Teab Seasonal Wetlands (32121)
Iraq, Middle East

Site overview

KBA status: confirmed

Global KBA criteria: A1d

Year of last assessment: 2015

National site name: Teeb Seasonal Wetlands

Central coordinates: Latitude: 32.1667, Longitude: 47.3833

System: freshwater

Elevation (m): 9 to 25

Area of KBA (km²): 148.20001

KBA classification: Global

Legacy site: Yes

Site details

Site description: This site is a seasonal wetland, with patches of water that remain throughout the year in scattered depressions.

Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.

Additional biodiversity: Additional Important Bird Observations: During the surveys a total of 26 bird species was recorded. In addition to those listed in the table, Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca and Greater Spotted Eagle A. clanga (both Vulnerable) were seen frequently. Hunters report “large numbers” of Spotted Sandgrouse Pterocles senegallus. Nine Sahara-Sindian Desert biome-restricted species but these did not trigger inclusion under criterion A3. Other Important Fauna: According to the frequent reports of locals and hunters, mammals include Honey Badger Mellivora capensis and Grey Wolf Canis lupus, plus wld cats and foxes (species unknown). Goitered Gazelle Gazella subgutturosa (sub-species not known) used to occur in the eastern hilly parts of this area and a few were killed in the eastern and northern parts of this site close to the border. Some reptiles were seen but not identified.

Habitats

Summary of habitats in KBA: The area is sedimentary with clay soil types and the habitats are desert shrub and helophytic marsh vegetation with about 60% of the area unvegetated. Historically, the area received water from the Iranian uplands mainly through the Dwairij River, and from other small drainages from highlands in Iraq and Iran, and deep pools stretchedover many kilometers. However, the general lack of rain recently and the closure of the site’s primary water source due to an embankment dam built on the Dwairij River by Iran have resulted in drought conditions at this site. The wetlands provide very good habitat for large numbers of geese and ducks, especially in the western, more remote part. A main road crosses the site and traces of water were noticeable on both sides of the road during the surveys. A few new, small oil wells and oil exploration developments were observed during the summer 2010 visit.

Land use: agriculture | energy production and mining | rangeland/pastureland

IUCN Habitat	Coverage %	Habitat detail
Desert	50
Wetlands(Inland)	50

Threats

Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The primary threats, which were rated very high, are energy production as this site is located close to Bazirgan, Abu Gharab and Fakka oilfields and oil development seems to be extending into it, and natural systems modification as rainwater draining into the area from Iran has recently been blocked and many seasonal wetlands are becoming dry. Four threats were ranked high. Agricultural intensification and livestock grazing as a high threat. Transportation and service corridors were also a high threat and were represented by the movement of water tanker trucks by local people to collect water from springs; there is also some new road development particularly for the oilfields and oil export pipelines as well as the main road between Amarah city and the picnic area in Teeb Oasis. Two additional high threats were overexploitation mainly due to the hunting of birds; and human disturbance - movement by beduoin and vehicle traffic, especially related to the oil industry, and by people picnicking and hunting (spring, fall & winter).

Threat level 1	Threat level 2	Threat level 3	Timing
Energy production & mining	Oil & gas drilling		Ongoing

Additional information