha. Date farms and fruit orchards extend as far as the eye can see along the east bank of the Euphrates but in dramatic contrast to the flat deserts beyond. Northwest of the site and south of Haditha extends one of the most biologically important river valleys in Western Iraq, due to its unique habitat hosting an important fish spawning area during the spring months.
One of the oldest parts of Haditha is the shrine of Sheikh Hadid where a sink hole is located. It is situated on the western bank of Euphrates and represents an important heritage landmark of the site. West of the site is Camp Al-Asad, one of the largest Iraqi military bases in Anbar Governorate, which regularly deploys troops and military vehicles for roadblocks and checkpoints in the surrounding area. An oasis is located on the base that is locally known as Abraham’s Well. During 2010, a U.S. military official stationed at the base provided information on the biodiversity of the area but attempts by the KBA Team to visit the base were impossible.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Hunting and fishing is one of the highest impacts affecting the biodiversity. Waterfowl and game birds such as Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus and Macqueen's Bustard Chlamydotis macqueenii are the main bird species targeted by local hunters. The site was once an important area for Arabian Sand Gazelle that were previously reported to congregate in large groups drinking from the eastern side of Euphrates, but because of heavy hunting pressure are now rarely seen or reported (Al-Sheikhly, 2012). Electro-fishing was observed at many locations along the Euphrates River and local fishermen indicated that this technique had been imported from southern Iraq where it is widely practiced.
Agricultural expansion and intensification are mainly represented by the extensive orchards along the river and by nomadic grazing and were considered a moderate threat; there were many new urbanization projects and tourism activities are restricted to neighboring towns and villages of Anbar that influence the Euphrates River of Khan Al-Baghdadi; there are few new roads and only moderate activities of aircraft and helicopters heading toward Al-Asad Base; pollutants were mainly from urban wastewater, agricultural effluents, garbage, and noise and these were all considered moderate threats.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Haditha Wetlands and Baghdadi (Iraq). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/haditha-wetlands-and-baghdadi-iba-iraq on 23/12/2024.
