THE AVIAN BIODIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION WITHIN THE IBN NAJM WETLAND, IRAQ

Abstract

Objective: A sensitive bio-indicators, water-birds provide essential insights into the ecological status for any aquatic ecosystem. Ibn Najim Marsh, a seasonal freshwater wetland of global importance in Iraq. This study assessed the waterbird community and its relationship with physicochemical water parameters in Ibn Najim Marsh during the winter and spring seasons of 2025.

Methods: Bird surveys were conducted using line transect distance sampling across two representative sites. water quality parameters, including (T, EC, TDS, pH, DO, BOD₅, T.P, and T.N. were analyzed following standard protocols.

Results: A total of 41 bird species from 12 families were recorded, with species richness and abundance exhibiting strong seasonal variation. The highest diversity and abundance were observed during winter and spring. The family Laridae (gulls) dominated the community, particularly in winter, with Chroicocephalus genei being the most abundant species. Water quality parameters also varied seasonally, winter was characterized by higher EC (up to 2300 µS/cm), TDS (up to 1740 mg/L), and DO (up to 8.8 mg/L), while spring showed higher temperatures and nutrient (T.P and T.N) concentrations.

Conclusion: Ibn Najim Marsh functions as a critical wintering and stopover site for migratory waterbirds along the Central Asian flyway. The pronounced seasonal fluctuations in both bird communities and water quality underscore the marsh’s sensitivity to hydrological regimes and anthropogenic stressors such as agricultural runoff and water diversion.