Boost for Iraq bird populations (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

The first comprehensive survey of bird populations in Iraq seems to show that conservation efforts are working, but some species remain threatened.

Conservationists have had grave concerns for birds in Iraq since the drainage of 90% of Iraq's marshes by former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein.

The marshes were one of the Middle East's most wildlife-rich areas and supported important bird populations.

Details will appear in a field guide and in several scientific papers.

So far, three winter surveys and two summer surveys have been conducted by Iraqi biologists.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6295729.stm