Data Zone
Country/territory: Iraq
IBA criteria met: A3 (2014)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 6,393 hectares (63.93 km2)
| IBA conservation status | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of assessment (most recent) | State (condition) | Pressure (threat) | Response (action) |
| 2014 | not assessed | very high | very low |
| For more information about IBA monitoring, please click here | |||
Site description (2014 baseline)
Halgurd Mountain is considered by many to be Iraq’s highest peak at approximately 3613 m though a nearby peak Cheekha Dar or Black Tent (36.775278°N 44.918611°E) may also be a contender (Wikipedia, 2012; CIA 2012). Halgurd is part of the Hasarost (or Hasār-i Rōst) Mountain Range (itself part of the Zagros Range) near the Iranian border. The mountain retains some snow throughout the summer. Despite the fact that many places on the mountain are heavily mined, the slopes are used for summer grazing. A number of villages at lower elevations grow vegetables and raise livestock.
Key biodiversity
Additional Important Bird Observations: During the survey, 33 species were observed. The site held breeding populations of three Mediterranean and one Eurasian High-Montane biome-restricted species but did these did not trigger inclusion under criterion A3. No additional non-avian fauna observations were made and while there are important alpine and mountain streams no fish surveys were conducted.
Additional Plant & Habitat Information: This site contains a good population of Allium akaka, which is important as a traditional food as well as a good population of Rheum ribes, which is economically important.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Halgurd Mountain (Iraq). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/halgurd-mountain-iba-iraq on 22/12/2024.