Iraq has lost something more than human lives in the war. Especially, great threat has emerged for the bird there. which has shriveled more than 90%. Conservationists fear that if the efforts are not made to protect these already endangered species, it would certainly lead to their disappearance.
It is noteworthy that Iraqi marshes were once considered among one of the Middle East’s most wildlife-rich areas and supported important bird populations but the areas were largely drained in the 1990s to punish the Marsh Arabs for rebelling against former leader Saddam Hussein.
A report published in the BBC states:
Sometimes identified as the site of the Garden of Eden, the Mesopotamian marshes have been home to the Marsh Arabs for at least 5,000 years. They once covered an area of 20,000-15,000 sq km - twice the size of the Florida Everglades. By 2001, only one-tenth of the marshlands remained intact.
However, survey conducted on marshlands show that around 40% of area has been restored to its 1970’s condition.
The efforts to restore Iraqi marshes can only give desired result when Iraq regains its peace. But alas! Current situation of the country makes it uncertain for the existence of bird’s habitats.
However, International Birdlife organization needs to put some extra efforts to restore the network of watercourses, which provided inhabitants with water for drinking and supported the region’s unique ecology. Awareness among the Iraqi people can help to a great extent as community participation is considered as the most successful phenomenon for any campaign.
Via: BBC
