Key Biodiversity Areas: Rapid assessment of fish fauna in southern Iraq

Abstract

Surveys of fish in the southern marshes of Iraq are an integral component of the Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) Project that was initiated in 2005 by Nature Iraq. This included sampling in the January to February and June periods of 2005, 2006 and 2007. Fish species occurrence, relative abundance, and weight and length were recorded. Species of importance for local consumption were noted. An initial project report included details and photographs of the species observed in 2005. Records based on interviews with local residents are noted. Sixteen “Species of Special Concern” are proposed, considering both economic and ecological factors that may be relevant to a future national fish management strategy in Iraq.