CURRENT CONSERVATION STATUS OF THE MIGRATORY WESTERN MARSH HARRIER THROUGHOUT THE UNESCO SITE IN AL-CHIBAYISH MARSH, SOUTH OF IRAQ

Abstract

Monitoring migrating raptors is among the most cost-effective and simple methods for forecasting shift in the ecosystem and environment. The Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Accipitriformes, Accipitridae) represents a widely wintering, on-passage raptor over Iraq's southern Mesopotamian marshlands. However, recent information related to this species’ population trend, as well as its spatial and temporal migration patterns, is not fully known. From October 2021–June 2022, nine ornithological field surveys were undertaken in the Central Marshes (UNESCO Site, RAMSAR Site, and Iraq's National Park). Three transect lines were chosen, and the surveying plot covered 40,000 hectares (400 Km2). Our recent surveys recorded a total of 64 harriers passing over the Central Marshes. The species density was determined using a distance sampling method; perpendicular distances were gauged using a digital range finder. During our surveys, the Central Marshes hosted a migratory population of ≈3,508-21,499 harriers. In addition, we assessed the breeding status of this bird species in the surveyed area; however, no confirmed breeding was found. Furthermore, illegal hunting/trapping were identified as the main threat facing the species in Iraq.