Wadi Al-Weir and Sheeb Abu-Talha

Wadi Al-W'eir and Sh'eeb Abu-Talha is a desert site of about 1,428 km² in southwestern Iraq, elevation 60 to 370 m, containing two seasonal watercourses^[1]. Sh'eeb Abu-Talha carries rainwater to the Euphrates River^[1].

Mammals include honey badger, striped hyena, grey wolf and Indian crested porcupine, which is common especially in Wadi Al-W'eir^[1]. MacQueen's bustard uses the flat, non-rocky ground, and desert monitor and Egyptian spiny-tailed lizard occur; gazelles lived in the lower parts until recent decades^[1].

About 90 plant species have been recorded, with desert shrub and herbaceous vegetation dominated by Tamarix aucherana, Ziziphus nummularia and Achillea fragrantissima; about 70% of the ground is bare^[1].

The ground is limestone and marl, with rocky and sandy soils^[1].

The site lies in the Iraqi desert, where the wadis carry water only after seasonal rain^[1].

The ancient Darb Zubaida road, from the Abbasid era, passes through the site^[1].

The Ministry of Agriculture created a fenced protected area for gazelles in the upper part of Wadi Al-W'eir^[1].

The ancient Darb Zubaida road and the two wadis are the main features^[1].

An unpaved road crosses the site, which lies near a strategic oil pipeline^[1].

Threats include bird hunting, heavy grazing by livestock and camels, sand mining in a small northern area, and war remains and garbage; a planned Najaf-Shbicha road would cross the site^[1].