Key biodiversity areas: Rapid assessment of birds in Kurdistan, northern Iraq

Bird surveys to help identify and assess Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) were undertaken in Kurdistan in
the winter and summer of 2008. Th e winter survey was from 19 January to 8 February and the summer
survey from 7 May to 16 June, a total of 45 days. During these periods a total of 34 sites were surveyed in
the North Iraq governorates of Sulaimani, Erbil, and Dohuk and 185 species of birds recorded. Of these,
according to IUCN criteria, one species was globally endangered, three vulnerable and two near threatened. In addition, 32 species were considered to be of conservation concern in Iraq, based on a system
developed by Richard Porter. Of the species observed, 124 were confi rmed or probable breeding, whilst 59
were winter visitors. Th e KBA selection process used the Middle East Important Bird Areas (IBAs) criteria,
which considers seven species-based categories.

Ararat, K., 2009. Key biodiversity areas: Rapid assessment of birds in Kurdistan, northern Iraq. BioRisk, 3, p.187.