The value of small dispersed wetland areas for bird; Case of study Basrah Province/ Iraq

Abstract

Monitoring bird population and diversity are considered as a vital tool in ecological conservation practice. Most of bird monitoring and survey internationally and nationally (in Iraq) have been concentrated mainly on the great wetland areas such as marshes, coasts, lakes and rivers. However, a little or neglecting attention has been devoted for the small wetlands which are widely distributed around the world in general and Iraq in specific. Current study was designated to monitor the bird population and diversity in such areas. Thirty four species were recorded in three pre-chosen sites. Most of these species belong to the Charadriformes order 47% and Passeriformes order 26.5%. Highest diversity was found in the Al-Hartha site which is the closet site to East Al- Hammar marsh. While the lowest diversity was identified in Al-Dweeb site which is the most south site. Human activities were varied in types and frequency spatially and temporally. The highest disturbed area was Qarmatt- Ali (Basra University site). However, cars were the most frequent and effective disturbance component and it was evident in the Al-Dweeb site. These results shed the light on the importance of dispersed small wetlands which can support a valuable species number of birds and constitute a connective bridge between the local, regional and continental sites.