Current view: Text account
Site description (2014 baseline):
Site location and context
This is an agricultural area dominated by foothills and Baranan Mountain ridge that runs roughly east-west and includes the Hazarmerd Cave archaeological site
Additional Important Bird Observations: During the surveys, 34 species were recorded. Additionally the site also held four breeding Irano-Turanian and two breeding Mediterranean biome-restricted species but these did not trigger inclusion under criterion A3. European Roller Coracias garrulous (Near Threatened) was also breeding.
Close by are the villages of Hazarmerd and Qorkhu, and a stream that is polluted with sewage and garbage from the local communities. A rough gravel road switchbacks up close to the cave, which overlooks the city of Sulaimani. This site, with its captivating scenery is used as a hiking and picnic area by many people due to its close proximity to the city.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
This site is given a very high threat rating for human intrusion due to the fact that it has become a major tourist area especially after the fall of Saddam in 2003. This is causing pollution and disturbance to breeding birds. Agriculture and grazing are practiced in the fields below the cliffs. There is a paved road leading partially up the mountain and it is expected that there will be more road construction if the site continues to be of interest to visitors. Housing development is undertaken near the base of the mountain and even close to the cliff. Hunting and energy production are moderately impacting the area
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Hazarmerd (Iraq). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/hazarmerd-iba-iraq on 27/12/2024.
