Data Zone
Country/territory: Iraq
IBA criteria met: A1 (2014)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 14,959 hectares (149.59 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)
This site is located in the heart of the southwestern desert, southwest of the town of Salman.
Key biodiversity
Additional Important Bird Observations: Only a few bird species were oberved during the 2010 winter and summer surveys, but the area appears to provide good habitat for resident and migrant desert birdsbecause of the relatively good plant cover in the wadis. According to local reports, large numbers of raptors also utilize the area. The flat, non-rocky parts provide good habitat for Macqueen’s Bustard Chlamydotis macqueenii (Vulnerable), which is hunted extensively here each season. The site held breeding populations of seven Sahara-Sindian Desert biome-restricted species but these did not trigger inclusion under criterion A3.
Other Important Fauna: According to frequent reports of locals and hunters, Honey Badger Mellivora capensis, Striped Hyena Hyaena hyaena (Near Threatened), and Grey Wolf Canis lupus occur along with other common species. Gazelles used to be found in the western parts of this area, but it is not clear whether they still occurt. Reptiles include the Desert Monitor Varanus griseus and Egyptian Spiny–tailed Lizard Uromastyx aegyptia, the latter listed on CITES Appendix II.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Salman (Iraq). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/salman-iba-iraq on 21/12/2024.