Data Zone
Country/territory: Iraq
IBA criteria met: A3 (2014)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 2,322 hectares (23.22 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)
The geology here is metamorphic schist and limestone of unknown age and the soil types are sand and sandy clay. Gmo Mountain, at over 2300 meters, is the largest peak in this site located on the western edge of the site
Key biodiversity
During the surveys a total of 50 species were recorded. Three Mediterranean biome-restricted breeding species (see Appendix XX), as well as European Roller Coracias garrulus (Near Threatened) were recorded in the breeding season.
Other Important Fauna: Few other observations were made at the site, but during the 2008 survey locals reported wolves attacking a herd of sheep. Other carnivores such as the Golden Jackal Canis aureus and Red Fox Vulpes vulpes have been seen, which may indicate a healthy diversity of prey species at the site. There are streams and rivers in the area but no fish survey was conducted.
Additional Plant & Habitat Information: Pistacia eurycarpa and P. khinjuk are economically and culturally important. Also a good population of Rheum ribes is present which is economically important. The site also contains a good population of Hordeum bulbosum, H. vulgare ssp. spontaneium, and Vitis vinifera, which are important as genetic resources. Additionally, this site contains a good population of Anchusa italica, which is important as a traditional food.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Sharbazher Area (Iraq). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/sharbazher-area-iba-iraq on 23/12/2024.