Current view: Text account
Site description (2014 baseline):
Site location and context
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
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.
This is a mountainous area near the border with Iran where the main habitat types were oak woodlands and mountain riverine forest.
Farmland with field crops and orchards (grape, walnut, almond, and pear) are also present. Villages located inside the delineated area are Derey Saru and Derey Khwaru. Tributaries of the Lesser Zab River pass through the site and the Lesser Zab itself (upstream of the town of Mawat) is located north-northeast of the delineated area. Dirt access roads to farms are being constructed and roads to popular areas were being upgraded during the survey period
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Gravel mining is a significant threat in Sharbazher. Mines are located along streams and the in-stream and riparian habitats are often heavily impacted. This site appears to be is less impacted by grazing than most sites visited, but agriculture, in particular orchards and vineyards, was rated overall a potentially high threat. The area contains large non-cleared minefields, although minefield clearance is ongoing in the site. Sharbazher, particularly around the streams, is popularly used for picnicking. Visitors from Sulaimani and other locations leave garbage behind and cause pollution to the land and water resources. Because of the presence of land mines and tourism problems, human intrusion was rated as a high threat as well as pollution. Transportation was also having a high impact because of road works and new construction allowing greater ease of access to both farms and picnicking areas. Hunting is also practiced in this area but was rated as a medium threat.
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.
