BIODIVERSITY SURVEY REPORT in the MARSHES of SOUTHERN IRAQ (Summer 2017)

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BIODIVERSITY SURVEY REPORT IN THE MARSHES OF SOUTHERN IRAQ (Summer 2017)

Biodiversity Survey Report In The Marshes of Southern Iraq (Summer 2017)

Presented by IRAQI MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND ENVIROENMNT

In cooperation with IREAQI GREEN CLIMATE ORGNIZATION (IGCO)

This report has been prepared to summarize the information of the biodiversity in the marshes of southern Iraqi marshes obtained during summer survey 2017 preformed by the Iraqi Ministry of Health and Environment in cooperation with Iraqi Green Climate Organization (IGCO).

Iraqi Ministry of Health and Environment Baghdad, Iraq Website: www.moen.gov.iq

Iraqi Green Climate Organization (IGCO) Baghdad, Iraq Website: www.iraqigreenclimate.org

Photograph on the front cover: Iraq Babbler Argya altirostris, a range restricted resident breeding birds in the marshes of southern Iraq © Omar Al-Sheikhly.

AKNOWLEDGENMTS

This report would not have been accomplished without the efforts of many people who participated and joined the field surveys activities who all unite by a desire to preserve the natural resources of the marshes of southern Iraq. We would like to thank her Excellency Dr. Adiyla Hamoud, the Iraqi Minister of Health and Environment for her contentious support to the marshes of southern Iraq and conservation of its natural resources. We are grateful to Dr. Jassim Al-Falahi, the Technical Deputy Minister of the Iraqi Ministry of Health and Environment for the Environmental Affairs for his wise supervision and highly esteemed instructions to conserve and protect the marshes of southern Iraq. Our gratitude is dedicated to Shatha K. Khalaf, the General Director of the Technical Directory of the Iraqi Minister of Health and Environment; without her support this work would not be accomplished. We would like to thank Mukhtar K. Haba (IGCO/CEO), Omar F. Al-Sheikhly (IGCO/Technical Director), Nadheer A. Fazaa (IGCO/Technical Advisor), and the technical staff of the Iraqi Green Climate organization (IGCO) for supporting the field surveys. The IGCO contributions were made through direct field participation, providing technical advising to the surveying teams, and participating in the draft of the current report. The field surveys were performed by the Iraqi Ministry of Health and Environment technical staff: Ali N. Al-Barazangy, Mohammad Fadhil, Waleed K. Abass from the Technical Directory – Baghdad; Ahmad M. Hussain (Environmental Directory-Basra Province); Khidhir A. Al-Kanani (Environmental Directory- Mayssan Province). Moreover, we would like to thank the provincial environmental directors of the environmental directories in southern Iraqi provinces: Samir A. Abdulghafor (Environmental Directory-Mayssan Province), Muhsin Aziz (Environmental Directory- Thi Qar Province), and Ahmad H. Jassim (Environmental Directory- Basra Province). We would also thank Ra’ad H. Al-Assady (Al-Chebaeish Organization for Ecotourism) for his participation in the biodiversity surveys in Thi Qar province.

Table of Contents

AKNOWLEDGENMTS ...... 4 ACRONYMS ...... 7 INTRODUCTION ...... 8 Historical Preview ...... 8 Biodiversity of the Re-inundated Southern Iraqi Marshes ...... 10 MATERAL AND METHODS ...... 15 Survey sites ...... 15 I. Central Marshes ...... 16 II. Al-Hammar Marshes ...... 16 III. Al-Hawizeh Marsh ...... 17 Equipment and Field Procedures and Manuals ...... 21 Field Equipment ...... 21 Field Procedures and manuals ...... 22 A. Macro-invertebrates (Aquatic Insects) ...... 22 B. Fish (Ichthyofauna) ...... 22 C. Amphibians and Reptiles (Herpetofauna) ...... 22 D. Birds (Avifauna) ...... 22 E. Wild Mammals ...... 23 F. Aquatic plants ...... 23 I. The Aquatic Insects of the Marshes of Southern Iraq ...... 24 Order: Coleoptera ...... 24 Order: Hemiptera ...... 24 Order: Odnata ...... 24 Order: Ephemeroptera...... 25 Order Diptera ...... 25 Aquatic insects survey–summer 2017 ...... 25 II. Fish of the Marshes of Southern Iraq ...... 27 Overview ...... 27 Fish Diversity in Al-Hammar Marsh ...... 27

Fish Diversity in the Central Marshes ...... 28 Fish Diversity in Al-Hawizeh Marsh ...... 28 Fish survey–summer 2017 ...... 29 III. Herpetofauna of the Marshes of Southern Iraq ...... 32 Overview ...... 32 Herpetofauna survey–summer 2017 ...... 33 IV. Avifauna of the Marshes of Southern Iraq ...... 36 Bird survey–summer 2017 ...... 38 V. Mammals of the Marshes of Southern Iraq ...... 43 Overview ...... 43 Mammals survey–summer 2017...... 47 VI. Plants of the Marshes of Southern Iraq ...... 51 Plant survey–summer 2017 ...... 52 RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 54 REFERENCES ...... 55

ACRONYMS

CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CIMI Canada-Iraq Marshlands Initiative CMS Convention on Migratory Species CR Critically endangered (IUCN Red List threat category) DD Data-deficient (IUCN Red List threat category) EBA Endemic Bird Area EN Endangered (IUCN Red List threat category) GIS Geographical Information System IBA Important Bird Area IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature KBA Key Biodiversity Area LC Least concern (IUCN Red List threat category) IMoHEn Iraqi Ministry of Health and Environment NR Nature Reserve NT Near-Threatened (IUCN Red List threat category) UNEP United Nations Environment Programme VU Vulnerable (IUCN Red List threat category) WH World Heritage WHC World Heritage Convention WWF Worldwide Fund for Nature RAMSAR The Convention on Wetlands UNESCO The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization IGCO Iraqi Green Climate Organization

INTRODUCTION

Historical Preview

The biodiversity is the variety of living forms in a certain area and represented by the number of existing species (Brönmark and Hansson, 2005). However, Dudgeon et al. (2006) highlighted five major impacts affecting on biodiversity in wetlands general: (I) the fluctuation of the water levels; (II) The overexploitation; (III) water pollution; (IV) habitat destruction and fragmentation; (V) and the influence of the invasive species. Rader et al. (2001) indicated that anthropogenic pollution and environmental stress will reduce the biological productivity of the wetland communities which will led to changes in their communities, reduction of their optimal nutritional activities, reduction in the richness and abundance of the endogenous species especially the most sensitive species, and increase in the number of invasive and exotic species (Hussain 2014).

The previous field studies in the Iraqi marshes indicated that the area is occupying a broad range of biodiversity with large numbers of species especially in Al-Hammar Marsh where the salinity reaches high levels in comparison with other marshes (Central and Hawizeh marshes). The level of biodiversity in the Iraqi marshes was noticed within the range of fluctuation between the flood and drainage seasons (Al-Hili 1977; Richardson et al. 2005). There was a historical gradual increase in the salinity level of the marshes of southern Iraq noticed by Maulood et al. (1979); however, Al-Saadi et al. (1981) record an increase in the salinity of 0.6ppt to reach 6.3ppt during 10 years. These levels were elevated later to reach more than 8ppt especially in summer and autumn of 2008 and 2009 (Al-Rikabi 1992). Bush (2000) recorded an increase in the total suspended matters (solids and organic partials) and reduction in water flow in southern Iraqi marshes. The increase of the salinity in the southern marshes combined with high levels of total suspended solids has led to disappearance of endogenous fresh water fish species Barbus grypus and B. xanthopterus. There is a scarcity of information related to the biodiversity of the Iraqi marshes (Hussain 2014). The pervious literatures were focused on the water quality, phytoplankton and zooplankton diversity, the primary

8 productivity of phytoplankton and zooplanktons, macro-invertebrates; and birds of the marshes of southern Iraq. Yet, less attention were made toward micro-invertebrates, insects, and herpeto fauna. The regularly updated checklists of flora and fauna of the southern Iraqi marshes are still few; many of such checklists were extracted from the master checklists if Iraqi fauna vertebrates of Iraq Mahdi & George (1969). Regardless, few updated checklists were recently published such as Salim et al. (2012); Al-Sheikhly et al. (2015) and Al-Barazangi et al. (2015). However, these checklists were general and covered the geographical area of Iraq not specific for the fauna and flora of the marshes. Prior 2003, the previous studies were mainly related to the biological aspects of the economic freshwater fish species of the southern Iraqi marshes such as Barak & Mohammad (1983); Ahmed et al. (1984); Naama et al. (1986); Al- Sayab (1988); Al-Kanani (1989). The marshes of southern Iraq were described as hot spot for breeding of many freshwater and marine fish species especially those of economic value (Hussain & Ali 2006). After 2003, few field surveys related to the water quality, aquatic plants, phytoplankton and zooplanktons, micro and macro-invertebrates, fishes, reptiles and amphibians, birds, and mammals were carried out by the Iraqi Ministry of Health and Environment in cooperation with related non-governmental environmental organizations.

Biodiversity of the Re-inundated Southern Iraqi Marshes

After 2003, The salinity level of the southern Iraqi marshes were elevated due to many reasons such as the sacristy of water inputs from Tigris and Euphrates rivers and their tributaries, reduction in the annual rain ratio, the increase of the salinity of Euphrates River combined with the increase of the solubility of the marshes sedimentation salts which caused by 13 years of drainage (Hussain 2014). Al-Maarofi et al. (2012) discussed the increased salinity in the marshes of southern Iraq and interpreted due to three factors: (I) the reduce of the water quality from the river inputs; (II) the tidal flow of marine water from the Arabian Gulf inside the marshes through Shatt Al-Arab; (III) the high level of sedimentation salts due to long period of drainage. The contentious increase of the salinity levels of the southern Iraqi marshes represents a replant (limiting factor) to many endogenous unique freshwater species. Richardson et al. 2005 analyzed samples from the surface water and soils of the southern Iraqi marshes. He indicated the presence of small levels of Poly Chlorinated Hydrocarbons (PAHs). This revealed that Iraqi marshes are generally still unpolluted habitats for biodiversity. However, the water salinity is representing a major impact on the marshes biodiversity and essential for its future rehabilitation (Hussain 2014). Many species were returned to the re-inundated southern Iraqi marshes along with water flow inputs but with varying levels. Most of aquatic plants, macro- invertebrates, fish and bird species were re-occupied the re-inundated marshes but in small densities compared with the period before the marshlands drainage during 2004-2005 (ARDI 2006; IMRP 2006). Many of those are river species were drifted by water flow within Tigris and Euphrates river inputs. The newly present species are different than endogenous species adapted to the marshes thousands of years which evolved to the level of subspecies or race such as the Iraq’s Smooth-coated Otter Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli (Al-Sheikhly et al. 2017; Moretti et al. (2017) and Long-tailed Nesokia Nesokia bunnii Krystufek et al. (2017).

The integrity and healthier ecosystems is measured by the presence of the rare endemic species; yet, by the presence of common species. The rare species is performing as a bio indicator species sensitive to any environmental disturbance which when stressed can be either reduced in number or extinct. Hussian (2014) compared five species of common aquatic plants,

10 fish, and bird species in Hawizeh Marsh (partially drained marshland) with other drained marshes (Central Marshes and Eastern and Western Al-Hammar). He found similarities in the species communities of both Eastern and Western AL-Hammar Marsh. The species biodiversity of Eastern Al-Hammar Marsh is different than other marshes. These difference explained by the influence of tidal flow of the Arabian Gulf, differences in the primary productivity, and the nature of the brackish water of Eastern Al-Hammar Marsh. Hawizeh Marsh is hosting less numbers of dominate aquatic plants with noticeable dominancy of Common Reed Phragmites australis and Ceratophyllum demersum in open areas, while Al-Hammar Marsh is hosting large number of halophytic plant species. When Jaccard similarity index (Jaccard Similarity coefficient) applied in Eastern and Western Al-Hammar Marshes indicated that aquatic plant species were similar. However, the index showed that plant species in Western Al-Hammar Marsh was 23% less similar (Richardson & Hussaun 2006).

The biodiversity in the re-inundated southern marshes of Iraq has attracted the attention of many researchers; however, still little is known about certain biota the marshes such as fungi, invertebrates (annelids and aquatic insects) and wild mammals. The biodiversity in the Iraqi marshes is considered low when it compared with other wetlands in the world (Hussain 2014). Scott (1994) recorded total of 109 genera of aquatic insects in the marshes of southern Iraq before the drainage compared with 45 fish species recorded in recent surveys. More than 100 species of Macro-invertebrates were reported for the southern Iraqi marshes. There were mainly from the anthropoids that were reported by Sultan (1992) and Scott (1995). The density of theses anthropods in Western Al-Hammar was 1.5 times more than in Hawizeh Marsh. More than of 60 species of Macro-invertebrates were recorded in Western Al-Hammar Marsh while 42 species were recorded in Eastern Al-Hammar Marsh. Total of 29 fish species were recorded in Eastern Al-Hammar Marsh (14 freshwater species and 15 marine species). However, the less number (15) of freshwater fish species were recorded in Hawizeh Marsh (ARDI 2006). The higher score of Jaccard similarity index for fish diversity between Western Al-Hammar and Hawizeh Marsh was 73% and 65% between Hawizeh and Eastern Al-Hammar (reaches 94% if marine fish species excluded) (Hussain 2014). The field surveys in the re-inundated marshes of southern Iraq revealed several fish species of economic value such as the Binni

Mesopotamichthys (Barbus) sharpeyi. They were few numbers and small sizes Binni which indicate that they were drifted by the water current of Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The introduced Carassius auratus represented 20% of fish catch in Western Al-Hammar and 46% in Hawizeh Marsh. However, the fish catch value in the re-inundated marshes was less than its values before the drainage. The Mesopotamian (Tigris) Catfish Silurus triostegus represented 60% of fish catch in the re-inundated marshes. The Catfish is a predatory fish species and has no-economic values for Marsh Arabs. It consumption as food item is prohibited in southern Iraq due to religious beliefs. The reason of why the predatory fish species became dominant over the other herbivores and omnivores fish species is explained by the long period of the marshlands drainage, shortage of food resources such as organic debris which led to unstable and critical aquatic food chains (Hussain 2014). The increased number of resident and migratory bird populations in the re-inundated marshes is a measurable indicator of the improvement of southern Iraqi marshes ecosystems. In 2004-2005 field surveys related to the birds of the southern Iraqi marshes were conducted. Total of 56 bird species were recorded compared with total of 84 bird species recorded before the drainage (Scott 1995). Total of 53 bird species were recorded in Hawizeh Marsh while 29 bird species in Eastern Al-Hammar Marsh. The numbers of bird were noticeably increased during 2005 winter surveys, number of globally threatened and conservation concern species were recorded such as the Marbled Duck Marmaronetta angustirostris but in few numbers. Salim et al. (2009) surveyed the water birds in 28 re-inundated marshlands during winter 2005 and recorded 74 bird species with 10 globally threatened species in which have not been recorded during 25 years. The migratory waterfowl were remarkably increased; the statistical analysis reveled of 88% increase in migratory duck population at the end of 2006; however, less than the historical numbers (ARDI 2006). The Jaccard similarity index score of bird species was 64% between Hawizeh and Western Al-Hammar. The individuals’ numbers of each species in summer were few (50 individuals) except Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Squacco heron Ardeola ralloides, and Pygmy Cormorants Microcarbo pygmeus. Since Hatt (1959), very few updated checklist of mammals fauna of the Iraqi marshes were made. A solitary field study was made by Haba (2009) and covered the area of has revealed the persistence of Iraq’s endemic mammal taxa such as

Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli and Nesokia bunnii. However, the comprehensive checklist of Al-Sheikhly & Haba (2014) and Al-Sheikhly et al. (2015) highlighted the main mammal species occupied the geographical eco-region of the marshes of southern Iraq (Table 1).

Table 1: Biodiversity with total number of species recorded in the marshes of Southern Iraq during (2005-2012) from Hussain (2014).

Central Marshes Al-Hammar Marsh Hawizeh (Middle Euphrates Biota References Marsh Western Al- Eastern Al- Wetlands are Hammar Marsh Hammar Marsh included) Taqi (2006); ARDI (2006); Hassan et al. Aquatic Insects 10 23 11 40 (2001); Al-Khazali (2012) Abed et al. (2009); Hussain et al. (2009); Fish 17 14 39 14 Mohammad et al. (2008b); Mohammad et al. (2012) Amphibians 2 2 2 - ARDI (2006) Reptiles 3 2 3 - Birds 62 53 77 - Salim et al. (2005;2008); Al-Habeeb (2008)

Mammals 10 2 16 9 Haba (2009); NI (2012)

MATERAL AND METHODS

 Survey sites

The Iraqi Marshes is situated within the geographical range of 44.33°45.22' N and 33.44°32.42' and consist from three main marshlands: (I) Central Marshes: (II) Al-Hammar Marshes (divided in to Eastern and Western parts); (III) Al-Hawizeh Marsh (Table 2; Fig.3). The area size of the marshes of southern Iraq is varying based on the water levels inputs and annual and seasonal rain ratios. The area size estimations were varied from 8000 km2-20000km2 (Al-Mansori 2008; Hussian 2014). These main marshlands were delineated and nominated as UNESCO World Heritage sites on 17th of July 2016. During the biodiversity summer survey 2017, total of 23 sites situated within the core and buffer geographical zones of the marshes of southern Iraq were selected. The surveys covered eight sub-sites in the Central Marshes (c), six sites in Western Al- Hammar Marsh (WH), three sites in Eastern Al-Hammar Marsh (EH), and seven sites in Hawizeh Marsh (HW) (Table 3; Fig. 3). The surveys were performed in July-August 2007. The selection of the sites and sub-sites which were prioritized for biodiversity surveys in summer 2017 was based on: sites have been designated as sites important for resident and migratory birds based on Important Bird Areas (IBAs) criteria which highlighted by Evans (1994) and Birdlife International (2017*); and /or sites being selected based on Key biodiversity Areas (KBAs) criteria designated by Nature Iraq (2017) in which identified as sites of national and international importance for their biological diversity (Fig 1; 2).

Table 2: The estimated area size of the marshes of southern Iraq based on Al-Mansori 2008

Iraqi Marshes Province Estimated areas size Al-Hammar Marsh Basra , Thi Qar 3244 – 4344 km2 Centrakl Marshes Basra, Thi Qar, Mayssan 4344 km2 Hawizeh Marsh Basra, Mayssan 4444 km2

*Birdlife International: http://datazone.birdlife.org/home

I. Central Marshes The Central Marshes area can be delineated in the triangle zone between Nassiryah city and Qurna, bordered by the Tigris River from the east and Euphrates River from the west. The length of the Central Marshes is c.100km and the average width is c.30km. It is supplied with water from the Tigris River and its tributaries which forming vast wetlands with open freshwater lakes lined with dense reed beds such as Zichri, Um Al-Binani and Baghdadiya lakes. The central Marshes have a significant ecological importance as it holds a remarkable biodiversity. It has been identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) due to the presence of many globally threatened bird species such as the near endemic-endangered Basra Reed Warbler Acrocephalus griseldis and Marbled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris which both breed in dense reed beds. Many migratory raptors which are wintering in the Central Marshes can be observed such as the Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca, Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga, and Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis. Moreover, the Central Marshes is a key breeding site for the Endangered Euphrates softshell turtle Rafetus euphraticus. A portion of the Central Marshes was designated to be Iraq’s first National Park and the area was listed as RAMSAR site in 7/4/2014.

II. Al-Hammar Marshes Al-Hammar Marsh is the largest wetlands in southern Iraq; it is situated to the south of the Euphrates River and extends from ThiQar Province in the west to the edges of Basra city on the banks of Shatt Al-Arab in the east. It is bordered from the south by the main drainage canal and southern desert from the west. The length of the Al-Hammar Marsh is c.123 km and the average width is c.26-35km. It consists of shallow marshes and seasonal wetlands ranging from 1.8-2.7m in depth. Al-Hammar Marsh starts to become narrow in the middle near the Rumaila oilfields called Eastern and Western Al-Hammar. The Western Al-Hammar is supplied with water from the Euphrates River and the Eastern Al-Hammar from Shatt Al-Arab. Therefore, the Eastern Al- Hammar was identified as a tidal marsh affected by the tidal flow from the Arabian Gulf through Sahtt Al-Arab. It was designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) due to large flocks of wintering and passage migrating birds that use the site. Al-Hammar Marsh was listed as RAMSAR site in 7/4/2014.

III. Al-Hawizeh Marsh Hawizeh Marsh is situated to the south-eastern edge of the Tigris River and the national Iraq- Iran border passes through it. The Iraqi part is called Hawizeh while the Iranian part is called the Al-Azem (Uzem) Marsh. The length of Hawizeh is c. 81km and the average width is c.30km. Hawizeh is supplied with water from the Tigris River through several tributaries near Emara city which are Al-Mushrah and Kahla’a Rivers. Previously, Al-Karkha River was supplying Hawizeh with water but its water was drained due to dams in Iran in 2005. Um Al- Na’aj Lake is the largest open fresh water lake in Hawizeh; its depth reaches c.3m and 10% of its area has survived the drainage of the 1990s. Hawizeh is an Important Bird Area (IBA) due to the presence of c. 40 breeding bird species and more than 90 migratory species. It is the only site in the region where the Vulnerable and Globally Threatened Iraq’s Smooth-coated Otter Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli is present. Hawizeh was listed as a RAMSAR site in 17/10/2007.

Figure 1: The major marshlands, cities, and townships in Southern Iraq based on Canada-Iraq Marshlands Initiative © Keith Holms

Figure 2: The areas of the UNESCO World Heritage site in Southern Iraq (source: https://water.fanack.com/specials/iraqi-marshes/outlook/)

Table 3: Selected site for biodiversity surveys-summer 2017.

No. Site Site Coordinates Marshland area Province code 1 Al-Fadheliya WH-1 30°58'8.95"N 46°19'59.36"E Al-Fadheliya Western Al-Hammar Marsh 2 Al-Khamessiyah WH-2 30°47'28.21"N 46°23'29.60"E Suq Al- Western Al-Hammar Marsh Sheyookh 3 Kermashiyah WH-3 30°52'0.01"N 46°33'26.94"E Garmatt Bani Western Al-Hammar Marsh (Entrance) Saeed 4 Kermashiyah (Khir WH-4 30°49'54.03"N 46°34'14.73"E Garmatt Bani Western Al-Hammar Marsh Al-Jassaim) Saeed 5 Kermashiyah WH-5 30°48'36.43"N 46°36'16.53"E Garmatt Bani Western Al-Hammar Marsh eastern Saeed embankment 6 Kermashiyah WH-6 30°48'43.55"N 46°36'28.82"E Garmatt Bani Western Al-Hammar Marsh Thi Qar Western Saeed 7 Abu Zirig (Northern C-1 30°59'10.48"N 46°42'56.52"E Al-Fohod Central Marshes part) 8 Abu Zirig (Southern C-2 31° 2' 32.23"N 46°39'6.36"E Al-Islah Central Marshes part) 9 Big Himara (Himara C-3 31° 0'15.90"N 47° 0'57.03"E Chebaeish Central Marshes Al-Kabera) 9 Baghdadiyah lake C-4 31° 1'54.88"N 47° 2'9.30"E Chebaeish Central Marshes (Berkatt Al- Baghdaddiyah) 10 Auda Marsh-1 C-5 31°36'2.89"N 46°50'31.51"E Maymonah Central Marshes 11 Auda Marsh-2 C-6 31°35'19.65"N 46°50'53.24"E Maymonah Central Marshes 12 Glory River (Al-Ez C-7 31°17'19.17"N 47°20'17.97"E Maymonah Central Marshes river) Mayssan 13 Glory River (Al-Ez C-8 31°27'22.56"N 47° 5'38.86"E Maymonah Central Marshes river) 14 Um Al-Niaj lake HW -1 31°37'18.83"N 47°36'34.26"E Kahla’a Hawizeh Marsh (Berkatt Um Al-Niaj)

15 Um Al-Niaj lake HW-2 31°37'4.16"N 47°34'40.54"E Kahla’a Hawizeh Marsh (near the level measurement ruler) 16 Um Al-Niaj lake HW -3 31°38'16.91"N 47°38'36.92"E Kahla’a Hawizeh Marsh (Haur Abu Ethba) 17 Al-Daub (Dob) area HW -4 31°34'3.06"N 47°31'38.16"E Qalatt Salih Hawizeh Marsh 18 Al-Edheam HW -5 31°42'27.94"N 47°44'44.27"E Al-Musharah Hawizeh Marsh 19 Al-Soda (Al suada) HW -6 31°38'43.79"N 47°35'20.31"E Al-Musharah Hawizeh Marsh 20 Lessan Ejerda HW -7 31°17'13.06"N 47°34'23.20"E Al-Ezair (Uzair) Hawizeh Marsh (Ejerd’a) 21 Al-Shafi EH-1 30°50'26.65"N 47°30'54.62"E Shafi Eastern Al-Hammar Marsh 22 Mashab and Salal EH-2 30°35'41.68"N 47°41'42.12"E Qurna Eastern Al-Hammar Marsh rivers Basrah (Basra) 23 Shelajiyah and EH-3 30°40'25.58"N 47°30'24.44"E Qurna Eastern Al-Hammar Marsh Nagarah

Figure 3: Google earth map shows the surveys sites in the southern marshes of Iraq-Summer 2017 (Green pinpoint; Western Al-Hammar Marsh; Red: Central Marshes; Blue: Al-Hawizeh Marsh; Yellow: Eastern Al-Hammar Marsh)

 Equipment and Field Procedures and Manuals

Field Equipment In order to document the different biota, habitats, and surveying activities; the following field equipment were used during the biodiversity surveys in the marshes of Southern Iraq during summer 2017 (Table 4).

Table 4: List of the field equipments used in biodiversity survey-summer 2017

Equipment Number used Ownership Multimedia-Optics-Photographic provisional camera 4 IMoHEn; IGCO Multimedia-Optics-Video recording Camera 1 IGCO Multimedia-Optics-GoPro overhead camera 1 IGCO Multimedia-Optics-Field Camera Traps 3 IGCO Optics-Binoculars 2 IMoHEn; IGCO Optics-Spotting Scope 1 IMoHEn; IGCO Field Sampling-Insects Arial nest 1 IGCO Field Sampling-small birds mist nest 1 IGCO Field Sampling traps (Sherman’s Traps) 10 IGCO Field Sampling traps (Tomahawk live Tarp) 5 IGCO Global Positioning System locating device (GPS) 2 IMoHEn; IGCO Software-Global Information System (GIS mapping) 1 IMoHEn used only for Ecotourism routs tracking

Field Procedures and manuals

A. Macro-invertebrates (Aquatic Insects) Information on Macro-invertebrates especially Hexapoda (Aquatic Insects) diversity of the marshes of southern Iraq will be obtained from the historical literature, published data, specimens available in the Iraqi Natural History Research Center and Museum-University of Baghdad, and field surveys were preformed. Specimens (order: Odnata) were collected for further identification. The main reference(s) used for insect identification is Berwesh (1965).

B. Fish (Ichthyofauna) Information on fish diversity of the marshes of southern Iraq will be obtained from the historical literature, published data; specimens available in the Iraqi Natural History Research Center and Museum-University of Basra, College of Agriculture, and College of Marian Science- University of Basra. Filed surveys were performed in order to: (I) Make a list of presence- absence (+,-) of fish species and evaluate the status of the recorded fish species such as endemics (native), Introduced, threatened fish species; (II) Interviews with local fishermen about the fish catch, abundant species, collecting and photographing samples. The main reference(s) used for fish identification is Coad (2010) and Coad, B. Freshwater Fishes of Iraq website: www.briancoad.com

C. Amphibians and Reptiles (Herpetofauna) Information on amphibians and reptiles diversity of the marshes of southern Iraq will be obtained from the historical literature, published data, and specimens available in the Iraqi Natural History Research Center and Museum-University of Basra. Filed surveys were performed in order to: (I) Make a list of presence-absence (+,-) of amphibian and reptile species; (II) few samples of Geckonida were collected for further identification. The main reference(s) used for amphibians and reptiles identification are Khalaf (1959) and Al-Barazangi et al. (2015)

D. Birds (Avifauna) Information on bird diversity of the marshes of southern Iraq will be obtained from the historical literature, and published data. Filed surveys were performed in order to: (I) Make a

22 list of presence-absence (+,-) of observed bird species. The main reference(s) used for bird identification are Svensson et al. (2010) and Salim et al. (2012)

E. Wild Mammals Information on wild mammals’ diversity of the marshes of southern Iraq will be obtained from the historical literature, published data, and specimens available in the Iraqi Natural History Research Center and Museum-University of Baghdad. Filed surveys (day and night) were performed in order to: (I) Make a list of presence-absence (+,-) of diurnal and nocturnal wild mammal species; (II) few samples of Rodentia were collected for further identification. The main reference(s) used for wild mamma identification is Al-Sheikhly and Haba (2014).

F. Aquatic plants Information on aquatic plant diversity of the marshes of southern Iraq will be obtained from the historical literature, published data, specimens available in the Iraqi Natural herbarium, and field surveys were preformed. The main reference(s) used for insect identification is Townsend & Guest (1966‐1985)

I. The Aquatic Insects of the Marshes of Southern Iraq

The aquatic insects are contributing in a major role in the marshland ecosystem and food webs (Hussain 2914). Little is known about the insect fauan of the marshes of southern Iraq. Some of the aquatic insect order have been identified form the marshes of southern Iraq; however, its habitat were not fully covered. Most of the aquatic insect researches in Iraq were general checklists or list of insects of certain areas within the geographical area of the marshes. However, several aquatic insect orders have been recorded in the marshes of southern Iraq.

Order: Coleoptera Abudal-Karim (1987) collected 24 species of aquatic insures all were belong to the family Dytiscidae from Eastern Al-Hammar Marsh. Hassan et al. (2001) recorded four species from the family Dytiscidae, and one species from the family Hydrophilidae which were found on the macrophytes in Eastern Al-Hammar Marsh. Geraci et al. (2011) recorded Enochrus melanocephalus, Agabus paludosus, and Parapamus sp. in the re-inundated marshes.

Order: Hemiptera This order includes four species found in the marshes of southern Iraq Belostomatidae, Corixidae, Notonectidae, and Gerridae. Two families were recorded from Eastern Al-Hammar Marsh which: (I) Vellidae which includes one species Velia sauli , and (II) Belostomatidae which includes the species Belostoma cordofanum which was commonly found around the city of Basra before the marshland drainage. This species population was dramatically reduced in after the marshlands inundation in 2003 (Hussain 2014). Geraci et al. (2011) recorded the species Sigara septemlineata, Mesovelia furcata, and Plea minutissima.

Order: Odnata The dragonflies are considered flagship and bio-indicator insect species for the wetlands (Husssian 2014). Many species frown the order Odnata are a predatory insects and playing a major role in the aquatic ecosystems. Several families were recorded in the marshes of southern Iraq such as the (I) sub-order Anisoptera which includes the families Aeshnidae, Gomphidae (has one species Gomphus similimus), Libellulidae, and Leatidae; (II) Sub-order

Zygoptera which includes Coenagrionidae. Geraci et al. (2011) recorded Anax parthenops, Crocothemis servilla, C. ertythraea, Crocothemis spp. Brachythemis fuscorpalliata, Orthetrum chrysostigma, Sympetrum sanguineum, Miathyria marcella, and Ishnura evansi.

Order: Ephemeroptera Only one species recorded in the marshes which is Baetis spp. (Hussain 2014)

Order Diptera Several species belong to this order were recorded in the marshes of southern Iraq especially those belong to the family Chironomidae which includes 10 genera and 10 species. The species of this family have a significant role in the aquatic ecosystem. It is considered as food items for fish and other aquatic vertebrates (Hussain 2014). Hassan et al. (2000) recorded Chironomus piger, C. plumosus, C. Lacunarius, C. Cricotopus, C. bicinctus, C. sylvestris in Eastern Al-Hammar Marsh. One species C. aprilinus were added by Geraci et al. (2011).

Aquatic insects survey–summer 2017

The Information of the aquatic and terrestrial insects of the Iraqi marshes is still scarce. During the field surveys, several attempts to indentify the observed insect species based on the family levels were made in order to overcome the taxonomic complications and overlooked records. Total of 11 families belonging to seven orders were identified during summer surveys of 2017. However, additional surveys and taxonomic identification on the level of genera and species are recommended (Table 5).

Table 5: List of aquatic and terrestrial insect species recorded in the southern Iraqi marshes during summer survey-2017

No. Order Family Central Marshes Western Al-Hammar Eastern Al- Hawizeh Marsh Marsh Hammar Marsh 1 Dytiscidae + + - - Coleoptera 2 Gyrinidae + - + + 3 Belostomatidae + - - - Hemiptera 4 Gerridae + - + + 5 Aeshnidae + + + + Odnata 6 Libellulidae + + + + 7 Sarcophagidae + + + + Diptera 8 Muscidae + + + + 9 Hymenoptera Vespidae + - + + 10 Mantodea Mantidae - - + - 11 Orthoptera Tetrigoidea + + + +

II. Fish of the Marshes of Southern Iraq

Overview The historical reports and literature did not refer to the fish communities in the southern marshes of Iraq prior the drainage in 2003. However, Al-Sham’a (2005) reported information about the economic fish species that were presented at the local markets in Thi Qar province which were collected before 2003. However, several checklists concerning fish fanua of Iraq were made by Khalaf (1961), Mahdi (1962) Mahdi & George (1969); Coad (1991; 2010), Banister et al. (1994). Al-Faisal (2010) produced a checklist included 53 species belong to 12 families of freshwater fish of Iraq, and he excluded all the synonyms and overlooked records. Fish surveys preformed in 2005 and 2006 indicated that the marshes of southern Iraq are hosting total of 23 fish species in which 14 are native species, five introduced or alien species, and four marine species (ARDI 2006). The native fish species were described as common, while both the marine and the introduced species were described as migrant and occasional species respectfully (Hussain 2014). More recently two introduced alien African freshwater species Oreochromis aureus and Tilapia zilli are widely distributed in the Iraq water which were originated from upper Euphrates basin (Mutlaq & Al-Faisal 2009).

Fish Diversity in Al-Hammar Marsh Fish community of Al-Hammar Marsh consists from common native freshwater river species, introduced species, and migrant marine species. Total of 31 fish species were recorded in Eastern Al-Hammar Marsh, 11 were migrant marine species. However, the numbers of marine species are expected to be higher when salinity level in Eastenr Al-Hammar elevated (Hussain 2014). In Eastern Al-Hammar Marsh, the native fish species consists from 14 species which represents 45% from the total number of individuals of the fish catch. The introduced or alien species consists from six species and represents 14% from the fish catch. The marine migrant species consists from 11 species which represents 36% from the fish catch in Eastern Al- Hammar Marsh (Hussain 2014). Hussain et al. (2008; 2009) showed a correlation between the temperature and the mean number of fish species and the total number of individuals.

However, he showed weak interaction between salinity and fish diversity. Al-Shemary (2008) collected 36 fish species during his study in 2006-2007. The large number of fish was 26 species collected in July and the small number of nine fish species was collected in December. Moreover, Al-Shemary (2008) recorded the occurrence of three marine fish species in Eastern Al-Hammar for the first time in Iraq which were Johnius belengerii; Eluotheronema tetradactylum, Rinaloricaria sp.. Another new record of Aphanius mesopotamicus in the confluence of Qarmatt Ali in Eastern Al-Hammar Marsh was added by Coad (2009).

Fish Diversity in the Central Marshes The fish communities in the Central Mashes namely in Al-Chebaeish Marshes consist from 14 freshwater fish species. Total of 10 species are native and represents 70.6% from fish catch, while four introduced fish species and represents 35.7% from the fish catch. However, this community composition shows an effect of environmental stress on fish population in the Central Marshes (Mohammed et al. 2012).

Fish Diversity in Al-Hawizeh Marsh Fish community in Al-Hawizeh Marsh consists from 80% of native freshwater fish species and 20% of introduced alien fish species. However, total of 15 species were collected from Hawizeh Marsh in which can be categorized in to nine native species, three occasional species, and three accidental species (Hussian 2014). The Cobities linea were collected for the first time from Hawizeh Marsh which seems that was migrated from Al-Azem Marsh in the Iranian side of Al- Hawizeh Marsh. However, five specimens of this fish species were collected and yet it is considered one the rarest fish species in the Iraqi marshes (Abed & Abed 2010). In addition, Coad & Hussain (2006) recorded another fish species Hemiculter leucisculus which was previously recorded form the Iranian inlands and thought to be travelled from the Iranian side in to Hawizeh Marsh.

Fish survey–summer 2017 Total of 20 species of native, introduced, and marine migrant fish species belong to 10 families were recorded during the summer survey 2017 (Table 6). One fish species of conservation concern were recorded in Al-Hawizeh Marsh which was the Binni Mesopotamichthys (Barbus) sharpeyi. This fish species is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN redlist. The Binni is considered one of the economic, traditional, and popular fish species in the Iraqi marshes. Despite Binni is prohibited by the Iraqi fishing regulations, yet, still the most required fish species by almost all fishermen and local people throughout Central and Southern Iraq. Therefore, the species is facing high fishing impact which was clearly observed in Hawizeh Marsh. Large adult fish with range of weight (450 gm-1200 gm) have been recorded in many fish catches along the shores of Hawizeh Marsh during July 2017 (Fig. 4).

The contentious illegal fishing will probably contribute to reduce this species population size in the Iraqi marshes. The Mesopotamian (Tigris) Catfish Silurus triostegus was recorded almost in all fish surveying sites in southern Iraqi marshes. The Catfish is a predatory fish species and has no-economic values for Marsh Arabs. It consumption as food item is prohibited in southern Iraq due to religious beliefs. However, nowadays, Catfish is targeted by local fisherman, stored and packed in large quantities in order to be shipped to the northern Iraqi province where it consumed as food. The contentious and unnecessary fishing of e Mesopotamian (Tigris) Catfish will possibly cause another threat impact on this species population in southern Iraq. Only one specimen of Tigris Mystus Mystus pelusius was accidentally observed in small net fish catch in Um-Al-Niaj Lake in Hawizeh Marsh. However, the alien Tilapia zilli was the most common fish species found in the fish catch in almost in all of the surveying sites.

Figure 4: The Binni Mesopotamichthys (Barbus) sharpeyi in the local fishermen port in Al-Hawizeh Marsh © Omar Al-Sheikhly

Table 6: List of fish species recorded in the southern Iraqi marshes during summer survey-2017

No. Family Species Central Western Al- Eastern Al- Hawizeh Notes Marshes Hammar Hammar Marsh 1 Cyprinidae Acanthobramo marmaid + + - - 2 Alburnus mossulensis + - + - 3 Aspius vorax + - + + 4 Barbus grypus + - - - One specimen 5 Mesopotamichthys - - - + Vulnerable IUCN redlisted species (Barbus) sharpeyi 6 Bagridae Mystus pelusius - - - + One specimen 7 Siluridae Silurus triostegus + + + + 8 Mugilidae Liza abu + + + + 9 Mastacembelidae Mastacembelus + - - + mastacembelus 10 Clupeidae Cyprinus carpio + + + + 11 Carassius auratus + + + - 12 Ctenophrygodon idella - - - + 13 Heteropeneustidae Heteropeneustus fossilis + - + + 14 Poeciliidae Gabusia holbrooki + + + + 15 Poecilio latipinna - + + - 16 Oreochromis aureus + - - + 17 Tilapia zilli + + + + 18 Clupeidae Liza subviridis - - + - 19 Liza carinatas - - + - 20 Sparidae Acanthopagrus latus - - + -

III. Herpetofauna of the Marshes of Southern Iraq

Overview Very few information concerning the herpetofauna of the marshes of southern Iraq prior 2003 were available. The herpetofauna records were restricted to the only few observations made by the researchers in the area of southern marshes during birds and mammals surveys. However, the checklist of amphibians and reptiles of marshes were extracted from the main checklists made by Khalaf (1959) and Mahdi & George (1969). However, the recent herpetofauna checklist published by Al-Barazengy et al. (2015) and Habeeb & Rastegar-Pouyani (2016) support the amphibian and reptile researches in the marshlands area. Amphibians are used as bio-indicators to the water qualities’ and organic pollutant (Hussian 2014). Three species of amphibians were recorded form the Iraqi Marshes: (I) the Eurasian Marsh Frog Pelophylax (Rana) ridibundus; (II) Green Toad Pseudepidalea (bufo) viridis, and (III) Middle East Tree Frog Hyla savignyi (Al-Barazengy et al. 2015). The Middle East Tree Frog was recorded from Hawizeh in 1970s and was recently recorded from the same site (Al-Jabri in litt.; Al-Barazengy et al. (2015). Among the aquatic reptiles of the southern Iraqi marshes is the Caspian Turtle or Striped-neck Terrapin Mauremys caspica caspica was recorded from many sites within the southern marshes especially in Hawizeh Marsh. Another species is probably present in the Iraqi marshlands which is the Western Caspian Turtle or Balkan Terrapin Mauremys rivulata; however, no confirmed record has been reported yet (Hussain 2014). Another subspecies of Caspian Turtle were added by Amr (2009b) which is the Mauremys caspica siebenrocki. Both M. c. caspica and M. c. siebenrocki were evaluated as Near-threatened by Al-Barazengy et al. (2015). The Euphrates Softshell Turtle Rafetus euphraticus which is listed as endangered by the IUCN redlist and regarded as one of the Key biodiversity areas (KBAs) vulnerability criteria of many sites with the marshes. This globally threatened species has been recorded from many sites within the geographical range of the southern Iraqi marshes especially in Hawizeh, Central, Western and Eastern Al-Hammar marshes (Nature Iraq 2017). Yousif (2014) studied the temporal and spatial occurrence of both turtle species in Qarmatt Ali in Eastern Al-Hammar

Marsh in Basra Province and mentioned additional information of the biology of the Caspian Turtle such as its nutritional habits, breeding and eggs laying timing. Another abundant aquatic reptile is the Tessellated Water Snake Natrix tessellata tessellata which was recorded for many sites in the marshes of southern Iraq before the drainage in 2003 (Hussain 2014).

Herpetofauna survey–summer 2017

Total of 13 species were recorded during field surveys of summer 2017. Three amphibians with 10 reptile species were recorded (Table 7). The Middle East Tree Frog Hyla savignyi was recorded in herpetofauna literature from Hawizeh Marsh in 1970s. The recent record indicated the persistence occurrence of this species in southern marshes (Al-Jabri in litt.). The endangered Euphrates Softshell Turtle Rafetus euphraticus was recorded at many sites within the marshes of southern Iraq especially in Abu-Zirig (Central Marshes) and Hawizeh Marsh (Fig. 6). The estimated count (direct visual observations of individuals) is small seasonal pool on the edge of the central marshes in Abu-Zirig were more than 13 individuals. This count qualified the site to be upgraded as KBA site as it meets the KBA vulnerability criterion: presence of critically endangered and endangered species at the site. The large observed number of the Euphrates Softshell Turtle is probably explained by individuals being trapped due to habitat fragmentation. Two IUCN redlist near threated reptile species were recorded: (I) Diadem Snake Spalerosophis diadema cliffordii and (II) Saw-scaled Viper Echis carinatus sochureki (Fig. 5). The first is playing major role in the aquatic ecosystem as it occupies the top of the food chain. However, both species are targeted by Marsh Arabs whatever and whenever it possible. The Saw-scaled Viper is considered a life threatening species and one of the most venomous vipers in the marshes of southern Iraq. The Saw-scaled Viper has caused several casualties among fishermen and locals which make it persistently targeted by Marsh Arabs. The contentious persecution of both species without further management is considered one of the negative impacts on both species populations in southern Iraqi marshes.

Figure 5: Molting juvenile Saw-scaled Viper Echis carinatus sochureki obtained form the western edge of the central Marshes © Omar Al-Sheikhly

Figure 6: Euphrates Softshell Turtle Rafetus euphraticus at Abu-Zirig (Central Marshes) © Ali Al- Al-Barazangy

Table 7: List of the amphibian and reptile species recorded in the southern Iraqi marshes during summer survey-2017

No. English Name Scientific Name Hawizeh Eastern Al- Central Western Al-Hammar Marsh Hammar Marshes Marsh Marsh 1 Green Toad Pseudepidalea (Bufo) viridis - - + - 2 Middle East Tree Frog Hyla savignyi + - - - 3 Eurasian Marsh Frog Pelophylax (Rana) ridibundus + + + + 4 Caspian Pond Turtle Mauremys caspica + + + + 5 Euphrates Softshell Turtle Rafetus euphraticus + + + + 6 Horny-scaled Agama Trapelus ruderatus + - - - 7 Keeled Rock gecko Cyrtopodion scabrum - - - + 8 Yellow-bellied house gecko Hemidactylus flaviviridis - + + - 9 Persian gecko Hemidactylus persicus + + + - 10 Iranian Short-fingered Gecko Stenodactylus affinis - - - + 11 Tessellated water snake Natrix tessellata + + + + 12 Diadem Snake Spalerosophis diadema cliffordii - - + - 13 Saw-scaled Viper Echis carinatus sochureki + - + -

IV. Avifauna of the Marshes of Southern Iraq

The Iraqi Marshes is consider one the most significant areas that hoisting lager numbers of migratory bird species from the northern hemisphere toward Africa especially wader (Evans 1994). Prior the marshlands drainage, most of the historical records concerning the birds of the marshes of southern were restricted on few field observation related to the numbers of migratory waterfowl (Hussain 2014). In comparison with other biota of the marshes of southern Iraq, birds have attracted attention for many researcher and there are several publications and field notes are available up-to-date. Allouse (1953) is considered one of the pioneer bird researches in Iraq. According to Allouse (1960; 1961; 1962) Total of 132 bird species are recorded in the geographical range of the Iraqi marshes. George (1967) and Kinady (1976) added two species of Bewick's swan Cygnus columbianus and the Cotton Pygmy Goose or Cotton Teal Nettapus coromandelianus to the Iraqi Marshes. Further records to the avifauna of Iraqi marshes were added later to reach more than of 134 bird species (Scott 1995). The total estimated numbers of the migratory waterfowl in the overall Iraqi marshes in winter were up to five millions individuals (Scott & Carp 1982). George & Vielliard (1970) added further field observations about the winter migration of water birds in central and southern Iraq. George & Savage (1970) evaluated the status of migratory waterfowl especially ducks in the Iraqi marshes. After 2003, extensive field surveys concerning the birds of southern Iraqi marshes were conducted by Canada-Iraq Marshland Initiative in cooperation with the Iraqi Ministry of Health and Environment and related Iraqi universities. Salim et al. (2009) published a taxonomic checklist of birds recorded in the Iraqi marshes from 2005-2008. The checklist listed 159 species with eight globally threatened species were included. After 2003, large numbers of migratory bird species were noticeably returned to the marshes. Total of (57; 40; 29) bird species were counted during 2004-2005 in Hawizeh, Western Al-Hammar, and Eastern Al-Hammar marshes, respectfully. These counts were increased (62; 53; 53) during 2005-2006 (IMRP 2006). The highest number of waterfowl and other aquatic bird species were recorded in Hawizeh Marsh in compassion with Western and Eastern Al-Hammar marshes. The Pygmy Cormorant

Microcarbo pygmeus was the resident breeding species in Al-Hawizeh Marshe while the Little Egret Egretta garzetta Along with gulls and terns were the dominant species in Western and Eastern Al-Hammar marshes (Abed 2007). Total of 57 bird species were recorded in Al-Saffia sanctuary in the southern part of Hawizeh Marsh by Al-Robaee & Habeeb (2011). The highest counts were made in winter and the total estimated migratory birds were more than 22000 individuals. Both the Pygmy Cormorant and Eurasian Coot Fulica atra were the common bird species in Al-Hawizeh (Al-Robaee & Habeeb 2011). However, the recorded bird species in Al- Safiyah Reserve were listed as 23 resident species, 32 winter/summer visitor species, and only two species identified as passage migrants Al-Robaee & Habeeb (2011).The analysis of data obtained from the bird surveys in the Iraqi marshes indicated that wading birds (waders) represent (53.2%) from the bird counts followed by Anseriformes (16.8%), and Ciconiiformes (14.3%). The Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus was the dominant species among the bird communities with 8.6% relative abundance fallowed by Little Tern Sternula albifrons with 5.8% relative abundance (ARDI 2006; Hussain 2014). Abed (2008) conducted comprehensive field surveys concerning the waterfowl of Western Al-Hammar Marsh during two succession winters. He recorded total of 14 species and showed that Eurasian Wigeon Mareca penelope was the highest relative abundance fallowed by the Gadwall Mareca strepera. Al-Robaae (2006 a; b) compared the feeding and breeding status of aquatic birds of the marshes before and after the marshland drainage in 2003 which was noticeably varying between the two eras. Moreover, the effect of the environmental factors such as temperature and water level had showed a significant impact on the water birds occurrence, abundance, and dispersal in the re- inundated marshes (Abed 2007; Al-Robaee & Habeeb 2011). More recently, and during field surveys in the Fao peninsula in the extreme southern Iraq, two Large-headed gull species, the Steppe Gull Larus (cachinnans) barabensis and Heuglin's (Siberian) Gull Larus (fuscus) heuglini were recorded for Iraq by Al-Sheikhly O. F. and Al-Barazangy (2015). These two taxa are probably passing and foraging over the entire geographical zone of the Iraqi marshes during their winter migration; however, further field observations are required to evaluate the status of both taxa in Iraqi marshes. A recent comprehensive study discussed the bird communities of the Central Marshes were conducted by Fazaa et al. (2017).

Bird survey–summer 2017

According the Birdlife International (2017), total of 377 bird species recorded in Iraq includes 248 landbirds, 25 sea birds, and 128 waterbirds. Iraq has three critically endangered bird species, six endangered, 11 listed as vulnerable, and 18 species were listed as near threatened. Among the critically endangered, the Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris was historically recorded in Al-Hammar marsh (Allouse 1961); there were a major investigation on the status of this species around the region during the past few years. There were no records of this species in Iraq yet; it believed that it is possibly extinct (Porter & Aspinal 2010). During summer 2017 field surveys, total of 71 bird species were recorded around the geographical region of the marshes of southern Iraq (Table 8). One passerine species Basra Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus griseldis which listed as endangered was recorded in good densities almost in all of the surveying sites (Fig. 8). There was a prolonged debate on the breeding ecology of this species in southern Iraqi marshes made by Al-Sheikhly et al. (2013; 2015) and Porter et al. (2015). The surveys recorded also one vulnerable species the Marbled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris in few numbers in Western Al-Hammar Marsh. Three near threatened species were also recorded during summer survey of 2017 which were Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea, and Black tailed Godwit Limosa limosa. The breeding evaluation of the recorded species was no conducted as the surveys were exceeded the timing of bird breeding season in the marshes of southern Iraq. However, few breeding colonies consists mainly from late breeding Ardeidae species such as Purple Heron Ardea purpurea, Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides along with Pygmy Cormorant Microcarbo pygmeus were located in the Western Al-Hammar Marsh (Fig. 7). In addition, several natively breeding juveniles were observed combining the post-breeding molting adults such as Common Moorhen Gallinulua chloropus, Eurasian Coot Fulica atra, Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus, Spur-winged Lapwing Vanellus spinosus, Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus, and White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus. More than 173 individuals of the breeding

Egyptian Nightjar Caprimulgus aegyptius were recorded in transect of 5km on the northern edge of Western Al-Hammar Marsh near the city of Al-Chebaeish.

Figure 7: Pygmy Cormorant Microcarbo pygmeus is a resident breeding bird in Hawizeh Marsh © Ali Al- Barazangy

Figure 8: The adult Basra Reed Warbler Acrocephalus griseldis, and endangered species breeding in the Iraqi marshes © Omar Al-Sheikhly

Table 8: List of the Bird species recorded in the southern Iraqi marshes during summer survey-2017

No. English Name Scientific Name Eastern Al- Al-Hawizeh Central Marshes Western Al- Hammar Marsh Hammar Marsh Marsh 1 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis + + + + 2 Pygmy Cormorant Microcarbo pygmeus + + + + 3 African Darter Anhinga rufa + - - - 4 Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus - - - + 5 Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus + + + + 6 Black-crowned Night-heron Nycticorax nycticorax + + + + 7 Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides + + + + 8 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis + + + + 9 Little Egret Egretta garzetta + + + + 10 Purple Heron Ardea purpurea + - + + 11 Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus + + + - 12 Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus - + - - 13 Marbled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris - - - + 14 Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca + - - - 15 Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus + + - + 16 Common Moorhen Gallinulua chloropus + + + + 17 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra - - + - 18 Purple Swamphen Porphrio porphyrio + - + - 19 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus + + + + 20 Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola + + - - 21 Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus - + - - 22 Spur-winged Lapwing Vanellus spinosus + + - - 23 Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus + + + + 24 White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus + + + + 25 Little Stint Calidris minuta - + - - 40

26 Wood sandpiper Tringa glareola + - - - 27 Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea - + - - 28 Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus + - + - 29 Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis + - + - 30 Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia - + + - 31 Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus + - - - 32 Black tailed Godwit Limosa limosa - - + - 33 Slender-billed Gull Chroicocephalus genei + + + + 34 Common Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus + - - + 35 Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans + - - 36 Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia - + - - 37 Common Tern Sterna hirundo + + + + 38 Little Tern Sterna albifrons + + + + 39 Whiskered Tern Chlidonia hybrida + - - - 40 Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica + - - - 41 White-wing Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus + - + - 42 Rock dove Columba livia + + + + 43 Common Wood pigeon Columba palumbus + + + + 44 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto + + + + 45 Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis + - - - 46 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus + - - - 47 Egyptian Nightjar Caprimulgus aegyptius + + + + 48 White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis + + + + 49 Common Kingfisher Alcedo cristata + + + + 50 Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis + + + + 51 Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus + + + + 52 Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis + + - - 53 European Hoopoe Upupa epops - - + - 54 Crested Lark Galerida cristata + + + + 55 Sand Martin Riparia riparia + + - - 56 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica + - - 57 Western Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava + + - -

58 White-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys + + - - 59 Grey Hypocolius Hypocolius ampelinus - - - + 60 Rufous-tailed Bush Robin Cercotrichas galactotes + + - - 61 Graceful Prinia Prinia gracilis + + + + 62 Basra Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus griseldis + + + + 63 Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus + - + - 64 Caspian reed Warbler Acrocephalus fuscus fuscus + - + - 65 Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis - - + - 66 Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta + - - - 67 Iraq Babbler Argya altirostris + + - - 68 Afghan Babbler Turdoides huttoni + + + + 69 Red-backed shrike Lanius collurio - + + - 70 Mesopotamian Crow Corvus capellanus + - - - 71 House Sparrow Passer domesticus + + + +

V. Mammals of the Marshes of Southern Iraq

Overview There were few records concerning the mammals’ fauna of the Iraqi marshes especially those conducted after the marshland drainage after 2003. However, the pioneer work of Al-Sheikhly et al. (2015) has contributed significantly to the mammalogy work of Iraq. The drainage of the marshes has contributed directly on the distribution and abundance of many endogenous mammal species in the geographical zone of the southern wetlands especially those belonging to the orders of Rodentia and Carnivora. The drainage of the wet area size combined with shortage of water and nutritional resources led to remarkable reduction in prey abundance, reduction of home ranges and dents of many endemic mammal species. In addition, the increased rate of temperature have negatively contributed in the richness and abounded of many chiropteran and aquatic carnivores in which many have reached the brink of extinction (Al-Sheikhly & Haba 2014). The drainage has led to a large extinction of the Smooth-coated Otter, the endemic subspecies L. p. maxwelli and Long-tailed Nesokia. Moreover, the drainage of the marshes has possibly contributed in the 50% reduction of the Mesopotamian (Harrison’s) Gerbil population Gerbillus mesopotamiae in southern Iraq. Haba (2009) surveyed the wild mammals within 30 sites distributed in the geographical zone of southern Iraqi marshes especially around the Central and Al-Hammar Marshes. Haba recorded number of wild mamma species such as Gloden (Asiatic) Jackal, Wild Boar, Cape Hare, and many small rodents and one species from the order Chiroptera: The Naked-rumped Tomb Bat Taphozous nudiventris. Recent surveys preformed by Abass (2013) who studied the wild mammals communities in Eastern Al- Hammar marsh and confiorms the persistence present of European (Common) Otter Lutra lutra and . The marshes of southern Iraq represent a suitable habitat for several mammal species. Al- Sheikhly and Haba (2014) highlighted the marshes of southern Iraq within the geographical distribution of many mammal species. They indicated that were total of seven mammal orders were found within the area of southern marshes.

The marshes of southern Iraq are occupied by several rare, globally threatened, and endemic mammal species. Hayman (1956) described a race L. p. maxwelli of Indian Smooth-coated Otter

43 endemic to the eastern Iraqi marshes and named Iraq’ Smooth-coated Otter or Maxwell Otter. Maxwell’s Otter were recorded for the first time from Hawizeh Marsh through Skin and small cub collected by Gavin Maxwell and deposited in the British Museum of Natural History. The Iraq’s Smooth-coated L. p. maxwelli is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN redlist. The population size of this endemic taxon was reduced dramatically due to habitat destruction and fragmentation, species persecution, and the Iraqi-Iranian conflict. However, small and scattered populations are recently discovered in Hawizeh and Al-Hammar marshes by Al-Sheikhly & Nader (2013). Furthermore, Al-Sheikhly et al. (2015) reported a recent sighting of a male Iraq’s Smooth-coated Otter was trapped near Al-Edheam, in the northern part of Hawizeh Marsh in April 2015. The recent sighting along with combined photographic record represented very rare evidence documenting the occurrence of L. p. maxwelli otter in Iraq since the1950s. In addition, Moretti et al. (2017) investigated the phylogeography of the Smooth-coated otter L. perspicillata to determine its spatial genetic structure for aiding an adaptive conservation management of the species. Three evolutionary significant unites on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) within the L. perspicillata population were uncovered and proved that L. p. maxwelli is not only endemic to Iraq but also the most recent subspecies. More recently, Al-Sheikhly et al. (2017) reported the first photographic record of Iraq’s Smooth-coated otter in the wild was recently obtained from Al-Edheam Marsh at the northern edge of Hawizeh Marsh in southern Iraq (Fig. 9). Other first photographic records for Iraq were of the Eurasian otter Lutra lutra and were obtained in the Al-Hammar Marsh in southern Iraq. Both Iraqi otter species are facing a major decline due to illegal hunting/trapping, habitat loss and fragmentation, thus strong conservation efforts are required to protect their populations in Iraq. Al-Sheikhly et al. concluded that such photographic record of the endemic Iraq’s Smooth-coated Otter will support the Mesopotamian Marshlands to persist and endure as a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.

Figure 9: Iraq’s Smooth-coated Otter Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli, endemic to the southern Iraqi Marshes. © Al-Sheikhly & Haba

Another endemic mammal species restricted to the southern Iraqi marshes is the Long-tailed Nesokia or Bunnii Nesokia Nesokia bunnii. It was described within the genus for the first time for the marshes of southern Iraq. The species is known from five museum vouchers collected between March 1974 and January 1977 from Qurna by Khajuria (1981). The type and the paratype, deposited in the Natural History Research Centre and Museum, University of Baghdad, Iraq, were destroyed during War on Iraq in 2003. Al-Robaae & Felten (1990) indicated that Khajuria’s record represents unique, independent, and endemic rodent species in southern Iraq. However, Harrison & Bates (1991) considered Khajuria’s record as synonyms to adapted to thrive in aquatic landscape. However, the IUCN redlist considered واظهرت النتائج بان the Bunnii Nesokia as endemic rodent of southern Iraq and listed as endangered. More recently, Krystufek et al. (2017) studied the morphological details on three museum specimens in the Senckenberg Institution, Frankfurt a. M., Germany, the results showed that N. bunnii is unique among the Bandicoot rats (Nesokia and Bandicota) in having: (I) rufous dorsal pelage, (II) facial mask of rufous, dark brown, grey and whitish areas, (III) whitish belly which is clearly demarcated along flanks, (IV) ventral hairs white to bases, (V) woolly underfur, (VI) long front

45 claws, and (VII) large tail an-nulation. Similar to N. indica, but in contrast to Bandicota, N. bunnii displays short incisive foramina, posterior margin of hard palate which terminates at the level of the third molar, and robust, hypsodont and laminate molars which lack poste-rior cingula. To objectively define the taxon Krystufek et al. (2017) designated a neotype, which was collected at Saraifa, 30 km north of Qurna, Iraq (Fig. 10).

Figure 10: Museum skins of bandicoot rats in lateral view: a: Nesokia bunnii (SMF 87531); b: N. indica (SMF 48940); c: Bandicota bengalensis (SMF 59081); d: B. savilei (SMF 67755); e: B. indica (SMF 67800). Scale bar = 10 cm. Krystufek et al. (2017)

-are also unique and near مساحات جغرافية The Euphrates Jerboa Allactanga euphratica and endemic rodent species to the marshes of southern Iraq. They occupy the geographical areas of southern marshes and the steppe areas bordering Khuzestan in southern Iran. The drainage of the Iraqi marshes has contributed negatively on both species populations; yet, the Euphrates Jerboa was listed as near-threatened and Mesopotamian Gerbil was listed as least concern by the IUCN redlist, respectfully. However, the IUCN redlist indicated that both species population size and trend are in contentious declining and need further monitoring and assessment. Another rare and globally threatened marshland doweling bat species is the Long-fingered Myotis Myotis capaccinii which is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN redlist. It was recorded from the ruined city of Kish on the edge of the Iraqi marshes which is the only confirmed occurrence

46 of this species in Iraq (Al-Sheikhly et al. 2015). However, no further records of Long-fingered Myotis in Iraq have been made yet. Several mammal species are found on the edge of the Iraqi marshes, namely the Wild Boar Sus scrofa, where large herds observed along many places within the geographical range of the marshes of southern Iraq. Drower (1949) indicated that large herds of wild boars inhabited the dense reed beds along many areas of Al-Hawizeh Marsh when they sometimes attack the boats of Marsh Arabs. Moreover, Thesiger (1954) mentioned that he 488 wild boars around the area of Al-Hammar Marsh during two years. Many abundant mammal species such as the Asiatic (Golden) Jackal Canis aureus and Red Fox Vulpes vulpes, and the Small Asian Mongoose Herpestes auropunctatus are commonly reported. In addition, large carnivores such as Grey Wolf Canis lupus, Honey Badger Mellivora capensis, Jungle Cat Felis chaus, Wild Cats Felis silvestris, and Striped Hyaena Hyaena hyaena which are now considered rare and persecuted by Marsh Arabs whenever possible are reported from certain sites in Eastern Al-Hammar and Gazella subgutturosa, Indian Crested Porcupine Hystrix ف Hawizeh Marshes. In addition, the indica were reported from many sites within the geographical range of the marshes of southern Iraq (Haba 2009; Abass 2913, Nature Iraq 2017).

Mammals survey–summer 2017

During summer field surveys, total of 26 wild mammal species belong to six orders were recorded (insectivorous; Soricomorpha; Chiroptera; Carnivora; Lagomorphs; Rodentia) (Table 9). Two species of insectivorous and Soricomorpha were recorded respectfully. The Introduced Asian House Shrew Suncus murinus were recorded from two sites: a dead specimen was obtained from Kermashiya in Western Al-Hammar Marsh and life species were observed in the northern edge of Eastern Al-Hammar near Cheabeish. Bats are a predatory mammal species which reflect the health and integrity of the marshland ecosystem. Two species of Chiroptera were recorded, torpor of more than 20 Pipistrellus (Pipistrellus) kuhlii were recorded at Iraqi border guard station in Al-Edheam site, at the northern edge of Al-Hawizeh. The most abundant mammal species which were recorded at many sites in the marshes were the Golden Jackal

Canis aureus, Small Asian Mongoose Herpestes javanicus, and Wild Boar Sus scrofa (Fig.11, 12). Another important sighting of two individuals of Iraq’s Smooth-coated Otter were observed at Al-daub in the southern part of Hawizeh Marsh. This significant record designated Al-Hawizeh Marsh as one of the few hot spots for the Smooth-coated otter last populations in Iraq which needs further national and international attention and protection. Interviews with local hunters and fisherman indicated the presence of European Otter Lutra lutra in Eastern Al-Hammar Marsh. The European otter population seems to be improving, as adults with their young are frequently reported by Marsh Arabs and as reported by Al-Sheikhly et al. (2017). Moreover, an observation of the Honey Badger Mellivora capensis in the northern edge of Western Al- Hammar Marsh is considered one of the fewest records of this species within the geographical area of the southern Iraqi marshes.

Figure 11: The Wild Boar Sus scrofa one of the common mammal species in the marshes of southern Iraq. © Omar Al- Sheikhly

Figure 12: The Small Asian Mongoose Herpestes javanicus is recorded from many sites durring 2017 summer survey. © Omar Al-Sheikhly

Table 9: List of the Mammals species recorded in the southern Iraqi marshes during summer survey-2017

No. Species Count Field observation

notes

dent

tracks

Voucher

feces/sca

specimen specimen

Interview remnants

1 Hemiechinus auritus Long-eared Hedgehog 1 - + + - - + + 2 Paraechinus aethiopicus Desert Hedgehog P + - - - - - + Probably present at southern Edge of Hawizeh. 3 Suncus murinus Asian House Shrew 1 ------Recorded in Western Al-Hammar Marsh Chebaeish 4 Suncus etruscus Etruscan Shrew P ------Probably present at the site, more investigation is needed. 5 Taphozous (Liponycteris) Naked -rumped Tomb 4 - - - - - + + Flying over Central Marshes. nudiventris Bat 6 Pipistrellus (Pipistrellus) Kuhl’s Pipistrelle + 20 - - - - - + - Torpor at Border Guards camp in Hawizeh Marsh kuhlii 7 Canis lupus Gray Wolf 2 ------+ Reported near Al-Sinaf marsh, Southern Hawizeh, and Eastern Al-Hammar 8 Canis aureus Golden Jackal 6 + + - - - + - 9 Vulpes vulpes Red Fox 1 + - - - - + - 10 Mellivora capensis Honey Badger 1 ------Observed at night in central Marshes, Chebaeish 11 Lutra lutra European Otter 2 + ------Pale fur otters present at the site, local interviews. 12 Lutrogale perspicillata Iraq’s Smooth-coated 2 + ------Observed at Al-daub in the southern part of Otter Hawizeh 13 Herpestes javanicus Small Asian 4 + - + - - + - Recorded abundantly at many sites Mongoose 14 Felis silvestris Wild Cat P ------Probably present at the site, more investigation is needed. 15 Felis chaus Jungle Cat 1 + Reported by locals from the banks of Umm Niaj lake. 16 Sus scrofa Wild Boar 8 + + - - - + - Abundant at many sites 17 Lepus (Eulagos) europaeus European Hare 1 + - - - - + +

18 Hystrix indica Indian Crested P ------+ Probably present at the site, more investigation is Porcupine needed. 19 Allactaga euphratica Euphrates Jerboa P ------+ Probably present at the site, more investigation is needed. 20 Jaculus jaculus Lesser Jerboa 1 + ------12 Rattus norvegicus Norway Rat +10 + - - - + + - Near the settlements 22 Mus musculus House Mouse 1 + - - - - + - Near the settlements 23 Nesokia bunnii Long-tailed Nesokia P ------Probably present at the site, more investigation is needed. The team visited the site of Bani Mansour where the prototype obtained. None were secured. 24 Gerbillus (Gerbillus) Cheesman’s Gerbil 1 ------cheesmani 25 Tatera indica Indian Gerbil 1 ------Probably present at the site, more investigation is needed. 26 Meriones (Parameriones) Persian Gird 1 ------+ Trapped in Eastern Al-Hammar Marsh persicus

VI. Plants of the Marshes of Southern Iraq

The plant cover represents the structural and functional base of the food web in the marshes as well providing economic resources. The Marsh Arabs depend on the marsh vegetation to feed their cattle and build their houses. In addition, the vegetation of the marshes serves as breeding sites for many breeding birds and fish. Historically, a total of 371 plant species have been recorded in the geographical region of southern Iraq, 104 species are aquatic plants found in the Marshes. After facing the drainage of the marshes in the 1990s, the presence of plant species in the Iraqi marshes noticeably decreased. Recent surveys after the marshlands were inundated recorded 86 plant species belonging to 34 families. Species belonging to the plant family Cyperaceae comprised the highest number of species recorded in the marshes. Al-Hilli (1977) and Al-Hilli et al. (2009) in his plant surveys which included the marshlands before the drainage in 1975 reported 371 plant species belong to 24 communities in the Iraqi marshes which consist of 40% of aquatic plants. The water levels reported by Al-Hilli was more than 2m influenced by the seasonal and annual fluctuation. The Common Reed Phragmites australis was the most dominant and dens plant species with densities of 5000 gm/m2 found in summer. Al-Hilli (1977) concluded that the water and salinity levels were the limiting factors that contribute in plant communities’ density and distribution in the marshes of southern Iraq. Moreover, he recorded some of terrestrial halophilic plants such as Tamarix gallica, Cressa cretica, Alhagi mannifera, Aeluropus lagopoides, Juncus rigidus, and Suaeda vermiculata. The open lakes of the marshes which reach more than 2m water level are occupied by submerge and emergent plants such as Nymphoides peltata, Najas armata, and Ceratophyllum demersum. In Al- Mayah’s (1978) plant checklist, he reported 59 species of aquatic plants found the geographical region of southern Iraq including the southern marshes. Al-Saadi & Al-Mousawi (1988) recorded 21 species of aquatic plants in Eastern Al-Hammar Marsh. However, Al- Mayah (1994), reported a list of aquatic plant species and their habitat. He mentioned also the environmental factors influencing their distribution in the Iraqi marshes and refereed to 90 species of aquatic plants in the marshes of southern Iraq. More plant surveys were

51 conducted in the re-inundated after 2003. The surveys reported 19 plant species in which 16 species of them belong to fife families such as Potamogetonaceae, Najadaceae, Cyperaceae, Poaceae, and Lemnaceae. There are 10 types of land cover patterns which represent the vegetation succession in the Iraqi marshes. This succession is a fundamental aspect to preserve the stability of the marshlands ecosystem. The types of land cover in the Iraqi marshes are represented by the following types: 1.Riparian vegetation; 2.Submerged aquatic Vegetation; 3.Free Floating Vegetation; 4.Floating-leaved aquatic vegetation (Rooted floating vegetation); 5.Herbaceous tall emerged vegetation (Helophytic vegetation); 6.Trees (Woody vegetation); 7.Halophytic vegetation; 8.Desert Shrub; 9.Woodlands-shrub; 10.Sparsely vegetated land.

Plant survey–summer 2017

The plant surveys were rapid sue to vast areas of aquatic landcover and vegetation which needs further surveys and investigation. However, the following plant species were the most dominant species in the surveyed areas in southern marshes of Iraq in summer 2007. Members of the aquatic plants from the family Water lily: Nymphaeaceae were recorded as the common flora of aquatic plants in the marshes of southern Iraq before 2003 (Al-Hilli 1977). However, their distribution was reduced after the marshes in 2003. Scattered blooms of Nymphoides sp. were observed at one site (Abu Zirig) in Central Marshes (Fig.13)

No. Species Central Marshes Hawizeh Marsh Eastern Al- Western Al- Hammar Hammar Marsh Marsh 1 Phragmites australis + + + + 2 Ceratophyllum demersum + + + + 3 Typha domingensis + - + + 4 Schoenoplectus litoralis - - + + 5 Vallisneria spiralis + + - +

RECOMMENDATIONS

The current survey was short period, rapid, and exceptional survey due to the financial and political situation that Iraq faced, the results were exclusive. Additional up-to-date information on the endogenous and native fauna of the marshes of southern Iraq were collected. The data obtained from the current survey will be intergraded in with further data analysis that may processed by the Iraqi Ministry of Health and Environment and/or other national or international environmental institutes which may concern. Regardless, we recommend the following: (I) Conducting further systematic (annual and/or seasonal) surveys concerning the wild mammals especially those of the family Chiroptera and Rodentia, aquatic and terrestrial insects, herpetofauna, and aquatic and terrestrial plants of the marshes of southern Iraq; (II) Conducting comprehensive surveys on the buffer zone eco-regions of the marshes of southern Iraq, especially the areas of Tigris and Euphrates confluence and the Fao peninsula; (III) Performing further scientific researches that show the correlation between the fluctuations of the climate change on the species diversity and the structure of the biotic communities of the marshes of southern Iraq; (IV) Support the research projects of the postgraduate student that concerning the biodiversity and wildlife management of the marshes of southern Iraq.

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