De Lezha (32132)
Iraq, Middle East
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2015
National site name: De Lezha
Central coordinates: Latitude: 35.4602, Longitude: 45.1943
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 630 to 1310
Area of KBA (km2): 81.15984
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: De Lezha is a northwest extension of the Qara Dagh ridge and could be effectively considered as a part of the Qara Dagh KBA (IQ039) The site is located in the Zagros mountain range, where the geology is limestone and soil type is sandy clay.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: Additional Important Bird Observations: During the survey period, a total of 79 species were seen. In addition to those in the table above, European Roller Coracias garrulus (breeding) and Semi-collared Flycatcher Ficedula semitorquata (migrant), both Near Threatened, were observed, but at sub IBA-threshold numbers. Four Mediterranean and two Sahara-Sindian Desert biome-restricted species were found breeding. Other Important Fauna: Not enough data were collected under the rapid assessment. Only one Indian Grey Mongoose Herpestes edwardsii was observed. The stream supports fish but no surveys were conducted. Additional Plant & Habitat Information: This site contains a good population of Morus alba, Morus nigra, Pistacia eurycarpa and P. khinjuk, which are economically and culturally important.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: The main habitat types were mountain forest vegetation (primarily oak forests) and mountain riverine forest. There are also dense grassland and scattered bushes cut through by a seasonal stream, which is densely wooded on both banks and crossed by a bridge. A line of old willows stands along parts of the local river. Some cultivated areas and three small villages (De Lezha, Solai Kabinakan and Solai Shekh Qadir) lie nearby. It is a popular picnic site. A ridge of mountains to the south was not surveyed but is primarily used for grazing. East of De Lezha, a residential development has been built that will house employees for a future dam that is proposed to be constructed on the stream.
Land use: hunting | rangeland/pastureland | urban/industrial/transport | water management
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 50 | |
| Forest | 50 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Natural systems modification (due to a proposed dam construction project that included also worker housing), hunting, and human intrusion were assessed as very high. Pollution (from village waste and also picnicking waste) and transportation were rated as high threats and livestock production/grazing was assessed as a medium threat.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Work & other activities | Ongoing |