Zawita (32146)
Iraq, Middle East
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2015
National site name: Zawita
Central coordinates: Latitude: 36.8967, Longitude: 43.1467
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 870 to 1260
Area of KBA (km2): 2.87664
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The site is located in the Zagros Range and the geology is siltstone and sandstone and the soil type is sandy clay. A seasonal stream passes through the valley beside the main road between the towns of Zawita and Sarsang
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: During the surveys, 45 species were recorded. The site also held two Irano-Turanian and four Mediterranean biome-restricted species that were breeding but these did not trigger inclusion under criterion A3. No additional significant observations were made for non-avian fauna. Additional Plant & Habitat Information: This site contains a good population of Crataegus azarolus, Pistacia eurycarpa, and P. khinjuk, which are economically and culturally important plant species.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: This area contains a ridge that is 70% covered by pine (Pinus brutia) forest but oak woodlands exist here as well. Agriculture is mainly seen near the town of Zawita outside the delineated area. Land is used for field crops (wheat and barley) and vineyards and orchards cover the foothills. An area inside the delineation is used as a resort.
Land use: tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Human intrusion, caused by tourism, has the largest impact and causes an additional threat of pollution at Zawita. These two factors were each rated as high. The site’s proximity to Dohuk promotes human usage, which results in trash accumulation as well as potential sewage problems due to a lack of waste management facilities. Agriculture, development, transportation, grazing and hunting were only considered moderate threats.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |