Current view: Text account
Site description (1994 baseline):
Site location and context
Rugged limestone ridges and broad valleys in the north-west Zagros Mountains c.10 km north of Ilam (38 km by road). No site boundaries are yet determined for this extensive region. The principal habitats are large tracts of mature forest with
Quercus,
Pistacia and
Acer in the valleys, scrubby
Quercus woodland on rocky hillsides, and spectacular limestone ridges and outcrops peaking at 2,650 m. The
Quercus forest, very open and park-like in some areas, is among the finest in the northern Zagros, with many very large trees. There is some wheat cultivation.
See box for key species. The region possesses a characteristic Zagros
Quercus forest avifauna, and is one of the few localities in Iran where
Emberiza cineracea is known to breed. Other notable breeding species are
Dendrocopos medius,
Hirundo obsoleta,
Parus lugubris,
Lanius nubicus and
Petronia xanthocollis. The site is important for
Grus grus in winter.
Non-bird biodiversity: None known to BirdLife International.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
No threats are known. The area is recommended for further study by the Department of the Environment.
Data-sheet compiled by Dr D. A. Scott, reviewed by Dept of Environment.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Ilam area (Iran, Islamic Republic of). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/ilam-area-iba-iran-islamic-republic-of on 23/12/2024.
