Al-Shayat Wetlands (SD10)

Surveyed in in summer and fall of 2009, in summer 2010, and in spring 2011Admin Area: Salah-Ad-Din and Kirkuk

Coordinates: N 34° 22’ 37” E 43° 43

Area: 269.36 ha Altitude: 43 m Directional information: The site is and Duz Khormato highway. The site can be accesscontinuing on an unpaved branch road

Shayat Wetlands (SD10)

of 2009, in summer 2010, and in spring 2011 Din and Kirkuk IBA Criteria: A1

KBA Criteria: Not Assessed IPA Criteria: Not Assessed

37” E 43° 43’ 68”

Status: Unprotected Ecoregion: Mesopotamian Shrub Desert

is situated in the southeastern part of Tikrit to the east of the main Tikrit The site can be accessed by taking a paved road from the ma

unpaved branch road and crossing several moderate, elevated grounds surrounding the lake.

Mesopotamian Shrub Desert (PA1320) to the east of the main Tikrit

the main highway, and elevated grounds surrounding the lake.

Roosting flock of Black-crowned Night Heron on

The general landscape of the western borders of the site (photo by Omar F. Al

Site Description: The site is one of the main wetlands in Snarrow tributaries (the largest is the Zegaton River)Governorate toward Al-Shayat Lake on the eastern edge of formed by the Al-Udheim Dam on thepermanent wetland. This is in turn is land and grassy open steppes are extensive. features of the site that attract birds and other wildlife The area near the rivers consists ofgradually increasing to the south towardssteppes with halophytic and xerophytand extend into the site as the rocky hills flatten into marshland. A small number of irrigated wheat and corn fields are located close to the road. Although the security situation of the

crowned Night Heron on Tamarix sp. in Al-Shayat Lake (photo by Omar F. Al

2010)

The general landscape of the western borders of the site (photo by Omar F. Al-Sheikhly, 2010)

one of the main wetlands in Salah-Ad-Din Governorate. (the largest is the Zegaton River) of the Tigris that flows from south

Shayat Lake on the eastern edge of Salah-Ad-Din Governorate. Udheim Dam on the border between Diyala and Salah-Ad-Din and is surrounded by

is surrounded by a chain of elevated ground and hills onextensive. Zegaton River drains in from the north and

birds and other wildlife as well as hunters.

consists of shallow, marshy pools lined with dense reed beds, with water levels towards the lake and the dam; beyond which extends a stretch of semi

steppes with halophytic and xerophytic vegetation. The Himreen Hills border the site on its southwest side extend into the site as the rocky hills flatten into marshland. A small number of irrigated wheat and corn

Although the security situation of the site is still critical it is

(photo by Omar F. Al-Sheikhly,

Sheikhly, 2010)

It includes several from south of Kirkuk

Governorate. Al-Shayat lake is and is surrounded by

on both sides. Arid is one of the main

shallow, marshy pools lined with dense reed beds, with water levels stretch of semi-desert

he site on its southwest side extend into the site as the rocky hills flatten into marshland. A small number of irrigated wheat and corn

still critical it is now regularly

visited by hunters and falcon trappers from Tikrit and Baquba as well as nearby townships, primarily in winter. The surrounding area attracts hunters who are after See-see Partridge and Black Francolin and gazelle. The following sub-sites were visited during the survey effort:

Sub-Site Code Sub-Site Name Nearest Town Coordinates

North South SD10 Shayat lakes Al-Udheim N 34° 22’ 37” E 43° 43’ 68” KK1 Zegaton River Duz Khotmato N 34° 45' 33.43 E 44°19'19.77"

Important Bird Area Criteria A1. Globally threatened species Breeding Wintering/Passage

Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus (Summer visitor)

1 pair (2010)

Additional Important Bird Observations: During the surveys 38 bird species were seen. In addition to Egyptian Vulture, the following were observed, though at levels that did not meet IBA thresholds: Marbled Duck Marmaronetta angustirostris (Vulnerable), Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus (Near Threatened) and European Roller Coracias garrulus (Near Threatened). Two breeding Sahara-Sindian Desert biome-restricted species were also found (Table XX). The endemic race of Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis iraquensis also occurred. Other Important Fauna: The site provides suitable grazing habitat for the Goitered gazelle Gazella subgutturosa (Vulnerable). Many farmers and sheperds indicated that they regularly killed or chased the Grey Wolf Canis lupus in the area. Golden Jackal Canus aureus was observed near the tamarisk bushes on the western bank of Al-Shayat Lake. Iraqi Mastigure Saara loricata was also seen at the site. No fish survey was conducted. Plants & Habitats: No botanical survey was conducted but key aquatic vegetation included Phragmites sp. and Typha sp. on the lake banks with Tamarix sp. shrubs in the shallow water. Conservation Issues: Due to conflict in the area, the site has been almost entirely closed to civilians in recent years, particularly from 2006 to 2009. However, local hunters and trappers have recently begun to re-visit the area at levels that indicate a very high threat impact. Agriculture appears to be a moderate threat and consistend mainly of fields of wheat and corn found in scattered places in the eastern part of the site. Recommendations: It is highly recommended that communication with officials be established to obtain permission for further research visits as this site was not extensively surveyed and may be biologically very diverse. An environmental awareness campaign and better enforcement of hunting rules is needed to help regulate hunting of threatened species.