Hur al-Azim border wetland, a valuable ecosystem with high biodiversity

Document Type : Over looking Iranian Nature

Author

Assistant Prof., Forests and Rangelands Research Department, Khuzestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization, AREEO, Ahvaz, Iran.

Abstract

According to the classification of the Ramsar Convention, Khuzestan province is the home of various aquatic habitats, seasonal and permanent wetlands and rivers, and dozens of springs and reservoirs in mountainous and plain parts. The Hur al-Azim wetland is one of the largest permanent freshwater wetlands in Mesopotamia located on the border between Iran and Iraq and is of great importance in terms of hydrology and biology. Vegetation of the area includes drought-tolerant annual and perennial shrubs, halophytes, damp shrubs, marginal plants, submerged, floating, and a type of algae (Nitella flexilis). Hur al-Azim wetland is home to 17 species of fish and 53 species of birds, 60% of which are migratory birds and 5.6% of which are on the IUCN Red List. During several trips to the region to implement research projects and study programs for fine dust and study of scientific resources, Hur al-Azim wetland is introduced from various aspects. The purpose of this article is to recognize the biological features, potentials, and importance of the Hur al-Azim wetland to be more aware of its location and hope to plan for the protection and preservation of this unique ecosystem.
                            

Keywords

References

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Iran Nature
Volume 7, Issue 2 - Serial Number 33
May and June 2022
Pages 109-123

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