Table of Contents List of Acronyms ..................................................................................................................... 3 1 Summary ......................................................................................................................... 4 2 Background...................................................................................................................... 5 3 Assessment results .......................................................................................................... 7 4 3.1 Critically Endangered ............................................................................................... 7 3.2 Endangered ............................................................................................................ 11 3.3 Vulnerable .............................................................................................................. 21 3.4 Data Deficient ......................................................................................................... 32 3.5 Least Concern ........................................................................................................ 32 References .................................................................................................................... 34 Title Photo: Basra Reed-warbler Acrocephalus griseldis, (Photo: Mudhafar A. Salim). List of Acronyms AOO Area of Occupancy CR Critically Endangered DD Data Deficient EN Endangered EOO Extent of Occurrence IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature LC Least Concern UNEP United Nations Environment Programme UNESCO United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization VU Vulnerable 3 1 Summary A regional red-listing exercise of a selected group of taxa has been proposed to be part of the process of the preparation for the World Heritage Nomination File for the Iraqi Marshlands. Based on this, a team of national experts was formed to carry out this exercise. It should be highlighted that the term “regional” in the context of this report and its relevant red-listing exercise, refers to the Iraqi Marshlands A total of 32 species were selected to be assessed based on IUCN Regional Red Listing Assessment Guidelines. These species were selected based on several conditions; (a) the species is globally threatened and exists in the Iraqi Marshlands, (b) the species/subspecies is endemic to the Iraqi Marshlands and/or the Mesopotamian Marshlands as a whole and (c) the species is known to be currently extremely rare in the Iraqi Marshlands. The results of the assessment produced a total of five Critically Endangered (CR) species, 12 Endangered (EN) species, 13 Vulnerable (VU) species, one Data Deficient (DD) species and finally one Least Concern (LC) species, all on the regional level of the Iraqi Marshlands. The species evaluated were two plants, three fish, two mammals, two reptiles and 23 bird species. All Critically Endangered (CR) species were bird species. Three of which are globally Least Concern while one is Globally Endangered and the other is Vulnerable. As for Endangered species, they consisted of two plant species, two fish species, two mammal species and six bird species. All plant and fish species in this category were not evaluated globally, whereas both mammal species have a global status; one Endangered and the other Vulnerable. As for birds, two species were Least Concern and one is Near Threatened (NT) globally, while the other three are globally threatened (one Endangered and two Vulnerable species). Of the thirteen regionally Vulnerable (VU) species, ten of which were bird species (globally Least Concern). Two of the species evaluated as Vulnerable are Not Evaluated on the global level; a fish species and a bird subspecies (Mesopotamian Crow). A reptile species that was evaluated to be Vulnerable on the level of the Iraqi Marshlands was evaluated in 1996 to be Endangered on the global level; Euphrates Soft-shelled Turtle. A single reptile was recorded to be Data Deficient although the species; Murray’s Combfingered Gecko was globally evaluated to be Least Concern back in 2009. Of all the selected species, the sole species that was evaluated as Least Concern was the Mesopotamian Gerbil, which is Endemic to the Mesopotamian Marshes, and it was equally evaluated as Least Concern on the global level back in 2008. 4 2 Background The Iraqi Marshlands had been recognized as one of the world's most significant wetland ecosystems. Extensive ecological damage to this area, with the accompanying displacement of much of the indigenous fauna population, as well as the destruction of the plant-cover, was identified as one of the country's major environmental and humanitarian disasters. The protection of human health and livelihoods and the preservation of area's ecosystems and biodiversity have been a national priority since the post-conflict reconstruction period (UNEP 2009). Figure 1: Geographic location and general subdivision of the southern Marshes of Iraq. (Source: UNEP 2010) The joint UNEP-UNESCO initiative in the Iraqi Marshlands aims “to ensure sustainable development of the Iraqi Marshlands, reflecting the outstanding universal value of its historical, cultural, environmental, hydrological, and socio-economic characteristics of the area, particularly utilizing the World Heritage inscription process as a tool to develop and implement a management planning framework” (UNEP-DTIE-IETC 2009). 5 A regional red-listing exercise of a selected group of taxa has been proposed to be part of the process of the preparation for the World Heritage Nomination File for the Iraqi Marshlands. Based on this, a team of national experts, led by Laith Al-Moghrabi – IUCN species expert, was formed to carry out this exercise. It should be highlighted that the term “regional” in the context of this report and its relevant red-listing exercise, refers to the Iraqi Marshlands. A literature review was carried out aiming at collecting all ecological studies of the Iraqi Marshlands. The main objective of this step was to identify a preliminary list of taxa that would consequently be evaluated based on IUCN’s regional red-listing assessment process. In parallel, all species that are known to be recorded in the Iraqi Marshlands and have a global threanted status were identified. The team has also identified all taxa that are endemic to the Iraqi Marshlands. A workshop on IUCN Red Listing Assessments was carried out in the Arab Regional Centre of World Heritage, Manama, Bahrain on 3-6 June, 2013. The workshop principally focused on evaluating the selected taxa according to the IUCN regional assessment process. During the workshop, information gaps were also identified and further species were selected for evaluation. These species were later evaluated through electronic communicaation between the different expert members of the evaluation team. This report outlines the results of the regional red-listing evaluation that have been produced throughout this whole process. A total of 32 species were selected to be assessed based on IUCN Regional Red Listing Assessment Guidelines. These species were selected based on the criteria listed below: (a) the species is globally threatened and exists in the Iraqi Marshlands, (b) the species/subspecies is endemic to the Iraqi Marshlands and/or the Mesopotamian Marshlands as a whole and (c) the species is known to be currently relatively rare in the Iraqi Marshlands. 6 3 Assessment results 3.1 Critically Endangered Anser erythropus TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family ANIMALIA CHORDATA AVES ANSERIFORMES ANATIDAE Scientific Name Anser erythropus Species Authority Linnaeus, 1758 English Name(s) Lesser White-fronted Goose ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Critically Endangered B1 ab(iii)+ 2 ab(iii) List Category and Criteria Year Assessment Justification of 2013 Lesser White-fronted Goose winters regularly but in a few numbers in Iraq. Hisotircally, no exact figures were provided but most records were from southern Iraq. The recent observations showed that the species still visits al-Hawizeh marshes in winter. The most recent record of the species was a total of 18 birds recorded on 13 January, 2013 in AlHawizeh marshes whereas the highest total was 28 birds in the same area. All records were from the same location. Based on historical recordings, as well as the recent ones, the species prefers special kind of marshland which is the non-permanent marshes, and this kind habitat is currently very little in the Iraqi Marshlands (less than 100km2) and it continues to face immense threats that threatens its existence and consequently the presence of the species in the area. Global Red List 2012- Vulnerable Assessment 2008-Vulnerable 2006- Vulnerable 2004- Vulnerable 2000- Vulnerable 1996- Vulnerable 1994- Vulnerable POPULATION Population Trend No population estimation was made on the national level on this bird. However, the estimated number of the species inside the area might range between 50-100 individuals. Declining, according to the locals’ and hunters’ reporting. 7 Oxyura leucocephala TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family ANIMALIA CHORDATA AVES ANSERIFORMES ANATIDAE Scientific Name Oxyura leucocephala Species Authority Scopoli, 1769 English Name(s) White-headed Duck ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Critically Endangered B1 ab (iii)+ 2 ab (iii) List Category and Criteria Year Assessment Justification of 2013 The White-headed Duck is a rare uncommon winter visitor to Iraq. Most of these records were obtained from southern Iraq. The recent observations showed that it exists in two locations; one of these locations is inside the Iraqi Marshlands; al-Hawizeh marshes. The individuals in Iraqi Marshlands come from the most endangered populations of the species in Central Asia and Pakistan. There are no regular records of the species in the Iraqi Marshalnds and most observations came from locals and hunters. The highest count that was made for this species in the property was 19 individuals. The continuing habitat loss in the single locations where this species is recorded is the main prominent threat for the species existence in the Iraqi Marshlands Global Red List 2012- Endangered Assessment 2008- Endangered 2006- Endangered 2004- Endangered 2000- Endangered 1996- Vulnerable 1994- Vulnerable POPULATION Population Trend The estimated number of the WhD inside the property might range between 20-50 individuals. Decreasing 8 Anhinga rufa TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family ANIMALIA CHORDATA AVES PELECANIFORMES ANHINGIDAE Scientific Name Anhinga rufa Species Authority (Daudin, 1802) English Name(s) African Darter, Darter ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Critically Endangered B1ab (i,ii,iii) + B2ab (i,ii,iii); C2a (i,ii); D List Category and Criteria Year Assessment Justification of 2013 The population of this species in the Iraqi Marshlands is part of the only remaining population of the species in West Asia (and Western Palearctic), in the southwest of Iran and southeast of Iraq. The species is recorded in a very small, limited area of the Iraqi Marshlands not exceeding 100km2, and has been only recorded recently in a single location. Additionally, the area where the species is recorded is facing continuous decline that is projected to continue while the quality of habitat continues to deteriorate. Also, the number of mature individuals that have been recorded in the Iraqi Marshlands does not exceed 20 birds throughout its records in the area. Global Red List 2012 – Least Concern Assessment 2009 – Least Concern 2008 – Least Concern 2004 – Least Concern POPULATION Population Unknown Trend Decreasing Ardea goliath TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order ANIMALIA CHORDATA AVES CICONIIFORMES ARDEIDAE Scientific Name Ardea goliath 9 Family Species Authority Cretzschmar, 1827 English Name(s) Goliath Heron ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Critically Endangered A2 (a,c,d) + 3 (c,d) + 4 (c,d); B2ab (i,ii,iii); C2a List Category and (i,ii); D Criteria Year Assessment of 2013 Justification The population of this species in the Iraqi Marshlands is part of the only remaining population of the species in West Asia, in the southwest of Iran and southeast of Iraq. The population size of the species is believed to have decreased by more than 80% based on direct observations. The species is recorded in a very small limited area of the Iraqi Marshlands not exceeding 100km2, and has been only recorded recently in a single location. Additionally, the area where the species is recorded is facing continuous decline that is projected to continue while the quality of habitat continues to deteriorate. Also, the number of mature individuals that have been reported by locals and hunters in the Iraqi Marshlands does not exceed two confirmed individual birds. Global Red List 2012 – Least Concern Assessment 2009 – Least Concern 2008 – Least Concern 2004 – Least Concern POPULATION Population Unknown Trend Decreasing Threskiornis aethiopicus TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order ANIMALIA CHORDATA AVES CICONIIFORMES THRESKIORNITHIDAE Scientific Name Threskiornis aaethiopicus Species Authority (Latham, 1790) English Name(s) African Scared Ibis, Scared Ibis 10 Family ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Critically Endangered B2ab(i,ii,iii); C2a(ii) List Category and Criteria Year Assessment of 2013 Justification The population of this species in the Iraqi Marshlands is part of the only remaining population of the species in West Asia, in the southwest of Iran and southeast of Iraq. The species is recorded in a very small limited area of the Iraqi Marshlands not exceeding 100km2, and has been only recorded recently in a single location. Additionally, the area where the species is recorded is facing continuous decline that is projected to continue while the quality of habitat continues to deteriorate. Also, the number of mature individuals that have been recorded in the Iraqi Marshlands recently was 26 adults (Salim et al, 2009). In 2012, a single adult individual was observed in al-Hawizeh marshes (unpublished) Global Red List 2012 – Least Concern Assessment 2009 – Least Concern 2008 – Least Concern 2004 – Least Concern 2000 – Not Recognised 1994 – Not Recognised 1988 – Not Recognised POPULATION Population Trend 3.2 The number of mature individuals that have been recorded in the Iraqi Marshlands recently was 26 adults (Salim et al, 2009). In 2012, a single adult individual was observed in al-Hawizeh marshes (unpublished). All in al-Hawiezah marshes. Decreasing Endangered Ranunculus sphaerospermus TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family PLANTAE TRACHEOPHY TA MAGNOLIOPSI DA RANUNCULAL ES RANUNCULAC EAE Scientific Name Ranunculus sphaerospermus Species Authority Boiss. & Blanche 11 English Name(s) Zheir Al-Bat (Arabic) ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Endangered - A2c + 3c + 4c; B1ab (i, ii, iii) + 2ab (i,ii,iii) List Category and Criteria Year Assessment of 2013 Justification The species historically have been recorded all over the Iraqi Marshlands, but recently it has disappeared from the southern part of Iraqi Marshland (East and West Hammar Marsh) because of deterioration in quality of habitat. The distribution of the species after 2002 is only confined on Two of Southern Iraqi Marshland Central Marsh and Al-Hawizeh, and is disappeared from southern part of Southern Iraqi Marshland (East and West Hammar Marsh). The species is estimated to have a decrease in population of more than 50% and this is projected to continue in the future with a decrease in its range due to deterioration in quality of habitat. The species in the Iraqi Marshlands has definitely an EOO of less than 5,000 km2 while the AAO is less than 500km2. Global Red List Not Evaluated Assessment POPULATION Population Unknown. Trend Decreasing Nymphaea alba TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order PLANTAE TRACHEO PHYTA MAGNOLIOPSIDA NYMPHAEALES NYMPHAEACEAE Scientific Name Nymphaea alba Species Authority Linnaeus, 1753 English Name(s) Geaiba in (Arabic) & European White Waterlily ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Endangered B1ab (i,ii,iii,iv) + 2 ab (i,ii,iii,iv) List Category and Criteria 12 Family Year Assessment of 2013 Justification The species historically have been recorded in the two largest Marshlands in Iraq; Central and Hammar Marshes, but due to the deterioration of the quality of suitable habitats; the species has recently been recorded in a very small limited area of the Iraqi Marshlands not exceeding 100km2, and has been only recorded in two locations. Global Red List Not Evaluated Assessment POPULATION Population Unknown Trend Decreasing Barbus grypus TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family ANIMALIA CHORDATA ACTINOPERYGII CYPRINIFORMES CYPRINIDAE Scientific Name Barbus grypus Species Authority Heckel 1843 English Name(s) Shabbout (in Arabic) ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Endangered A2ce + A3cde + A4cde; B1ab (i,ii,iii); c (i,ii) + B2ab (i,ii,iii); c List Category and (i,ii) Criteria Year Assessment Justification of 2013 The species is endemic to the Iraqi Marshlands and is inferred to have a high population decline due to the intensive deterioration of its habitats. The species only recorded in less than five locations and the EOO and AOO of the species are less than 5,000Km2 and 500Km2 respectively. Currently, this species is very rare in Southern Iraqi Marshland, and was absent from Southern Iraqi Marshlands in the summer of 2006. It was only recorded in one month in 2005-2006, in East Hammar and represented about 0.05 % of the relative abundance from total fish catch in East Hammar. Global Red List Not Evaluated Assessment 13 POPULATION Population Unknown Trend Decreasing Mesopotamichthys sharpeyi TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class ANIMALIA CHORDATA ACTINOPERYGII CYPRINIFORMES CYPRINIDAE Scientific Name Mesopotamychthys sharpeyi Species Authority (Gunther, 1874) English Name(s) Bunni (in Arabic) Order Family ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Endangered A2ce + 3cde + 4cde; B1ab (i,ii,iii) + c (i,ii) + 2ab (i,ii,iii) + List Category and c(i,ii) Criteria Year Assessment Justification of 2013 The species is endemic to the Iraqi Marshlands and is inferred to have a high population decline due to the intensive deterioration of its habitats and effects by competitors introduced taxa. The species only recorded in five locations and the EOO and AOO of the species are less than 5,000Km2 and 500Km2 respectively. The species is very rare in three marshes (East Hammar and in the larger two marshes of West AlHammar and Central marshes). In Central marshes the species was recorded only in one month with a relative abundance of 0.1% in 20052006. Global Red List Not Evaluated Assessment POPULATION Population Unknown. Trend Decreasing Lutrogale perspicillata TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family ANIMALIA CHORDATA MAMMALIA CARNIVORA MUSTELIDAE 14 Scientific Name Lutrogale perspicillata Species Authority I. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1826) English Name(s) Indian Smooth-coated Otter, Smooth-coated Otter ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Endangered A2cd + 3cd + 4cd; B1ab (i,ii,iii) + 2ab (i,ii,iii) List Category and Criteria Year Assessment of 2013 Justification The population of this species in the Iraqi Marshlands is isolated from the rest of the species range in South Asia and Southeast Asia. It is not known to exist in any other part of the Mesopotamian Marshlands in Iran, which makes it an endemic species to the Iraqi Marshlands. The species is estimated to have a decrease in population of more than 50% and this is projected to continue in the future with a decrease in its range due to habitat deterioration and due to direct exploitation for its coat. The species in the Iraqi Marshlands has definitely an EOO of less than 5,000 km2 while the AAO is less than 500km2 and has been recorded in less than five locations in the Iraqi Marshlands as a whole. Global Red List 2008 – Vulnerable A2acd Assessment 2004 – Vulnerable 2000 – Vulnerable 1996 – Vulnerable POPULATION Population Trend The estimated population of this animal in the marshes of southern Iraq is between 10 – 40 pairs. Decreasing Nesokia bunni TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family ANIMALIA CHORDATA MAMMALIA RODENTIA MURIDAE Scientific Name Nesokia bunni Species Authority (Khajuria, 1981) English Name(s) Bunn’s Short-tailed Bandicoot Rat 15 ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Endangered B1ab (iii) + 2ab (iii) List Category and Criteria Year Assessment of 2013 Justification The species is endemic to the Iraqi Marshlands and is inferred to have a high population decline due to the intensive deterioration of its habitats. The species has been recorded in very few locations and in a few numbers so it is believed to be rare in addition to its imited distribution. Global Red List 2008 – Endangered A2c Assessment POPULATION Population Unknown Trend Decreasing Aquila clanga TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order ANIMALIA CHORDATA AVES FALCONIFORMES ACCIPITRIDAE Scientific Name Aquila clanga Species Authority Pallas, 1811 English Name(s) Greater Spotted Eagle, Spotted Eagle Family ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Endangered B1 ab (iii) + B2 ab (iii) List Category and Criteria Year Assessment Justification of 2013 The EOO of this raptor covers most of the property area, but the AOO is restricted to very small, scattered locations within the marshalnds where the bird were frequently spotted. The EOO for this bird over the southern marshes is less than 5,000km2. And the AOO is less than 500 km2. While the number of the main locations might range about five locations in different places within the Iraqi Marshlands as a whole. The species is also known to be caught alive, since several individuals were recorded in markets being sold for zoos and personal collections. Global Red List 2012- Vulnerable 16 Assessment 2011- Vulnerable 2008-Vulnerable 2007- Vulnerable 2004- Vulnerable 2000- Vulnerable 1996- Vulnerable 1994- Vulnerable POPULATION Population The estimated number of the wintering birds inside the property might range between 20-40 individuals. Trend Unknown but most probably decreasing Aquila heliaca TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order ANIMALIA CHORDATA AVES FALCONIFORMES ACCIPITRIDAE Scientific Name Aquila heliaca Species Authority Savigny, 1809 English Name(s) Eastern Imperial Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Asian Imperial Eagle Family ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Endangered B1 ab (iii) + B2 ab (iii) List Category and Criteria Year Assessment Justification of 2013 The EOO of this raptor covers most of the southern marshlands (less than 5,000km2), but the AOO is restricted to very small, scattered locations (less than 500km2), where the species was frequently spotted. While the number of the main locations might range about five locations in different places within the property. Some individuals were seen in the markets, and this indicates that species individuals are seeked alive for zoos and personal collections. Global Red List 2012- Vulnerable Assessment 2008-Vulnerable 2007- Vulnerable 2004- Vulnerable 2000- Vulnerable 1996- Vulnerable 17 1994- Vulnerable POPULATION Population The estimated number of the wintering birds range between 15-25 individuals. Trend Unknown, but might be decreasing due to mainly habitat loss. Platalea leucorodia TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order ANIMALIA CHORDATA AVES CICONIIFORMES THRESKIORNITHIDAE Scientific Name Platalea leucorodia Species Authority Linnaeus, 1758 English Name(s) Eurasian Spoonbill, European Spoonbill, Spoonbill Family ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Endangered B1ab (i,ii,iii )+ B2ab (i,ii,iii); C2a (i,ii); D List Category and Criteria Year Assessment Justification of 2013 The resident population of this species in the Iraqi Marshlands is part of the one of the breeding species population in West Asia, in the southwest of Iran and southeast of Iraq. The species is recorded in a very small limited area of the Iraqi Marshlands not exceeding an EOO of 5,000km2 and an AOO not exceeding 500 km2. Additionally, the area where the species is recorded is facing continuous decline that is projected to continue while the quality of habitat continues to deteriorate. Global Red List 2012 – Least Concern Assessment 2009 – Least Concern 2008 – Least Concern 2004 – Least Concern POPULATION Population Trend The estimated population of this bird in the southern marshes might ranges between 30 – 90 individuals. Decreasing 18 Porphyrio porphyrio TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family ANIMALIA CHORDATA AVES GRUIFORMES RALLIDAE Scientific Name Porphyrio porphyrio Species Authority Linnaeus, 1758 English Name(s) Purple Swamphen, Purple Swamp-Hen, Purple Gallinule ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Endangered B1 ab (i & iii) List Category and Criteria Year Assessment of 2013 Justification The EOO for this bird is less than 5,000km2 and the AOO is less than 2,000 km2. While the number of the locations ranges between 4 - 6. Despite that it exists over all the southern marshes, but the distribution might be related to some limiting factors (i.e. food availability and availability of suitable shelter ..). Global Red List 2012- Least Concern Assessment 2009- Least Concern 2008- Least Concern 2004- Least Concern POPULATION Population Trend The estimated number of the resident population in the Iraqi Marshlands range between 2000-4000 breeding pairs. Unknown, but might be decreasing due to the habitat loss and the severe pressure of hunting. Limosa limosa TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum ANIMALIA CHORDATA AVES Scientific Name Limosa limosa Species Authority Linnaeus, 1758 English Name(s) Black-tailed Godwit Class Order Family CHARADRIIFORMES SCOLOPACIDAE 19 ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Endangered B1 ab (iii) + B2 ab (iii) List Category and Criteria Year Assessment of 2013 Justification The EOO of this wader covers most of the Iraqi Marshlands (less than 5,000km2), but the AOO is restricted to very small areas due to the habitat requirements of this species (less than 500km2), while the number of the main locations might range about five locations in different places within the property. Global Red List 2012- Near Threatened Assessment 2009- Near Threatened 2008- Near Threatened 2004- Least Concern POPULATION Population The estimated number of the wintering population in the Iraqi Marshlands ranges between 1000 – 1500 individuals. Trend Unknown, but might be decreasing due to habitat loss. Acrocephalus griseldis TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order ANIMALIA CHORDATA AVES PASSERIFORMES SYLVIIDAE Scientific Name Acrocephalus griseldis Species Authority (Hartlaub, 1891) English Name(s) Basra Reed-warbler, Basra Reed Warbler, Basra Reed-Warbler Family ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Endangered A2c+3c+4c; B1ab (i, ii, iii); C1 List Category and Criteria Year Assessment Justification of 2013 The species is has a small population which is estimated to be undergoing very rapid and continuing declines owing to extensive, and recently accelerating, drainage of its breeding habitat. Population declines are corroborated by an apparent decline in numbers trapped on migration at a ringing station. The distribution of this bird is tightly linked to the status of the waterbody in the marshlands making it difficult to 20 produve specific figures without carrying out a specific research on the species population estimation in the whole area of the Iraqi Marshlands Global Red List 2012 – Endangered A2c+3c+4c Assessment 2008 – Endangered 2006 – Endangered 2004 – Endangered POPULATION Population The population is estimated to number 2,500-9,999 individuals based on an assessment of known records, descriptions of abundance and range size. This is consistent with recorded population density estimates for congeners or close relatives with a similar body size, and the fact that only a proportion of the estimated Extent of Occurrence is likely to be occupied. This estimate is equivalent to 1,667-6,666 mature individuals, rounded here to 1,500-7,000 mature individuals. Trend 3.3 Decreasing Vulnerable Tenualosa ilisha TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class ANIMALIA CHORDATA ACTINOPERYGII CLUPEIFORMES CLUPEIDAE Scientific Name Tenualosa ilisha Species Authority (Hamilton, 1822) English Name(s) Shour (in Arabic), Hilsa Herring Order Family ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Endangered A2cd + 4cd + 4cd; B1ab (i,ii,iii,iv) + 2ab (i,ii,iii,iv) downlisted List Category and to Vulnerable Criteria Year Assessment Justification of 2013 The species is located on the edge of its westernmost distribution in the Iraqi Marshlands. The species population is inferred to have decreased of more than 50% based on the deterioration of its habitats in the Iraqi Marshlands and this is expected to continue in the future. The species only recorded in two locations and the EOO and AOO of the species do not exceed 5,000km2 and 500km2 respectively and it is suspected to continue to decrease. This assessment qualifies the species to be Endangered but the assessment was downlisted to “Vulnerable” 21 because of the possibility of the support of the breeding population by the immigrant individuals that might breed in the area. Global Red List Not Evaluated Assessment POPULATION Population This species formed 48% 0f the total fishery production (in 1965-1974) compared to 28% and 12% in 1990-2002 and 2003-2007 respectively. Recently this species was recorded in the East Hammar Marsh and represented 10.1% of the total catch. Trend Decreasing Rafetus euphraticus TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family ANIMALIA CHORDATA REPTILIA TESTUDINES TRIONYCHIDAE Scientific Name Rafetus euphraticus Species Authority (Daudin, 1801) English Name(s) Euphrates Softshell Turtle ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Endangered B1ab (I,ii,iii) downlisted to Vulnerable List Category and Criteria Year Assessment Justification of 2013 The species is endemic to the Tigris Euphrates rivers and their tributaries. In the Iraqi Marshlands, the species is known to be facing a continuous decrease in its EOO and AOO and the deterioration of the quality of suitable habitats. The EOO and AOO of the species do not exceed 5,000km2 and 500km2 respectively and it is suspected to continue to decrease. The species is known to be recorded in less than five locations in total in the Iraqi Marshlands. Habitat destruction, pollution and fisheries are the main reasons for its decline. In fisheries, the species is killed intentionally since it is a bycatch that might damage nets. The original assessment has set the species to be Endangered but the assessment was downlisted to “Vulnerable” because of the possibility of the support of the breeding population by the visiting individuals that might compensate the decline in the population in the area. 22 Global Red List 1996 - Endangered Assessment POPULATION Population Unknown Trend Decreasing Francolinus francolinus TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family ANIMALIA CHORDATA AVES GALLIFORMES PHASIANIDAE Scientific Name Francolinus francolinus Species Authority Linnaeus, 1766 English Name(s) Black Francolin ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Vulnerable A2c,d+3c,d+4c,d List Category and Criteria Year Assessment Justification of 2013 This species is listed as Vulnerable because it is facing high pressure due to continuous uncontrolled hunting and it is estimated to continue to decline due to habitat loss. There are no exact figures or recent observations but information was mostly based on estimations from reports from locals and hunters. Global Red List 2012- Least Concern Assessment 2008- Least Concern 2006- Least Concern 2004- Least Concern POPULATION Population The estimated population of this species is 1500-2500 pairs. Trend Decreasing Tachybaptus ruficollis iraquensis TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family ANIMALIA CHORDATA AVES GALLIFORMES PHASIANIDAE 23 Scientific Name Tachybaptus ruficollis iraquensis Species Authority Pallas, 1764 English Name(s) Little Grebe ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Endangered B1 ab (iii) downlisted to Vulnerable List Category and Criteria Year Assessment of 2013 Justification Despite that this subspecies exists over all the southern marshes, but the distribution might be related to some limiting factors (i.e. food availability and water quality ..). The EOO for this bird is less than 5,000km2 . and the AOO is less than 2,000 km2. While the number of the locations ranges between 5 – 10. The assessment was downlisted to “Vulnerable” because of the possibility of the support of the breeding population by the wintering birds (Tachybaptus ruficollis) that might stay to breed in the area. Global Red List 2012- Least Concern Assessment 2009- Least Concern 2008- Least Concern 2004- Least Concern POPULATION Population Trend The estimated number of the resident subspecies iraquensis in the Iraqi Marshlands ranges between 3500-4500 breeding pairs. Unknown, but might be decreasing due to habitat loss. Phalacrocorax pygmeus TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family ANIMALIA CHORDATA AVES PELECANIFORME S PHALACROCORACIDAE Scientific Name Phalacrocorax pygmeus Species Authority Pallas, 1773 English Name(s) Pygmy Cormorant 24 ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Endangered B1 ab (i, ii & iii) + B2 ab (i, ii & iii) downlisted to Vulnerable List Category and Criteria Year Assessment of 2013 Justification Suitable habitats for the species are continuing to decrease over the past decades, due to the habitat destruction leading to feeding areas limitations. The EOO for this bird over the southern marshes is less than 5,000km2 and the AOO is less than 500 km2. While the number of the main locations might not exceed 2 locations of which one of them hosts the major population and the second might harbour few individuals. The assessment was downlisted to “Vulnerable” because of the possibility of the support of the breeding population by the wintering birds from outside the property that might stay to breed in the area. Global Red List 2012- Least Concern Assessment 2009- Least Concern 2008- Least Concern 2005- Least Concern 2004- Near Threatened POPULATION Population The estimated number of the resident population ranges between 7001,000 breeding pairs. Trend Unknown, but most probably decreasing due to the habitat loss and hunting pressure and by-catch from fishing. Vanellus leucurus TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order ANIMALIA CHORDATA AVES CHARADRIIFORMES CHARADRIIDAE Scientific Name Vanellus leucurus Species Authority Lichtenstein, 1823 English Name(s) White-tailed Lapwing, White-tailed Plover ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Endangered B1 ab (iii) downlisted to Vulnerable List Category and Criteria Year Assessment of 2013 25 Family Justification This species exists over most of the southern marshes with fair distribution; however it concentrates on the sides of the rivers, canals, as well as the margins of the marshes and the wet farms. It does breed in considerable numbers in the property in the grassy/shrubby wetlands. The EOO for this bird is less than 5,000km2. and the AOO is less than 2,000 km2. The assessment was downlisted to “Vulnerable” because of the possibility of the support of the breeding population by the wintering birds that might stay to breed in the area. Global Red List 2012- Least Concern Assessment 2009- Least Concern 2008- Least Concern 2004- Least Concern POPULATION Population The estimated number of the resident population ranges between 4000 6000 breeding pairs. Trend Unknown Larus genei TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family ANIMALIA CHORDATA AVES CHARADRIIFORMES LARIDAE Scientific Name Larus genei Species Authority Brème, 1839 English Name(s) Slender-billed Gull ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Endangered B1 ab (iii) downlisted to Vulnerable List Category and Criteria Year Assessment Justification of 2013 This species exists over all the southern marshes but with no fair distribution. It might use an area for roosting and other areas for foraging. The EOO for this bird is less than 5,000km2 . and the AOO is more than 2,000 km2. While the number of the locations ranges between 2 - 4. The assessment was downlisted to “Vulnerable” because of the possibility of the support of the breeding population by the immigrant birds that might stay to breed in the area. Global Red List 2012- Least Concern Assessment 2009- Least Concern 26 2008- Least Concern 2004- Least Concern POPULATION Population The estimated number of the wintering population inside the property ranges between 3000 – 4500 individuals. Also, there is a breeding population in considerable numbers but no figure can be estimated due to the unstable status of this bird in the Iraqi Marshlands. Trend Unknown. Chlidonias hybrida TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order ANIMALIA CHORDATA AVES CHARADRIIFORMES LARIDAE Scientific Name Chlidonias hybrida Species Authority Pallas, 1811 English Name(s) Whiskered Tern Family ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Endangered B1 ab (i, ii, & iii) + B2 ab (i, ii, & iii) downlisted to Vulnerable List Category and Criteria Year Assessment Justification of 2013 This species exists over all the southern marshes but with no fair distribution. It might use an area for roosting/breeding and other areas for foraging. The EOO for this bird is less than 5,000km2. and the AOO is less than 2,000 km2. While the number of the locations ranges between 4 - 5. The assessment was downlisted to “Vulnerable” because of the possibility of the support of the breeding population by the immigrant birds that might stay to breed in the area. Global Red List 2012- Least Concern Assessment 2009- Least Concern 2008- Least Concern 2004- Least Concern POPULATION Population Trend The estimated number of the breeding population ranges between 1500 – 2000 pairs. Unknown. 27 Chlidonias leucopterus TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order ANIMALIA CHORDATA AVES CHARADRIIFORMES LARIDAE Scientific Name Chlidonias leucopterus Species Authority Temminck, 1815 English Name(s) White-winged Tern, White-winged Black Tern Family ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Endangered B1 ab (i, ii, & iii) + B2 ab (i, ii, & iii) downlisted to Vulnerable List Category and Criteria Year Assessment of 2013 Justification This species exists over most of the southern marshes with no fair distribution. It does breed in not quite large numbers in the property. The EOO for this bird is less than 5,000km2. and the AOO is less than 500 km2. While the number of the locations ranges between 3 - 5. The assessment was downlisted to “Vulnerable” because of the possibility of the support of the breeding population by the migrant birds that might stay to breed in the area. Global Red List 2012- Least Concern Assessment 2009- Least Concern 2008- Least Concern 2004- Least Concern POPULATION Population Trend The estimated number of the breeding population ranges between 400 – 600 pairs. Unknown. Ceryle rudis TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order ANIMALIA CHORDATA AVES CORACIIFORMES ALCEDINIDAE Scientific Name Ceryle rudis Species Authority Linnaeus, 1758 English Name(s) Pied Kingfisher 28 Family ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Endangered B1 ab (iii) + 2 ab (iii) downlisted to Vulnerable List Category and Criteria Year Assessment of 2013 Justification This species exists over most of the southern marshes with fair distribution; however it concentrates over the rivers, canals, as well as the permanent patches of water. It does breed in quite large numbers in the property using the soil embankments. The EOO for this bird is less than 5,000km2. and the AOO is less than 2,000 km2. While the number of the locations ranges between 4 - 5. The assessment was downlisted to “Vulnerable” because of the possibility of the support of the breeding population by the immigrant birds that might stay to breed in the area. Global Red List 2012- Least Concern Assessment 2009- Least Concern 2008- Least Concern 2004- Least Concern POPULATION Population The estimated number of the breeding population inside the property might range between 1500 – 2500 pairs. Trend Unknown. Prinia gracilis TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family ANIMALIA CHORDATA AVES PASSERIFORMES CISTICOLIDAE Scientific Name Prinia gracilis Species Authority Lichtenstein, 1823 English Name(s) Graceful Prinia, Graceful Warbler ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Endangered B1 ab (iii) + 2 ab (iii) downlisted to Vulnerable List Category and Criteria Year Assessment Justification of 2013 This species exists over most of the southern marshes with fair distribution; however it concentrates over the rivers, canals, as well as the permanent patches of water. It does breed in considerable numbers 29 in the property over the margins of the marshlands. The EOO for this bird is less than 5,000km2. and the AOO is less than 2,000 km2. The assessment was downlisted to “Vulnerable” because of the possibility of the support of the breeding population by the immigrant birds that might stay to breed in the area. Global Red List 2012- Least Concern Assessment 2009- Least Concern 2008- Least Concern 2004- Least Concern POPULATION Population Unknown Trend Unknown but probably stable Turdoides altirostris TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family ANIMALIA CHORDATA AVES PASSERIFORMES TIMALIIDAE Scientific Name Turdoides altirostris Species Authority Hartert, 1909 English Name(s) Iraq Babbler ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Endangered B1 ab (iii) + 2 ab (iii) downlisted to Vulnerable List Category and Criteria Year Assessment Justification of 2013 This species exists over most of the southern marshes with fair distribution; however it concentrates over the margins of the marsh, rivers, canals, as well as the permanent patches of water. It does breed in quite considerable numbers in the property using the soil embankments. The EOO for this bird is less than 5,000km2. And the AOO is less than 2,000 km2. The assessment was downlisted to “Vulnerable” because of the possibility of the support of the breeding population by the immigrant birds that might stay to breed in the area. Global Red List 2012- Least Concern Assessment 2009- Least Concern 2008- Least Concern 2004- Least Concern 30 POPULATION Population Unknown Trend Unknown but probably stable. Corvus corone capellanus TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family ANIMALIA CHORDATA AVES Passeriformes Corvidae Scientific Name Corvus cornix capellanus Species Authority English Name(s) Mesopotamian Crow ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Endangered B1 ab (iii) + B2 ab (i, iii, & iv) downlisted to Vulnerable List Category and Criteria Year Assessment Justification of 2013 This subspecies exists over most of the southern marshes with fair distribution; however it concentrates over the margins of the marsh, rivers, canals, as well as the permanent patches of water. It does breed in quite considerable numbers in the property using the soil embankments. The EOO for this bird is less than 5,000km2. And the AOO is less than 500 km2. The number of the locations is two. The assessment was downlisted to “Vulnerable” because of the possibility of the support of the breeding population by the immigrant birds that might stay to breed in the area. Global Red List Not Evaluated Assessment POPULATION Population Trend The estimated population of the breeding birds ranges between 50 – 100 pairs. Unknown but probably stable. 31 3.4 Data Deficient Stenodactylus affinis TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family ANIMALIA CHORDATA REPTILIA SQUAMATA GEKKONIDAE Scientific Name Stenodactylus affinis Species Authority (Murray, 1884) English Name(s) Murray’s Comb-fingered Gecko ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Data Deficient List Category and Criteria Year Assessment of 2013 Justification In Iraqi Marshlands, there is no consensus about its range, population size or trend. The extreme changes in the habitat quality and distribution in the region since its last record in the 1990s makes it highly difficult to assess its status. Further research is critically needed. Global Red List 2009 – Least Concern Assessment POPULATION Population Unknown Trend Unknown 3.5 Least Concern Gerbillus mesopotamiae TAXONOMY Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family ANIMALIA CHORDATA MAMMALIA RODENTIA MURIDAE Scientific Name Gerbillus mesopotamiae Species Authority Harrison, 1956 English Name(s) Mesopotamian Gerbil 32 ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Regional Red Least Concern List Category and Criteria Year Assessment Justification of 2013 The species is endemic to the Tigris Euphrates rivers and their tributaries. It is found in its highest numbers in Iraq but the Iraqi Marshlands do not seem to provide to this species its most suitable habitats since it prefers river banks. The species is believed to be common in its suitable habitats. Still, further research is needed to assess its status more precisely. The number of locations where the species is recorded is not known but it is believed to be more than five locations at least. The AOO and EOO are not also known but due to its wide range, both are believed to be above the thresholds for Threatened status Global Red List 2008 – Least Concern Assessment POPULATION Population Unknown Trend Unknown 33 4 References Allouse, B. 1953. The Avifauna of Iraq. Iraq Natural History Museum, Baghdad. Allouse, B. 1960, 1961, 1962. [Birds of Iraq]. Vols I, II, III. Al-Rabita Press, Baghdad. [In Arabic] BirdLife International. 2013. IUCN Red List for birds. www.birdlife.org. BirdLife International. 2013. Global IBA Criteria. from http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/info/ibacritglob on [access date]. Downloaded Coad B. W. (2010) Freshwater Fishes of Iraq. PENSOFT Publishers, Sofia-Moscow. No.93. Evans, M.I. 1994. Important Bird Areas in the Middle East. BirdLife International, Cambridge, UK. Garstecki T & Z Amr. 2011. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management in the Iraqi Marshlands : Screening Study on Potential World Heritage Nomination. IUCN - ROWA, Jordan. Nature Iraq. 2013. www.natureiraq.org. Key Biodiversity Areas of Iraq (DRAFT site accounts). Porter, R & S Aspinall. 2010. Birds of the Middle East. Christopher Helm, London. Salim, MA, R Porter, P Schiermacker-Hansen, S Christensen & S Al- Jbour. 2006. [Field guide to the birds of Iraq]. Nature Iraq/BirdLife International, Baghdad. [In Arabic]. Salim M, Porter R, Rubec C (2009) A summary of birds recorded in the marshes of southern Iraq, 2005–2008. In: Krupp F, 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. Salim, MA & RF Porter (in prep). Towards a population assessment of the breeding population of White-tailed Lapwing in Iraq. Scott, DA. 1995. A directory of wetlands in the Middle East. IUCN, Gland, and International Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Bureau, Slimbridge. Schodde, R, GM Kirwan & R F Porter. 2012. Morhological differentiations and speciations among darters (Anhinga). Bull. Brit. Orn. Cl. 132: 283 – 294. Delaney and Scott (2002). Waterbird Population Estimates. Third Edition, Wetlands International, Wagenigen, The Netherlands. Abd IM, Rubec CDA, Coad BW (2009) Key biodiversity areas: Rapid assessment of fi sh fauna in southern Iraq. In: Krupp F, Musselman LJ, Kotb MMA, Weidig I (Eds) Environment, Biodiversity and Conservation in the Middle East. Proceedings of the First Middle Eastern 34 Biodiversity Congress, Aqaba, Jordan, 20–23 October 2008. BioRisk 3: 161–171. doi: 10.3897/biorisk.3.15. Worldbirds website (http://www.worldbirds.org/v3/middleeast.php) BirdLife Data Zone (http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/site/search) 35