eer-reviewed open-access journal BioRisk 3: |87—203 (2009) Ap i d open-: j 1] doi: 10.3897 /biorisk.3.2 & BioRisk www.pensoftonline.net/biorisk Biodiversity & Ecosystem Risk Assessment Key Biodiversity Areas: Rapid assessment of birds in Kurdistan, northern Iraq Korsh Ararat Nature Iraq, Sulaimani, Kurdistan, Northern Iraq Corresponding author: Korsh Ararat (korsh.ararat@natureiraq.org) Academic editors: F Krupp, I. Weidig | Received 15 March 2009 | Accepted 23 November 2009 | Published 28 December 2009 Citation: Ararat K (2009) Key Biodiversity Areas: Rapid assessment of birds in Kurdistan, northern Iraq. In: Krupp — Musselman LJ, Kotb MMA, Weidig I (Eds) Environment, Biodiversity and Conservation in the Middle East. Procee- dings of the First Middle Eastern Biodiversity Congress, Aqaba, Jordan, 20-23 October 2008. BioRisk 3: 187-203. doi: 10.3897/biorisk.3.21 Abstract Bird surveys to help identify and assess Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) were undertaken in Kurdistan in the winter and summer of 2008. The winter survey was from 19 January to 8 February and the summer survey from 7 May to 16 June, a total of 45 days. During these periods a total of 34 sites were surveyed in the North Iraq governorates of Sulaimani, Erbil, and Dohuk and 185 species of birds recorded. Of these, according to IUCN criteria, one species was globally endangered, three vulnerable and two near threat- ened. In addition, 32 species were considered to be of conservation concern in Iraq, based on a system developed by Richard Porter. Of the species observed, 124 were confirmed or probable breeding, whilst 59 were winter visitors. Ihe KBA selection process used the Middle East Important Bird Areas (IBAs) criteria, which considers seven species-based categories. Keywords Key Biodiversity Areas, birds, Kurdistan, Iraq Introduction Kurdistan is located between 42°20' — 45°15' longitude and 37°23' — 34°20' latitude. It covers 65000 km/?, approximately 15% of the total area of Iraq. Biogeographically, it lies in the Irano-Tauranian region (Irano-Anatolian sub-region) in the southeast of the western Palearctic realm, which consists mainly of mountainous areas in inner Anatolia and Arme- nia, the Iranian mountain plateau, and the greater part of Transcaspia (Eken et al. 2004). Copyright K. Ararat. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. 188 Korsh Ararat / BioRisk 3: 187-203 (2009) In the past, limited surveys have been carried out in Iraqi Kurdistan. They revealed the presence of many areas important to birds. The aim of this study was to identify the Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) by surveying the bird populations and determining the trigger bird species. These are birds of global and/or regional importance from a conservation point of view, based on IUCN (2001) categories of Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU), Near Threatened (NT), Least Concerned (LC), and Conservation Concern (CC), an additional category specific to Iraq, which is defined below. The KBA selection process uses the Middle Eastern Important Bird Areas (IBAs) criteria, defined by BirdLife International (Evans 1994): A: Important Bird Areas - Global importance A1. Species of global conservation concern A2. Restricted-range species A3. Biome-restricted species A4. Congregations B: Important Bird Areas - Middle Eastern importance B1: Regionally important congregations B2: Species with an unfavorable conservation status in the Middle East B3: Species with a favorable conservation status but concentrated in the Middle East There are over 835 species of birds in the Middle East (Porter & Aspinall in prep.) of which over 400 have been recorded in Iraq (Salim et al. 2006). In the 2008 surveys in Kurdistan 185 species were observed. Materials and methods Bird observations were made using 8x42 Minox binoculars, a Canon 5D digital cam- era with 100—400 Sigma lens, and Kawa 500 mm spotting scopes (TSN-601). De- pending on the type of sites visited, point, area and/or transect counts were taken at each site. All species were counted. This was often done from fixed points, e.g. when counting waterfowl on large lakes or seaching for raptors in the mountains, but more frequently it involved a transect through the main habitats, along which all birds were counted. Species were identified using Salim et al. (2006); Porter et al. (1996); and Mullarney et al. (1999). The study was carried out at 34 sites in Sulaimani, Er- bil, and Dohuk Governorates. Lake sites visited included: Darbandikhan Lake (S1), Dukan Lake (S2), Mosul Lake (D10), and Duhok Lake (D9). Watered valleys and gorge sites included Ahmad Awa (S4A), Awesar (S4B), Sargalu (S7), Chami Razan (S10), Penjween (S5), Haji Omran (E1), Smaquly and Ashaba Valley (E5A and E5B), Bakhma on the Big Zap River (E7), Barzan Area (E8), Kherazook (E9), Gali Zanta and Garbeesh (D1A and D1B), Ser Amadia and Sulav (D2A and D2B), Atrush (D3), Garagu (D5), Benavi (DG), and Sararu (D13). Mountainous areas with oak and/or pine forest sites included: Peramagroon Mountain (S6), Qara Dagh (S11), Sharbazher Area (S13), Zawita (D7), Mangesh (D8). Lowland sites with farmlands and foothills Key Biodiversity Areas: Rapid assessment of birds in Kurdistan, northern Iraq 189 where: Chamchamal (S9), Zalm Area (S12), Sangaw (S14), Turaq Steppe (E4), Ka- lakchi and Khazar (D12A and D12 B). One marshland site, Altun Kopri on the Little Zap River (E3), was also visited. Lastly several wide and open rivers and their environs were included such as Kalar on the Diyala River (S3), Aski Kalak on the Big Zap River (E10), Taq Taq on the Little Zap River (E2), Bahraka on the Big Zap River (E11), and Fishkhaboor on the Tigris River (D11) (Fig. 1). Results and discussion In January and February [Winter (W)] 2008 and May and June [Summer (S)] 2008, 185 bird species belonging to 49 families were recorded in the areas surveyed (Table 1). Six bird species were considered VU: Aquila heliaca, Anser erythropus, and Falco nau- mani; EN: Neophron percnopterus, NT: Coracias garrulus and Emberiza cineracea; and 32 species were categorized CC. Conservation Concern (CC): The definition has been developed by Richard Por- ter in conjunction with staff members of Nature Iraq, in an attempt to determine those species for which Irag has a special responsibility and which are a priority for conservation action. Species of the CC category include all globally threatened species; Iraqi endemics and near-endemics; those known to be seriously declining throughout or in most of their Eurasian/Middle Eastern range of distribution; those with a major Legend @ Area Surveyed Scale: 1/1,500,000 Figure |. Map of areas surveyed. 190 Korsh Ararat / BioRisk 3: 187-203 (2009) Table 1. Status of birds recorded in Kurdistan, northern Iraq during the 2008 surveys, showing IUCN conservation status as evaluated by BirdLife International: LC (Least Concern), NT (Near Threatened), VU (Vulnerable), EN (Endangered), CC (Conservation Concern)]. R A bak ae Conservation | Winter | Summer Bird Species Name | Scientific Name Status Surve Surve Family: Phasianidae Migration Status Chukar Partridge | Alectoris chukar Le Xx resident breeder See-see Partridge Ammoperdix LC x X resident breeder eriseogularis Black Francolin |Francolinus francolinus| LC |X | resident breeder z= Passage migrant; Common Quail Coturnix coturnix breeding summer visitor Family: Anatidae Greylag Goose Anser anser ine x x imag yagi may breed Pea eet Anser albifrons LG xX baa ay ae ce ce VU. CC % i? winter visitor Common Shelduck EG XxX Ga, winter visitor resident; winter Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea Le xX _- visitor and passage migrant [3 winter visitor; Mallard Anas platyrhynchos ee xX X passage migrant and some may breed Eurasian Teal Anas crecca LG xX ES Se: and passage migrant Common Pochard | Aythya ferina LG X winter visitor Red-crested Pochard | Netta rufina CG X beh Seca ani passage migrant Tufted Duck Le xX i winter visitor Goldeneye LC xX |= winter visitor Smew LC Xx (| winter visitor Pie || loa) resident breeder; Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis CC x winter visitor and passage migrant Great Crested Grebe | Podiceps cristatus LG xX resident; wae visitor Black-necked Grebe | Podiceps nigricollis Ly x cage Ss Western White Stork Family: Ciconiidae Ciconia ciconia Ea Passage migrant; breeding summer visitor, but the first flock observed on 19% January 2008 Key Biodiversity Areas: Rapid assessment of birds in Kurdistan, northern Iraq 191 Family: Threskiornithidae inter | Summer Bird Species Name | Scientific Name Ponservations Status Surve Migration Status resident; breeding Eurasian Spoonbill | Platalea leucorodia Ce summer Visitor; passage migrant Family: Ardeidae breeding summer Little Bittern Lxobrychus inutes Le VISITOE,. Passage Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax migrant; some winter visitor. resident; breeding summer visitor; passage migrant Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides resident; breeding summer visitor; and passage migrant winter visitor, Grey Heron Ardea cinerea passage migrant and some may breed Great White Egret | Ardea [Egretta] alba ine: weues gh passage migrant Fphetia'pareetia winter visitor; Little Egret 1S: X passage migrant and some may breed Pygmy Cormorant Great Cormorant Family: Phalacrocoracidae Phalacrocorax carbo winter visitor, and winter visitor and passage migrant Family: Falconidae passage migrant, and Lesser Kestrel Falco naumani VULCE breeding summer visitor Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Le »< resident breeder; winter visitor. breeding summer Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo visitor; passage migrant Bathaty: Falcon resident breeder; winter visitor Family: Accipitridae winter visitor, Black Kite Milvus migrans LG passage migrant, and some may breed Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus ie ent ae winter visitor breeding summer Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus visitor; passage migrant Eurasian Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus resident breeder; winter visitor 192 Korsh Ararat / BioRisk 3: 187-203 (2009) : . 7 Conservation | Winter | Summer | , ,. r Bird Species Name | Scientific Name Migration Status Status Surve Surve breeding summer Short-toed Snake : re 8 Circaetus gallicus LC X visitor, and passage Eagle ; migrant Western Marsh ; winter visitor, and Circus aeruginosus LG Xx Xx j Harrier some may breed Hen Harrier Circus Cyaneus LG ».4 winter visitor Eurasian “yj winter visitor, and Accipiter nisus 16: Xx Xx ha Sparrowhawk passage migrant Levant = : assage migrant, and Accipiter brevipes ce X Pee ae Sparrowhawk may breed resident breeder; Steppe Buzzard Buteo b. vulpinus Le X X winter visitor and passage migrant L , 4 resident breeder; ong-legge : ve SUSE Buteo rufinus ike x x winter visitor and Buzzard ; passage migrant . ; ; winter visitor; Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis CE xX os passage migrant ; A ; : winter visitor and Asian Imperial Eagle | Aguila heliaca VU, CC x ; passage migrant : resident; winter Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos GE xX X De visitor . breeding summer Aquila [Hieraaetus] a7 8 Booted Eagle LC xX visitor; passage pennata[pennatus] migrant : Aquila [Hieraaetus resident breeder Bonelli’s Eagle q f [ ‘ / LC x asciata [fasciatus] Family: Rallidae : ; winter visitor and Water Rail Rallus aquaticus Ce x : passage migrant resident breeder; Common Moorhen | Gallinuylua chloropus winter visitor and passage migrant winter visitor; Eurasian Coot Fulica atra passage migrant and some may breed Family: Haematopodidae Eurasian winter visitor and Haematopus ostralegus LG X Oystercatcher passage migrant Family: Recurvirostridae resident breeder; Black-winged Stilt | Himantopus ostralegu LG 4 x winter visitor and passage migrant Family: Charadriidae winter visitor, and Vanellus vanellus SPINOSUS Northern Lapwing some may breed Spur-winged Lapwing Key Biodiversity Areas: Rapid assessment of birds in Kurdistan, northern Iraq Conservation | Winter Scientific Name Status Surve Bird Species Name Red-wattled lapwing Vanellus (Hoplopterus) indicus Summer Surv xX 193 Migration Status resident breeder White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus resident breeder; probably winter visitor Little-ringed Plover Common Snipe Charadrius dubius Family: Scolopacidae lee: Callinago callinago resident breeder, and winter visitor, and passage migrant winter visitor, Common Redshank | Tringa tetanus LG passage migrant Common : : passage migrant & Tringa nebularia LG Y Greenshank winter visitor Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Le b.4 WEEE hen ae and passage migrant passage migrant, and Common Sandpiper | Actitis hypoleucos LC X breeding summer visitor Family: Gareolida passage migrant, and Collared Pratincole | Glareola pratincola Ce x breeding summer visitor Family: Laridae Common Gull Larus canus IG x winter visitor Yellow-legged Gull | Larus michahellis Le X winter visitor passage migrant Great Black-headed avs tebthyieres LC x winter visitor Gull Common Black- = winter visitor, and headed Gull Larus ridibundus Ne 2 a some may breed resident; breeding Slender-billed Gull | Larus genei CE xX x noe aay aces winter visitor and passage migrant : breeding summer Gull-billed Tern veeane Sterna 1G, xX visitor, and passage migrant Pin-tailed Pterocles alchata Ce : Pteroclididae breeding summer visitor, and passage migrant summer visitor; may breed, and passage migrant breeding resident; Sandgrouse nomadic 194 Korsh Ararat / BioRisk 3: 187-203 (2009) Bird Species Name | Scientific Name sper kpuael eared pmer eee Migration Status Status Survey | Surv Black-bellied winter visitor and Pterocles orientalis X ; Sandgrouse passage migrant Family: Columbidee Rock Dove Columba livia [oT is Ee ee) resident breeder Common Cola halontas resident breeder; Woodpigeon winter visitor European Turtle Dove Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia turtur Streptopelia decaocto Passage migrant, breeding summer visitor resident breeder Laughing Dove Common Cuckoo Streptopelia senegalensis Family: Cuculidae Cuculus canorus Family: Strigidae resident breeder passage migrant, and breeding summer visitor iaeOwl ee Family: Caprimulgidae passage migrant, and European Nightjar | Caprimulgus europaeus 1G X breeding summer visitor Family: Apodidae Common Swift Apus apus 1G Xx passage migrant, and breeding summer visitor Family: Coraciidae European Roller Coracias garrulous NI, GC x passage migrant, and breeding summer visitor Family: Alcedinidae White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis Le X Xx resident; winter visitor and passage migrant Common Kingfisher | Alcedo atthis EG xX resident breeder Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis LC xX X resident breeder Family: Meropidae Blue-cheeked Bee- Merops [superciliosus] passage migrant, and Le xX breeding summer eater persicus 64 visitor passage migrant, and European Bee-eater | Merops apiaster 1 Xx breeding summer visitor Family: Upupidae breeding summer Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops Le Xx visitor; passage migrant Key Biodiversity Areas: Rapid assessment of birds in Kurdistan, northern Iraq 195 inter | Summer Bird Species Name | Scientific Name Ponservations Status Survey | Surv Family: Picidae Migration Status Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Syrian Woodpecker Red-backed Shrike Daurian Isabelline Shrike Dendrocopos minor Family: ie Lanius collurio Lanius isabellinus isabellinus Dendrocopos syriacus oe resident breeder resident breeder passage migrant, and summer breeding visitor Passage migrant Lesser Grey Shrike Woodchat Shrike Masked Shrike Golden Oriol Eurasian Magpie Eurasian Jay Lanius minor Lanius senator Lanius nubicus Family: Oriolidae Oriolus oriolus Family: Corvidae Garrulus glandarius passage migrant, and breeding summer visitor passage migrant, and breeding summer visitor passage migrant, and breeding summer visitor passage migrant, and breeding summer visitor Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Western Jackdaw Corvus monedula Ms: visitor Rook winter visitor Hooded Crow Corvus[corone] cornix ee resident breeder Northern Raven Corvus corax LG resident breeder Family: Paridae Sombre Tit Great Tit Blue Tit Eurasian Penduline Tit Poecile lug cae aig ee ae Cyanistes caeruleus | LC |X Family: Remizidae Remiz pendulinus Lee resident breeder resident breeder resident breeder winter visitor and passage migrant Family: Hirundinidae passage migrant, and Sand Martin Riparia riparia Le breeding summer visitor passage migrant, and Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica LG breeding summer visitor 196 Bird Species Name Red-rumped Swallow Delichon urbicum [urbica] House Martin Korsh Ararat / BioRisk 3: 187—203 (2009) es Conservation | Winter | Summer Scientific Name Status Surve Surve Cecropis daurica breeding summer visitor; passage migrant. passage migrant, and breeding summer visitor Family: Aegithalidae Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Le xX xX resident breeder Family: Alaudidae Calandra Lark Melanocorypha ive xX resident; winter calandra ey Desert Lark resident breeder Greater Short-toed | Calandrella Lark brachydactyla Crested Lark Alauda arvensis Eurasian Skylark amily: Cisticolid winter visitor; passage migrant and may breed resident breeder winter visitor arundinaceus F ae Graceful Prinia Prinia gracilis LG x Be resident breeder Family: Pycnonotidae White-eared personas toucbis CC x resident breeder Bulbul Family: Sylviidae Cetti’s Warbler X__| resident breeder passage migrant, and Great Reed Warbler Acrocephatus breeding summer Clamorous Reed visitor status uncertain. Warbler Acrocephatlus stentoreus Le seababhircncien Sedge Warbler aAcrocepialus Ge: passage migrant schoenobaenus Marsh Warbler Acrocephatus palustris Le Passage filsrane Iduna [Hippolais] pallida Eastern Olivaceous Warbler ra @) om may breed passage migrant, and breeding summer visitor passage migrant, and Upcher’s Warbler — | Hippolais languida breeding summer visitor Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus LC passage migrant Common Chiffchaff | Phylloscopus collybita 1G xX Peieegre ne ane winter visitor Eurasian Blackcap —_| Sylvia atricapilla Le Drea © Lesser Whitethroat | Sylvia curruca Common Sylvia communis Whitethroat ES ; oe @) may breed passage migrant and may breed breeding summer visitor Key Biodiversity Areas: Rapid assessment of birds in Kurdistan, northern Iraq oe Conservation | Winter | Summer Scientific Name Status Surve Surve Bird Species Name Ménétries’s Warbler Sylvia mystacea Family: Timaliidae 197 breeding summer visitor; passage migrant. Iraq Babbler | Turdoides altirostris | Ce xX | x | resident breeder Family: Troglodytidae Winter Wren | Troglodytes troglodytes ic LO x | | winter visitor Eurasian Nuthatch Eastern Rock Family: Sittidae resident breeder resident breeder Nea Sitta tephronota Ce x x Western Rock ; resident breeder Niece Sitta neumayer GG xX xX Family:Tichodromadida Wallcreeper LC X |__| winter visitor Rose-coloured Family: Sturnidae Le Sturnus roseus passage migrant and Starling may breed winter visitor, Common Starling — | Sturnus vulgaris Ke X Xx passage migrant and some may breed Family: Turdidae Eurasian Blackbird | Turdus merula KG xX X resident breeder European Robin Erithacus rubecula LE Xx winter visitor Sibicenth ogee Trania gutturalis CCG on ot Robin g ye ee ter migrant Thrush Nightingale | Luscinia luscinia LC X passage migrant assage migrant, and Common Luscinia megarhynchos EG peste tae Nightingale visitor Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas [Erythropygia] ealactotes breeding summer visitor Black Redstart Common Redstart Whinchat Phoenicurus ochruros Phoenicurus phoenicurus Saxicola rubetra passage migrant and winter visitor passage migrant, and breeding summer visitor passage migrant, and breeding summer visitor Eurasian Stonechat Isabelline Wheatear Saxicola torquatus (S. rubicola) Oenanthe isabellina LC Winter visitor; may breed Passage migrant, winter visitor, breeding summer visitor 198 Northern Wheatear Rufous-tailed Wheatear Black-eared Wheatear Finsch’s Wheatear Korsh Ararat/ BioRisk 3: 187—203 (2009) Oenanthe oenanthe Ocnanthe xanthoprymna Ocnanthe hispanica Ocnanthe finschii nter | Summer : ; ee Conservation | Wi Bird Species Name | Scientific Name Status Surve Migration Status passage migrant, and breeding summer visitor breeding summer visitor; passage migrant breeding summer visitor; passage migrant resident breeder; winter visitor Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush Blue Rock Thrush Spotted Flycatcher White-throated Dipper Monticola saxatilis Monticola solitarius Family: Muscicapidae Muscicapa striata Family: Cinclidae Cinclus cinclus LC passage migrant, and breeding summer visitor resident; winter visitor and passage migrant passage migrant, and breeding summer visitor resident breeder Family: Passeridae House Sparrow Spanish Sparrow Passer domesticus KS: Passer hispaniolensis resident breeder resident breeder resident; breeding Dead Sea Sparrow _ | Passer moabiticus * summer visitor Eurasian Tree rare winter visitor; Passer montanus : Sparrow passage migrant Carpospiza resident breeder Pale Rockfinch BOP Rock Sparrow Yellow-throated Sparrow Western Yellow Gymnoris [Petronia | xanthocollis resident breeder passage migrant, and breeding summer visitor Passage migrant : Motacilla flava Wagtail fi . ; ; resident breeder; Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea : a i winter visitor ? ; ; resident; winter White Wagtail Motacilla alba oe visitor tie mw AES assage migrant; Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis hon ae may breed Ma: : winter visitor; Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta ; Key Biodiversity Areas: Rapid assessment of birds in Kurdistan, northern Iraq 199 f . Conservation | Winter | Summer d J Bird Species Name | Scientific Name Migration Status Status Survey | Surv passage migrant, and Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis i winter visitor Family: Fringillidae resident; winter Common Chafhinch | Fringilla coelebs mca Le visitor. ; winter visitor, and Red-fronted Serin | Serinus pusillus : some may breed European rare resident; winter Greenfinch PTH PT visitor resident; winter European Goldfinch | Carduelis carduelis visitor and passage migrant ade: resident; winter visitor Emberiza [Miliaria] resident; winter Corn Buntin 32. 8 calandra visitor Rock Bunting Emberiza cia Mae visitor; may e resident breeding summer Cinereous Bunting | Emberiza cineracea visitor; passage migrant Black-headed Eon bariea passage migrant, and Bunting melanocephala Bree tie snes visitor Common Reed A, ; winter visitor : Emberiza schoeniclus Bunting proportion (over 50%) of the world population breeding in the Middle East; and those which have, or are believed to have, important wintering populations in Iraq. Unlike Europe, bird population data is often lacking in the Middle East and es- pecially so in Iraq where the first comprehensive surveys have only started in the last four years (and during the last two years in Kurdistan). This lack of data means that decisions, which species qualify as being of CC are rather subjective. However assign- ments will be refined as more surveys and population assessments are made. For now, it provides the best judgment of our bird conservation priorities (Porter et al in prep.). The region’s three large wetlands are the Dukan Reservoir (completed in 1959), the Mosul Reservoir (completed in 1983), and the Darbandikhan Reservoir (completed in 1961). Two of them (Dukan and Darbandikhan) along with an unfinished dam site at Bakhma, were defined by Evans (1994) as IBAs. Based on the KBA surveys, Dar- bandikhan (S1) and Dukan (S2) Lakes match the KBA criteria. These sites regularly support globally threatened species; birds congregating in important numbers, either when breeding, on passage, or in winter; and sites important for species that are threat- ened or declining throughout or in large parts of their range in the Middle East. For ex- ample: 2% of the Middle Eastern population of Larus genei was seen during its breed- 200 Korsh Ararat / BioRisk 3: 187-203 (2009) ing season on these two lakes (Fig. 2). Mosul Lake (D10) also meets the criteria with 2% of the Middle Eastern population of Phalacrocorax carbo seen in winter at the lake and 18% of the Middle Eastern population of Tadorna ferruginea seen in winter and 1% of the Middle Eastern population of Glareola pratincola in summer. As with Dukan and Darbandikhan, this indicates that this lake regularly supports globally threatened species and birds congregating in important numbers, either when breeding, on pas- sage, or in winter. Altun Kopri (E3) marshland in Erbil Govenorate is another impor- tant KBA site, because birds congregate at this wetland site in large numbers. Table 2 lists the 11 top sites for globally threatened species and/or species which are threatened locally or declining throughout all or large parts of their range in the Middle East. It also lists species that are restricted wholly or largely to the Middle East. The following sites also meet the KBA criteria: Gali Zanta and Garbeesh Moun- tain (D1) Ser Amadiya (D2), Atrush (D3), Benavi (D6), Zawita (D7), Mangesh (D8), Fishkhaboor (D11), Sararu (D13); in Erbil Governorate: Haji Omran (E1), Smaquli and Ashab Valley (E5), Taq Taq (EG), Bakhma (E7), Barzan (E8), Kherazook (E9), Bahraka (E11); and in Sulaimani Governorate: Kalar (S3), Ahmad Awa (S4A), Hawraman (S4B), Penjween (S5), Peramagroon (SG), Sargalu (S7), Chamchamal (S9), Chami Razan (S10), Qara Dagh (S11), and Sharbazher (S13). The remaining sites, which did not match KBA criteria for bird species as results of these surveys are: Kalakchi and Khazar (D12A and D12B), Duhok Lake (D9), Turag Steppe (E4), Aski Kalak (E10), Sangaw (S14). Destruction of habitats by gravel mining and tree cutting and other major threats to birds, such as uncontrolled hunting, were prevalent throughout the survey area, as yt ¥ . = by! * . => el — . _ ’ ™~ aw Figure 2. Larus genei at Dukan Lake (S2) in summer 2008 (photo by the author). Key Biodiversity Areas: Rapid assessment of birds in Kurdistan, northern Iraq 201 Table 2. Priority sites for bird conservation in Kurdistan, Iraq. Site Darbandikahn Lake (S1) Dukan Lake (S2) Description Lake/Reservoir ecosystem on the Diyala Watershed southeast of Sulaimani - 25000 ha. This site supports the globally threatened Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca — 8 counted in winter and Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus. Other wintering birds include Smew Mergellus albellus, Common Goldeneye Bucephala clanga, Great Black-headed Gull Larus ichthyaetus and Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria. White Storks Ciconia ciconia nest and there is a large breeding colony of Slender-billed Gulls Larus genei (760 birds counted). Lake/Reservoir ecosystem on the Upper Little Zap Watershed northwest of Sulaimani - 7500 ha. This site holds small numbers of the globally threatened Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus and Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca in winter when there are large flocks of Great Black-headed Gulls Larus ichthyaetus and large concentrations of larks. Breeding species include White Storks Ciconia ciconia, Egyptian Vultures, Slender-billed Gulls (4500), Gull-billed Terns Ge/ochelidon nilotica and passerines with a restricted range in the Middle East, such as Eastern Rock Nuthatch Sitta tephronata.. Mosul Lake (D10) Lake/Reservoir Ecosystem on the Tigris north of Mosel — 470 km’. An important site holding in winter small numbers of Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus and over 9,000 Ruddy Shelduck TYadorna ferruginea. There are very important breeding colonies of Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola (870 individuals), Slender-billed Gulls Larus genei (630), Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica (760), Common Tern Sterna hirundo (350) and Little Tern Sternula albifrons (200) Altun Kopri (E3) Barzan (E8) Riparian marshland on the Little Zap River bordered by steppe ecosystem south of Erbil — 10 km7. This site holds large numbers of waterfowl, notably Eurasian Coot Fulica atra with 11,500 counted. This varied habitat holds a large and diverse population of breeding/probable breeding birds including Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis, Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides, Purple Heron Ardea purpurea, Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Prerocles alchata, Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis, Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus, Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus and Dead Sea Sparrow Passer moabiticus This is a tribal protected area located to the northeast of Erbil City which represents mountains with woodlands of Quercus and the presence of some streams and rivers. The threatened Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni and European Roller Coracias garrulus breed as well as Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus, Booted Eagle Aquila pennata, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor and several passerines restricted wholly or largely to the Middle East such as Eastern Rock Nuthatch Sitta tephronota. Chami Razan (S10) This site is located approximately 30 km to the northwest of Sulaimani City. It consists of a long valley with a stream that flows from the northeast down to the Little Zap and contains hills and rocky ridges with sparse oak woodlands. ‘This site holds a good population of breeding birds of prey, notably Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus and Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus, Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus, Bonelli’s Eagle Aquila fasciatus, Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus and probably Steppe Buzzard Buteo buteo vulpinus. European Roller Coracias garrulus may breed and there is a good breeding population of passerines, wholly or largely restricted to the Middle East, including Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus, Sombre Tit Poecile lugubris, Red-tailed Wheatear Oenanthe xanthoprymna and Eastern Rock Nuthatch Sitta tephronota. 202 Korsh Ararat / BioRisk 3: 187-203 (2009) Site Description Qara Dagh This area located south of Sulaimani City and represents a mountainous area with (S11) many gorges, rocky slopes and valleys covered mainly by oak forest. There are farmlands and villages as well. This site holds breeding populations of the globally threatened Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus and Lesser Kestrel Falco naumani as well as Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus, Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus and Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus. Other breeding birds include European Roller Coracias garrulus, Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus, Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator (75 individuals counted) and Red-tailed Wheatear Oenanthe xanthoprymna. Ser Amadia _| This is a mountainous area with rocky cliffs, gorges, and a valley with streams; (D2) plant coverage is Quercus, Juniperus, Puplus with grasses. The globally threatened Lesser Kestrel Falco naumani and European Roller Coracias garrulus breed as well as Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea, Western Rock Nuthatch S. neumayer Eastern Rock Nuthatch and Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus. Haji Omran __| This area is located on the Iran/Iraq border northeast of Erbil City and is surrounded by a (E1) number of mountains such as Sakran in the south, Halgurd in the west and Gardamn in the north, with hills, streams and meadows offering high plant diversity. It is considered one of the most important plant areas in Iraq. This site holds several breeding species restricted wholly or largely to the Middle East including Finsch’s Wheatear Oenanthe jinschii. Black-eared Wheatears Oenanthe hispanica occur in good numbers Sararu Situated about 46 km northeast of Dohuk City and about 8 km? in size. It is a (D13) mountainous area with a valley including farmlands with walnuts and other trees. Breeding species include Lesser Kestrel Falco naumani and a diverse population of passerines including Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus, Eastern Rock Nuthatch Si¢ta tephronota, Sombre Tit Poecile lugubris and Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus. Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes probably breeds. Benavi The site lies at 1,500-1,700 m and includes a valley containing Benavi village and (D6) the adjacent mountain ridge. The slopes are rocky and grassy, with a rich herb flora and isolated Quercus shrubs and trees. Benavi holds a good population of several species that are restricted wholly or largely to the Middle East, including Finsch’s Wheatear Oenanthe finschii and Sombre Tit Poecile lugubris. is the case for Irag as a whole. ‘These sites should be monitored for and protected from these threats. Acknowledgements The author would like to thank Richard Porter for his help in guiding the survey and com- menting on this paper. The surveys supporting the Key Biodiversity Project were conduct- ed by Nature Iraq in partnership with the Irag and Kurdistan Ministries of Environment. In addition, the author wishes to thank Azzam Alwash, the director of Nature Iraq, for his support of the project. Bird observations during the period covered by this paper were led by the author and this paper draws on the field report developed by Ararat et al. (2008). Members of the 2008 Nature Iraq KBA survey team in Iraqi Kurdistan included: Adnan Ali Mer Jamsher, Haider Ibrahem, Ibrahem M. Abid, Korsh Ararat, Laeth Ali Abed, Mu- Key Biodiversity Areas: Rapid assessment of birds in Kurdistan, northern Iraq 203 hammed Saed Muhammed Noori, Muzher Shibil, Nora Jameel, and Saman Abdul Rah- man. Finally the author wishes to thank Mike Evans of BirdLife International for helpful advice and Anna Bachmann, the project manager of the KBA Project as well as Christina Dela Cruz, Justin Davies, & Leah Malone who assisted with report editing. Funding for the project was provided by the Italian Ministry of Environment, Land & Sea. References Ararat K, Abid IM, Abdulrahman S (2008) Key Biodiversity Survey of Kurdistan, Norhtern Iraq: Site Review for Birds, Botany and Fisheries, Winter & Summer 2008. Sulaimani, Iraq: Nature Iraq. 119p. Eken G, Evans E, Karatas A, Ozge Balkiz O, Karacetin E, Kilic T, Ozbagdatli N, Neumann- Denzau G, Gem E, Karatas A (2004) Hotspots Revisited: Irano-Anatolian. Retrieved from http://www. biodiversityscience.org/publications/hotspots/IranoAnatolian.html on 10 Oc- tober 2008. Evans MI (1994) Important Bird Areas in the Middle East, BirdLife Conservation Series No. 2. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. IUCN (2001) IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria: Version 3.1. IUCN Species Survival Commission. Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK: IUCN. ii + 30 pp. Mullarney K, Svensson L, Zetterstr6m D, Grant PJ (2001) Collins Field Guide to the Birds of Britain & Europe. 2° Edition. London, UK: Collins. Porter RE, Aspinall S. In prep. Birds of the Middle East (second edition). London, UK: Helm/ A&C Black, Porter RF, Christensen S, Schiermacker-Hansen P (1996) Field Guide to the Birds of the Mid- dle East. Helm Field Guides. London, UK: A&C Black Publishers Ltd. Porter RE Salim M, Ararat K. In prep. The Species of Conservation Concern in Iraq Nature Iraq/BirdLife International. Salim M, Porter RE, Christensen S, Schiermacker-Hansen P, Jbour S (2006) Birds of Iraq. Am- man Jordan: Nature Iraq and BirdLife International. (In Arabic). Delany S, Scott D (2006) Waterbird Populations Estimates. 4 Edition. Netherlands: Wetlands International.