BioRisie 3: 205-2 | 9 (2009) eer-reviewed open-access journal Ap i d op j 1] doi: 10.3897/biorisk.3.14 & BioRisk www.pensoftonline.net/biorisk Biodiversity & Ecosystem Risk Assessment A summary of birds recorded in the marshes of southern Iraq, 2005-2008 Mudhafar Salim', Richard Porter’, Clayton Rubec? 1 Nature Iraq, Sulaimani, Kurdistan, Iraq 2. BirdLife International, Cambridge, United Kingdom 3 Centre for Environmental Stewardship and Conservation, Ottawa, Canada Corresponding author: Mudhafar Salim (mudhafar.salim@natureirag.org) Academic editors: E Krupp, I. Weidig | Received 13 March 2009 | Accepted 2 October 2009 | Published 28 December 2009 Citation: Salim M, Porter R, Rubec C (2009) A summary of birds recorded in the marshes of southern Iraq, 2005-2008. In: Krupp E Musselman LJ, Kotb MMA, Weidig I (Eds) Environment, Biodiversity and Conservation in the Middle East. Proceedings of the First Middle Eastern Biodiversity Congress, Aqaba, Jordan, 20-23 October 2008. BioRisk 3: 205-219. doi: 10.3897/biorisk.3.14 Abstract The marshlands of Lower Mesopotamia witnessed severe draining programs during late 1980s and early 2000s, which turned vast areas of the former water body into desert areas. New field surveys of birds and their habitats in the marshes of southern Iraq were launched in 2005 through a national and international partnership of non-government organizations, ministries and donor agencies. This has resulted in the collection and collation of new data on the status, distribution and habitat requirements of birds and other biota in Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in Iraq from 2005 to 2008. This paper sum- marizes the bird data obtained in these surveys in the southern marshes, during which 159 species of birds were recorded; of these 34 are considered to be of conservation concern, including eight that are globally threatened. Keywords KBA, Iraq, birds Introduction:The focus on birds Birds have become an important component of the Iraq Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) Project that has been conducted by Nature Iraq (NI) since 2004. This is being done in cooperation with the Iraq Ministry of Environment (MoE), Birdlife International and Iraqi universities with international financial support by several donors including Copyright M. Salim, R. Porter, C. Rubec. 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. 206 Mudhafar Salim, Richard Porter & Clayton Rubec/ BioRisk 3: 205-219 (2009) the Canadian International Development Agency (2004-2006) and the Italian Min- istry of Environment, Land and Sea (2006-2008). An overview of the KBA Project is presented in Rubec and Bachmann (2009). This has been helped by the availability of historical data for critical biodiversity areas in Iraq, thus enabling comparison with current observations, facilitating the analyses of ecosystem changes and assessing the ecological status of each site. Comprehensive waterbird counts made over the last 40 years throughout Europe and Asia — notably by Wetlands International and BirdLife International — are facilitating such regional comparisons. Other wildlife groups and ecological data have a less well developed history of record in Irag and fewer international networks on which to draw survey expertise. Thus, birds are being used as the major indicator of the health of Iraq's biological resources, particu- larly as they are also an important component of global efforts to conserve and ensure wise use of wetlands and other biologically important habitats. Comprehensive field observations and interviews since 2004 with local residents have enabled development of a good indication of the biological health of Iraq's key sites for biodiversity. As a part of the KBA Project, bird surveys were conducted at selected wetland areas in southern Iraq during each of the summers and winters from 2005 to 2008. As noted in Fig. 1, seven major wetland areas were surveyed in three governorates (Basrah, Mis- san and Thi-Qar) in southern Iraq. KBA surveys of the three governorates of Kurdistan (Erbil, Sulaimani and Dohuk) in the northern area of Iraq were added to the overall project in 2007 (Nature Iraq 2007). These are also shown for information on Fig. 1, but results of that work are otherwise not included in this paper. Initial selection of potential KBA sites drew upon Important Bird Areas described by Evans (1994) and potential Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance described by Scott (1995). At most of these southern Iraq KBA complexes, especially the larger ones, multiple sam- pling sites (refereed in the species section below as “monitoring” sites) were required to obtain a proper picture of bird populations and distribution. These KBA survey sites are often found within very extensive wetlands (as described in Rubec and Bachmann 2009). The individual area of southern KBA sites ranges from 50 to 350,000 hectares, making selection of sampling sites difficult. Reports on the field surveys for the south- ern and northern KBA projects have been prepared by Nature Iraq (Abdulhasan and Salim 2008; Ararat et al. 2008). In the south, the teams must also seriously consider security issues and this has had a bearing on the selection of sites for survey. About 70% of the bird surveys were conducted using motorized boats, otherwise travel was by car or on foot. The main fieldwork and surveys in the Hammar and Sinaf Marshes were done by vehicle, to reduce travel time required between sites. Due to the occurrence of dense vegetation in the Central and the Hawizeh Marshes, the main means of transportation was motorized canoes. Local residents were extremely helpful in assisting with information on the presence or absence of certain species. Observations were made using 30 X telescopes and 8 X binoculars, with recording back-up by photography. Indeed, Nature Irag has a comprehensive library of bird photo- graphs and videos taken during the surveys. All bird data was checked and vetted by Ri- chard Porter of BirdLife International before being entered into Nature Iraq's database. A summary of birds recorded in the marshes of southern Iraq, 2005-2008 207 Sites and survey locations were plotted by GPS or Thuraya satellite phone with the aid of 1:100,000 and 1:250,000 scale maps. Collins Bird Guide (Mullarney et al. 1999) and the Field Guide to the Birds of the Middle East (Porter et al. 1996) were initially the main references used. Later, the new book Birds of Iraq (Salim et al. 2006), was also used. Designation of the status of specific species follows standardized international protocols developed by BirdLife International (2000). Summary of bird observations The following information summarizes some of the more important observations made during the 2005 to 2008 surveys. It is not intended to be a comprehensive account but to highlight those records of conservation significance. Some comparisons with the counts made in the late 1970s have been attempted. Population counts have not been included but constitute a growing database being managed by BirdLife International and Nature Iraq. They are the subject of ongoing analyses and are included in detailed , @Qissandad Al Anbar > ; Ss he Middle Euphrates Marches Seasonal Marches Hawizeh Marches Shatt Al Arab Marches a =) Khor Al Zubayr Marches Cental Marches Hammar Marches Figure |. The seven major wetland survey areas of southern Iraq and the locations of survey sites in Kurdistan, northern Iraq. 208 Mudhafar Salim, Richard Porter & Clayton Rubec/ BioRisk 3: 205-219 (2009) project reports (e.g. Abdulhassan and Salim 2008, Ararat et al. 2008) and in BirdLife In- ternational’s global database. A full report on all the bird data collected is in preparation. The list of birds recorded during the summer and winter surveys from 2005 to 2008 are presented in Table 1. This shows that 159 species were recorded, of which 53 were breeding with a further 10 probably or possibly breeding. A total of 44 species are considered to be resident. In addition, 110 species were observed as winter visitors from their European and Asian breeding areas. As would be expected, the majority of species observed in the southern marshes are wetland dependant — 107 in total. Of great significance is the fact that eight species recorded in the southern surveys are “globally threatened (GT)” and a further 26 species are judged to be of “conserva- tion concern (CC)”. Particular attention to these two groups of birds was paid during the surveys. These groups of birds are defined by BirdLife International as: Globally threatened (GT): Red Data species identified by BirdLife International because of their global endangered, vulnerable or near-threatened status. Conservation concern (CC): This category includes globally threatened species; Iraq endemic species; species known to be declining in all or most of their range; spe- cies for which Iraq has a significant Middle East breeding population; and species for which Iraq is known to have a globally important wintering population. ‘These criteria are still being assessed and developed by Richard Porter of BirdLife International. Globally threatened birds in the southern marshes of Iraq Of the 34 species of conservation concern recorded during the 2005 to 2008 KBA surveys, eight are globally threatened. Brief notes on their occurrence are given below. They are either resident breeders, winter visitors, or passage migrants. Marbled Duck (Marmaronetta angustirostris): This globally vulnerable species was observed in both summer and winter at over 30 monitoring sites. Breeding was proven and the largest flock recorded was 1300 in winter 2008. Salim (2004a, b, c) has previously recorded Marbled Duck in recent years and it is likely that the southern marshes are a major global stronghold for both breeding and wintering birds of this species. In winter 2007, a number were found being sold live in the local markets and this has prompted a poster-backed public awareness campaign that will attempt to help control indiscriminate and illegal hunting. Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca): This globally near-threatened species was recorded at 12 monitoring sites in winter and seen in all winters, with the largest flock being 74 in winter 2006; several smaller flocks (for example of 16, 47 and 60) were also observed. Scott and Carp (1982) did not record this species in their southern marshes survey of 1979, but the highest number counted historically is 31 individuals by George and Vielliard (1970). It is likely that further surveys will show this duck to be more common and more widespread in the Mesopotamian marshes, as it has been recorded in flocks of up to 344 in winter in neighboring Syria (Porter and Scott 2005). A summary of birds recorded in the marshes of southern Iraq, 2005-2008 209 Table |. Birds recorded during KBA surveys of the southern marshes of Iraq in winter and summer 2005 to 2008 (GT = globally threatened, CC = conservation concern) Status as determined by Common name (English) Summer | Winter ite ese surveys Black Francolin + + Resident breeder Common Quail + + Passage migrant and winter visitor Greylag Goose - + | Winter visitor Whooper Swan - + | Rare winter vistor Greater White-fronted Goose | Anser albifrons - + Winter visitor Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna - + Winter visitor Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea - + | Winter visitor Gadwall - + Winter visitor Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope - + Winter visitor Mallard Anas platyrhynchos + + | Winter visitor; some remain in summer Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata + + | Winter visitor; some present in summer Northern Pintail Anas acuta - + Winter visitor Garganey Anas querquedula + + | Winter visitor; may also breed Eurasian Teal Anas crecca - + Winter visitor Marbled Duck CC, GT Marmaronetta + + Resident breeder and angustirostris winter visitor Red-crested Pochard CC Netta rufina - + Winter visitor Common Pochard - + Winter visitor Ferruginous Duck CC,GT | Aythya nyroca + + | Winter visitor; some may remain to breed Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula - + Winter visitor White-headed Duck CC, GT . + Winter visitor Little Grebe (Dabchick) + + Resident breeder and winter visitor Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus + + Resident breeder and winter visitor Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis - + Winter visitor Greater Flamingo CC Phoenicopterus [ruber] + : Passage migrant and roseus winter visitor Western White Stork Ciconia ciconia + + | Winter visitor; some may breed Sacred Ibis CC Threskiornis aethiopicus + + | Resident breeder Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus + + | Winter visitor; may also breed Eurasian Spoonbill CC Platalea leucorodia + + | Breeding summer visitor Eurasian Bittern CC Botaurus stellaris + + Resident breeder and winter visitor Little Bittern + + Resident breeder and Ixobrychus minutus winter visitor 210 Mudhafar Salim, Richard Porter & Clayton Rubec/ BioRisk 3: 205-219 (2009) Common name (English) Summer Black-crowned Winter Status as determined by these surveys Resident breeder and Nycticorax nycticorax + Night Heron winter visitor Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides + | Resident breeder and winter visitor Cattle Egret + | Resident breeder and winter visitor Grey Heron Ardea cinerea + | Resident breeder and winter visitor Goliath Heron CC Ardea goliath + | Reported to breed Purple Heron Ardea purpurea + Resident breeder and winter visitor Great Egret Ardea [Egretta] alba + | Winter visitor Little Egret Egretta garzetta + Winter visitor; some remain in summer Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis - Present in summer (Reef Egret) Great White Pelican CC Pelecanus onocrotalus + Winter visitor Pygmy Cormorant CC Phalacrocorax + | Resident breeder and pygmaeus winter visitor Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo + Winter visitor Darter (African Darter) CC Anhinga [rufa] + Resident breeder melanogaster Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus + Winter visitor Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus + Winter visitor Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus + Rare resident Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus + Winter visitor Hen Harrier + Winter visitor Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus + | Winter visitor Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga + | Winter visitor CC, GT Steppe Eagle CC + | Winter visitor Asian Imperial Eagle - CC, GT Macqueen’s Bustard GT, CC + | Winter visitor macqueenii Water Rail + Winter visitor Little Crake + Winter visitor Spotted Crake Porzana porzana + | Winter visitor Purple Swamphen CC Porphyrio porphyrio + Resident breeder Common Moorhen Gallinulua chloropus + | Resident breeder and winter visitor Eurasian Coot Fulica atra + Resident breeder and winter visitor Crab-plover CC Dromas ardeola - Possibly resident, but only recorded in summer Black-winged Stilt Himantopus + Resident breeder and himantopus winter visitor A summary of birds recorded in the marshes of southern Iraq, 2005-2008 211 Status as determined by Common name (English) Summer | Winter RS ese surveys Pied Avocet (Avocet) Recurvirostra avosetta + Resident breeder and winter visitor Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus + | Winter visitor Spur-winged Lapwing CC Vanellus spinosus + | Resident breeder and winter visitor Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus + | Resident breeder and winter visitor White-tailed Lapwing CC Vanellus leucurus + | Resident breeder and winter visitor Common Ringed Plover + | Winter visitor Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius + | Winter visitor; some may breed Kentish Plover Charadrius + Resident breeder and alexandrinus winter visitor Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago + | Winter visitor Black-tailed Godwit CC, GT | Limosa limosa + Winter visitor Bar-tailed Godwit + | Winter visitor Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus + Winter visitor; some remain in summer Eurasian Curlew CC Numenius arquata + Winter visitor; some remain in summer Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus + | Winter visitor Common Redshank Tringa totanus + | Winter visitor; some remain in summer Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis + | Winter visitor Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia + | Winter visitor; some remain in summer Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus + | Winter visitor Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola + | Winter visitor Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos + | Winter visitor; some remain in summer Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres = Recorded in summer, but these are wintering birds that have not returned Little Stint Calidris minuta + Winter visitor; some remain in summer Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii + Winter visitor Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea + | Winter visitor; some remain in summer Dunlin Calidris alpina + | Winter visitor Ruff Philomachus pugnax + Winter visitor Collared Pratincole CC - Breeding summer visitor Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis ? Status uncertain Armenian Gull CC Larus armenicus + Winter visitor; some remain in summer Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus graellsii/ + Winter visitor intermedius/ fuscus 212 Mudhafar Salim, Richard Porter & Clayton Rubec/ BioRisk 3: 205-219 (2009) Common name (English) Summer Winter Status as determined by these surveys White-headed Gull sp. + Great Black-headed Gull - + Winter visitor (Pallas’s Gull) Common Black-headed Gull | Larus ridibundus + + Winter visitor; some remain in summer Slender-billed Gull CC Larus genei + + Resident breeder and winter visitor Little Gull Larus minutus - + Winter visitor Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon [Sterna] + + Winter visitor and nilotica breeding resident Caspian Tern CC + + | Winter visitor; also caspia recorded in summer Common Tern + - Breeding summer visitor White-cheeked Tern + - Status uncertain Little Tern Sternula [Sterna] + s Breeding summer visitor albifrons Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida + + | Breeding resident and winter visitor Black Tern Chlidonias niger + - Vagrant Pin-tailed Sandgrouse CC + - Breeding resident Spotted Sandgrouse CC Pterocles senegallus + - Breeding resident Rock Dove Columba livia + - Probably a breeding resident Stock Dove - + Winter visitor Common Woodpigeon Columba palumbus - + | Winter visitor Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto - + | Probably a breeding resident Laughing Dove - + | Probably a breeding resident Egyptian Nightjar + - Breeding summer visitor Indian Roller + - Breeding summer visitor White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis + + | Breeding resident Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis + + | Winter visitor; also recorded in summer Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis + + Breeding resident Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops [superciliosus] + - Breeding summer visitor persicus Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops + - Status uncertain Daurian/Turkestan Shrike Lanius isabellinus - + | Winter visitor Great Grey Shrike/ Lanius excubitor/ - + | Winter visitor Southern Grey Shrike meridionalis Eurasian Magpie Pica pica - + Winter visitor Rook Corvus frugilegus + Winter visitor Hooded Crow CC, Corvus [corone] cornix + + Probably a breeding Endemic Race resident A summary of birds recorded in the marshes of southern Iraq, 2005-2008 213 Status as determined by Common name (English) Summer | Winter these surveys Grey Hypocolius CC, Hypocolius ampelinus + | Breeding resident and Endemic winter visitor Sand Martin Riparia riparia - Breeding summer visitor Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica - Probably a breeding summer visitor Greater Hoopoe-Lark Alaemon alaudipes - Probably a breeding resident; not yet recorded in winter Desert Lark Ammomanes deserti + Probably a breeding resident; not yet recorded in summer Crested Lark + | Breeding resident Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis - Status uncertain; probably a winter visitor that occasional- ly remains in summer Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis + | Probably a breeding resident; not yet observed in summer Graceful Prinia + Breeding resident White-cheeked Bulbul CC Pycnonotus leucogenys + Breeding resident Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti + Winter visitor Basra Reed Warbler CC, Acrocephatus griseldis 3 Breeding summer visitor GT, Endemic Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus - Breeding summer visitor arundinaceus Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephatlus stentoreus - Breeding summer visitor Eurasian Reed Warbler Acrocephatus scirpaceus - Breeding summer visitor Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita + Winter visitor Iraq Babbler CC, Endemic Turdoides altirostris + | Breeding resident Common Babbler + | Breeding resident Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris + | Winter visitor Common Blackbird Turdus merulus + Winter visitor European Robin Erithacus rubecula + | Winter visitor Bluethroat + | Winter visitor Rufous-tailed - Breeding summer visitor Scrub Robin Black Redstart + Winter visitor Eurasian Stonechat Saxicola torquatus (S. + Winter visitor rubicola) Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina + Winter visitor: some may remain to breed Desert Wheatear Ocenanthe deserti + Winter visitor House Sparrow Passer domesticus + | Breeding resident Spanish Sparrow + | Winter visitor Dead Sea Sparrow CC + | Breeding resident 214 Mudhafar Salim, Richard Porter & Clayton Rubec/ BioRisk 3: 205-219 (2009) Common name (English) Sl ite Eee Status as determined by these surveys Chestnut-shouldered Gymnoris [Petronia] + - Breeding summer visitor Petronia xanthocollis Western Yellow Motacilla flava 1 a Status uncertain; summer Wagtail visitor that may breed White Wagtail Motacilla alba - + | Winter visitor Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris - + Winter visitor Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta + + | Winter visitor; some remain in summer. Reed Bunting Emberiza aureala + | Winter visitor Corn Bunting Emberiza [Miliaria] 7 + Winter visitor calandra White-headed Duck (Oxyura leucocephala): The 2005 winter survey identified 19 White-headed Duck at Umm an-Ni’aaj Marsh during February and March. They were found in waters of 2.0—2.8 m depth, together with large groups of other div- ing ducks. Previously unrecorded in the southern marshes of Iraq, this observation clearly indicates the importance of the area, at least in winter, for a species identified by BirdLife International as globally endangered. Basra Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus griseldis): Because of the difficulties of access and surveys, the Basra Reed Warbler had not been recorded in Iraq in recent years although it had continued to be trapped at banding stations on its African migration route. It was thus exciting to have confirmed sightings in the marshes of Iraq during all summers from 2005 to 2008. This Iraqi breeding endemic has been designated as globally endangered by BirdLife International, as a result of the destruction of its Phragmites habitat through drainage in the last 25 years. The Basra Reed Warbler was recorded at 25 monitoring sites at three KBAs with up to 37 individuals recorded on transects at one site in the Hawizeh Marsh. There was an apparent increase in the number of Basra Reed Warbler trapped on migration in East Africa in 2005, possibly indicating a correlation with the restoration of the marshes of Iraq. This species is now the subject of an intensive scientific and photographic study by Nature Iraq. Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa): This wetland dependant species was re- cently assigned near-threatened status by BirdLife International. It was recorded in winter at 20 monitoring sites in southern Iraq in all years from 2005 to 2008, with the highest count being 2010 individuals in the winter of 2008. Asian Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca): ‘This large eagle was recorded in winter at six sites in the southern marshes with a highest count of eight birds in a loose associa- tion. It is a globally near-threatened species. Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga): Recorded at eight sites, with a highest count of eight individuals, it has been observed during three of the four winters from 2005 to 2008. It is another wetland-dependant, globally near-threatened species. Macqueen’s Bustard (Chlamydotis macqueenii): This is another globally near- threatened species that was recorded in the winter of 2008 in areas near to the Hawizeh A summary of birds recorded in the marshes of southern Iraq, 2005-2008 215 Marsh. These observations came to light as a result of hunters displaying shot birds. The status of this species in Iraq requires detailed study. Other birds of conservation concern in the southern marshes of Iraq The southern KBA marshland sites harbour good populations of three Mesopotamian endemic/near endemic birds, namely the Basra Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus griseldis), Iraq Babbler (Turdoides altirostris) and the Grey Hypocolius (Hypocolius ampelinus). The status of the Basra Reed Warbler has already been mentioned, the other two are discussed below. These endemic/near-endemic species constitute three of the 34 birds of conservation concern recorded during the KBA surveys in the southern marshes. In addition to globally threatened species (described above), the status of seven other species of conservation concern is outlined below. Sacred Ibis (Zhreskiornis aethiopicus): he southern marshes of Iraq are one of only two known breeding sites in the Middle East for this ibis. It was recorded in all years, both summer and winter from 2005 to 2008, in three monitoring sites. A total of 26 adults were observed at the Umm an-Ni’aaj Marsh breeding colony in Hawizeh Marsh in the summer of 2005. This site is a multi-species colony with Pygmy Cormo- rants, several heron species and African Darters. Eurasian Bittern (Botaurus stellaris): Eurasian Bitterns have been seen or heard booming at a total of 11 monitoring sites throughout the southern marshes. Locals interviewed believed that its distinctive booming call came from a strange “monster” living inside the dense reed beds, heard only in the past year. In the summer of 2006, a total of 52 Eurasian Bittern were seen or heard throughout the marshes, with a high- est count of eight birds. Previous winter surveys in 1968 to 1979 only recorded one Eurasian Bittern (Scott and Carp 1982). The southern marshes of Iraq would appear to be an important breeding and wintering area for this species. The Eurasian Bittern is otherwise believed to be declining throughout much of its range. Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath): Although the largest of the heron species, the Goliath Heron remains quite elusive in Iraq. However, reports from local tribesman had indicated that it was still present in small numbers and was probably breeding. Recent observations with photographic documentation have confirmed the presence of this species in the Hawizeh Marsh during the summer and winter months of 2008 (Hussain personal communication). Pygmy Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmaeus): Recorded at 25 monitoring sites, the Pygmy Cormorant was observed to be most common in the eastern areas of Hawizeh Marsh in both summer and winter of all years from 2005 to 2008, with a few scattered individuals in the central marsh. The highest counts were in the summer of 2006 when the birds at the ‘Umm an-Ni’aaj breeding colony numbered over 1500. In the winter of 2006, a total of 1621 were recorded, suggesting that it is resident, though it is likely that these birds also arrive from European breeding grounds to spend the winter in the southern Iraqi marshes. ‘This species was previously designated as a globally threatened species by BirdLife 216 Mudhafar Salim, Richard Porter & Clayton Rubec/ BioRisk 3: 205-219 (2009) International, but now, with increasing numbers observed in Eurasia, it is no longer as- signed to this category. Historical records indicate the Pygmy Cormorant occurred in very large numbers in the southern Iraq marshes (Allouse 1953, 1962) but observations from 1968 to 1979 (Scott and Carp 1982) appear to be similar to those of the present survey. African Darter (Anhinga rufa): This darter was recorded at five monitoring sites in two KBAs (the Hammar and Hawizeh Marshes) in all years and seasons from 2005 to 2008. The highest count was 21 at Umm an-Ni’aaj and Al-“Udhaim in Hawizeh Marsh during the February to March and summer surveys of 2005. ‘This species nests in these locations and young were observed, showing that the species still breeds in Iraq. Locals indicated that the African Darter is common in the area, but that its numbers decrease in the winter. They further noted that its eggs and chicks used to be a source of food and that it breeds in colonies with herons, Sacred Ibis and European Spoonbill. It seems likely that the African Darter never disappeared as a breeding bird from the marshes of southern Iraq where it was formerly recorded by Allouse (1962). This is the only known area in the Middle East where the African Darter breeds. Grey Hypocolius (Hypocolius ampelinus): This near-endemic species was ob- served in several sites throughout the southern marshes and their environs in all years, with counts of over 20 birds. In 2006 the summer survey occurred over a month later (in late July and early August) and this may account for only three being seen. By late summer breeding birds and their young would have dispersed. In the winter of 2006, six birds were seen at the Hammar Marsh. It is evident that southern Iraq is a very important breeding and wintering area for this Middle Eastern species. Iraq Babbler (Turdoides altirostris): This Mesopotamian endemic has recently extended its range to Syria and Turkey, indicating that an expansion northwards has occurred, particularly along the Euphrates River. During all the marshland surveys, it was frequently encountered in small numbers in Phragmites reed beds in most sites visited, suggesting a healthy population. Finally, it is worthy of mention that several species of waterbirds observed during the winter surveys were in good numbers, especially waterfowl, herons, their allies and waders with Gadwall (Azas strepera), Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata), Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) and Eurasian Teal (Aas crecca) being the most common ducks. Of particular note among other waterbirds were the large flocks of Great White Pelicans (Pelecanus onocrotalus) — up to 1800 and Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) — up to 512. The most common wader was the Ruff (Philomachus pugnax), with one flock totaling 3120 individuals. Other linked conservation developments A comprehensive bird field guide: In November 2006, Nature Irag and BirdLife In- ternational published a field guide, “The Birds of Iraq” (Salim et al. 2006). This book was derived from the text and colour plates of the Arabic and English language versions of the publication “Birds of the Middle East” (Porter et al. 1996, 2006). Covering the A summary of birds recorded in the marshes of southern Iraq, 2005-2008 217 387 species recorded in Iraq, this is the first comprehensive bird guide for an Arabic- speaking country. With the support of several international agencies, “Birds of Iraq” has been distributed to biologists, conservationists and students in Iraq and is now the definitive bird identification tool for those undertaking the KBA surveys. A children’s book: Also in 2006 Nature Iraq published a children’s book on birds, supported and encouraged by the Ministry of Environment. It has been distributed to schools throughout the southern governorates of Iraq. Sustainable Hunting Education Program: Considerable hunting pressure on globally threatened species (notably Macqueen’s Bustard and Marbled Duck) was wit- nessed during the KBA surveys. As a result, Nature Iraq has started a poster-backed campaign to educate those hunters in the southern marshes in an attempt to reduce indiscriminate hunting of endangered species. Conclusions The most encouraging finding of the 2005 to 2008 KBA bird surveys is that no bird species has become extirpated in the southern marshes of Iraq despite the drainage and water flow reductions of the previous 25 years. Out of 159 bird species noted in these surveys, some 34 species are of “conservation concern” including eight species that are “globally threatened”. Indeed, many species appear to still have healthy breeding and wintering populations. What may be Iraq’s most important species, the globally endan- gered Basra Reed Warbler, was found in good numbers in several areas. It was also excit- ing to discover that the African Darter, Sacred Ibis and Goliath Heron still breed here. Moreover, key results of this work include the: (a) establishment of a good foun- dation for national biodiversity programs; (b) creation of a significant baseline for a national biodiversity assessment; (c) assisting the capacity of the Government of Iraq to make sound decisions on future environmental management areas, creation of pro- tected areas and the nomination of additional Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention (as now successfully done for Hawizeh Marsh); and (d) initiation of science and public awareness initiatives. Recommendations As the southern marshes of Iraq are a critical refuge for at least eight globally threatened bird species and 26 additional species of birds of conservation concern, it is recom- mended that: — Both summer and winter bird population monitoring should continue in the southern marshes (and now in northern Kurdistan KBA sites) of Iraq, to strength- en the reliability of bird data accumulated over the 2005 to 2008 period; — Long-term monitoring of habitats using bird species as key biological indicators of the health of the southern marshes and other biologically important areas of Iraq 218 Mudhafar Salim, Richard Porter & Clayton Rubec/ BioRisk 3: 205-219 (2009) should continue and should be seen as a vital source of biodiversity management information; — The results of these surveys should be used to help in the appraisal of the recovery of the southern marshes in general and for these bird species in particular; — The results of these surveys should be used to facilitate identification of protected areas and local community-based biodiversity management programs that can as- sist in establishing economic opportunities for those communities; and — Monitoring of bird species and key habitat areas through the further extension of the KBA Project into additional areas of Iraq (as now being done in Kurdistan in northern Iraq) should be considered when it is feasible and safe. Acknowledgements The surveys supporting the Key Biodiversity Project have involved many individuals over the 2005 to 2008 period. Bird observations in the four-year period at different times have been led by Mudhafar Salim, Korsh Ararat and by Omar Fadhel. This paper draws on the field report developed by Abdulhasan and Salim (2008). The membership of the winter and summer 2008 Nature Iraq (NI) KBA survey team in the southern marshes of Iraq included: Basim M. Hubain, Ministry of Environment (MoE), Kad- hum Jawad (NI trainee), Mohammed Turkey (NI trainee), Mudhafar A. Salim (NI), Muzher Shibl (NI), Nabeel A. Abdulhasan (NI), Omar Fadhel and Sadiq Hadi (NI trainee). The authors also wish to thank Azzam Alwash the Director of Nature Iraq for his support, Mike Evans of BirdLife International for helpful discussion and Anna Bachmann, the NI project manager as well as Justin Davies and Leah Malone who as- sisted with report editing. 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