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Site description (2014 baseline):
Site location and context
This is a mountainous area characterized by rocky ridges and valleys located just to the north of Peramagroon Mountain (IQ027).
During the surveys, a total of 68 species were recorded. The site also held breeding populations of four Mediterranean, four Irano-Turanian and one Sahara-Sindian Desert biome-restricted species but these did not trigger inclusion under criterion A3. European Roller Coracias garrulus and Eastern Cinereous Bunting Emberiza (both Near Threatened) were also breeding.
Other Important Fauna: The only non-avian observations were for fish, which were surveyed in 2007 during which four species were reported. According to Coad’s (2010) criteria, significant species were: Alburnus mossulensis, Cyprinion macrostomum, and Garra rufa. Additionally, Alburnus caeruleus was documented, whose conservation status in Iraq is unknown.
Additional Plant & Habitat Information: This site contains a good population of Crataegus azarolus and Pistacia eurycarpa, which are economically and culturally important and Aegilops triuncialis, Avena fatua, Poa sp. and Vitis vinifera, which are important as genetic resources.
The main habitat types were oak woodlands and mountain riverine forest. Daban Mountain sits to the south of the area, Halaj Mountain to the north and the villages of Sargalu and Bargalu lie in the valley between them. Many small springs originating in the mountains join to form the stream that flows through Sargalu. The area is used for agriculture (primarily vineyards) and draws many visitors in the spring and summer months. Poison chemical attacks occurred here in the 1980’s as an important Peshmerga base of operations was located in Sargalu. There is heavy grazing in the area and extensive road construction is in progress, especially access roads built by farmers in the foothills. Construction, particularly of summer houses was also observed. The area contains some culturally important caves.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Residential and transportation development continue to expand in Sargalu, and the site is a popular tourist area, all of which were assessed as very high threats. Since the site was subject to chemical weapons attack in the 1980s overall human intrusion and war impacts have been great. There is a recent oil block dedicated for future drilling in the area but nothing further is known and no activities were seen during the survey so this was rated a medium threat but could have a larger impact in the future. Pollution (noise pollution, garbage from visiting tourists, as well as sewage and garbage from the villages) has a high impact on the site as did hunting. Grazing is impacting the site as well. Agricultural overall was considered a medium threat to the site.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Sargalu (Iraq). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/sargalu-iba-iraq on 23/11/2024.
