Data Zone
Country/territory: Iraq
IBA criteria met: A1, A3 (2014)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 155,095 ha
| IBA conservation status | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of assessment (most recent) | State (condition) | Pressure (threat) | Response (action) |
| 2014 | not assessed | very high | negligible |
| For more information about IBA monitoring, please click here | |||
Site description (2014 baseline)
Jazman (also known as Zurbatia) is a dry area with plant cover concentrated mainly in natural watercourses and agricultural canals. It is located northeast of the city of Kut, close to the Iranian border. The closest watercourse is Galala Badra that runs through the southern part of the site and feeds the dense orchards and farms of the area before reaching Badra town. There is an elevated area in the east and northeast sections towards Iran where the site enters the Zagros Mountains Forest Steppe ecoregion. The area has many irrigation canals and small, natural watercourses. The geology is gravel, sands, silts, alluvium, sandstones, clay, and sandy gravel and the soil type was clay and sandy clay
Key biodiversity
Additional Important Bird Observations: During the surveys, 22 bird species wee recorded. In addition to those in the table, Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca and Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga (both Vulnerable) were seen – the area provides good habitat for wintering and migrant birds. Iraq Babbler Turdoides altirostris, a range-restricted species, was observed in 2010, but did not trigger inclusion under A2 criterion.
Other Important Fauna: According to field observations and frequent reports of locals and hunters, mammals include: Honey Badger Mellivora capensis, a wild cat Felis silvestris/chaus (species could not be distinguished), Red Fox/Ruppell’s Fox Vulpes spp. (species not distinguished), Golden Jackal Canisaureus, and Grey Wolf Canis lupus. Gazelles (sp. not known, but probably Gazella subgutturosa) are found in the eastern and northeastern hilly parts, anda few Gazelles were killed in 2008 close to the border. Some reptiles were seen but not identified.
Additional Plant & Habitat Information: This site contains a good population of Date Palm Phoenix dactylifera, which is economically and culturally important. Multiple species of Wheat Triticum spp. and Avena fatua are present, which could be good genetic resources for wheat and oats respectively in Iraq.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Jazman (Zurbatia) (Iraq). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/jazman-(zurbatia)-iba-iraq on 23/11/2024.