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Explore 22 protected areas in Iraq, rated across 10 categories

Small mountain nature reserve in the Nineveh Plains north of Mosul, protecting remnant woodland and bird habitat in the northern Iraqi foothills.

Al-Qosh

Large border reserve near Iran encompassing diverse habitats in the foothills between Wasit and Diyala governorates.

Badra and Zurbatiyah

Tribally protected mountain area near the Turkish border with oak woodlands. One of Iraq's oldest de facto reserves, managed by the Barzani tribe since the early 20th century.

Barzan

Iraq's largest national park protecting the Mesopotamian Marshes, a UNESCO World Heritage wetland ecosystem. Critical habitat for the Basra Reed Warbler and migratory birds.

Central Marshes

Large isolated marsh west of the Tigris with the last healthy stock of the endemic Bunni fish. Supports 140 bird species, honey badgers, caracals, and striped hyenas.

Dalmaj Marsh

Eastern section of the Hammar marshes extending toward Basra, part of the Mesopotamian wetlands system. Key breeding habitat for waterbirds.

Eastern Hammar

Euphrates flood storage reservoir supporting breeding terns, wintering spoonbills, and migratory raptors. Adjacent to the Al-Masad and Al-Dhabaa wildlife reserves.

Habbaniyah Lake

Euphrates River valley reserve containing unique cave habitat with two endemic blind fish species. One of the most biologically important river valleys in Western Iraq.

Haditha Wetlands and Baghdadi

Iraq's first national park in the Zagros Mountains, encompassing the country's highest peak Halgurd at 3,609 m. Home to Persian leopards, brown bears, and wild goats.

Halgurd-Sakran

Major Ramsar wetland comprising East and West Hammar marshes south of the Euphrates. Important breeding site for Marbled Duck and wintering waterfowl.

Hammar Marshes

Iraq's first Ramsar site, a transboundary wetland with Iran. Home to the endangered Basra Reed Warbler, Euphrates Softshell Turtle, and Smooth-coated Otter.

Hawizeh Marshes

Coastal saltmarsh reserve near the Kuwait border with saline habitat supporting halophytic vegetation and waterbirds. One of Iraq's few coastal protected areas.

Khor Al-Zubayr Marshes

Large reservoir on the Tigris behind Iraq's largest dam, designated as a nature reserve. Important habitat for wintering waterfowl and migratory birds.

Mosul Lake

Highest peak in Sulaymaniyah Governorate at 2,613 m with exceptionally high breeding bird diversity. Twelve species of birds of prey breed here including the globally endangered Egyptian Vulture.

Peramagroon Mountain

Kurdistan's first formally protected area, home to 5-10 Persian leopards, nearly 1,000 plant species, and over 180 bird species across multiple mountain ecosystems.

Qara Dagh

Iraq's second largest lake, important for breeding Marbled Duck and wintering waterfowl. Located between Anbar and Karbala governorates in a wide valley.

Razzaza Lake

Unique endorheic lake fed by artesian springs, designated as a Ramsar site. The lake dried up in 2023 due to groundwater over-extraction.

Sawa Lake

Large desert nature reserve in southern Iraq's Muthanna Governorate, protecting semi-arid steppe and desert habitat for gazelles and desert wildlife.

Suwaibaat

Desert oasis reserve with permanent water and plant cover attracting migratory raptors and passerines. Important corridor for bird migration. Home to honey badgers, striped hyenas, and grey wolves.

Teeb and Zubaidaat Oases

Vast semi-desert reserve surrounding Iraq's largest lake between the Tigris and Euphrates, 120 km north of Baghdad. Key site for wintering waterbirds and desert wildlife.

Tharthar Lake and Dhebaeji Field

Vast southwestern desert reserve encompassing two seasonal watercourses. Contains a fenced gazelle protection area managed by the Ministry of Agriculture. Home to honey badgers, striped hyenas, and gr

Wadi Al-Weir and Sheeb Abu-Talha

Western portion of the Hammar marshes system south of the Euphrates, part of the Ahwar UNESCO World Heritage Site. Important wintering and breeding wetland.

National Parks in Iraq

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