International Journal of Marine Science 2016, Vol.6, No.43, 1-13
12
autumn staging area for migratory shorebirds and Anas querquedula in Iran, while the open water of the lake
occasionally huge number of ducks. Over 425000 waterbirds of at least 53 species were recorded in the Uromyieh
lake basin during an aerial survey on 29-31 August 1973(Scott 1995). The islands in Lake Uromia were the only
known breeding locality for
Falco biarmicus
in Iran (at least five pairs) and also provide nesting sites for at least
10 pairs of
Neophron percnopterus
,
Falco cherrug
and
Falco peregrinus
have been recorded during the summer
month and may breed;
Gyps fulvus
and
Aegypius monachus
were regular visitors from the surrounding hills and
Haliaeetus albicila
and
Falco columbarius
occur in winter (Argyle 1975, Scott 1995 and 2001). The great bustard
Otis tarda was a regular visitor to the plain around the south part of the lake. In the 1980, with up to 25 being
recorded in August, but the bird were not known to breed in the area (Behrouzi-Rad 2001). At least 187 species of
birds have been recorded in the National Park (Scott 1995). Three Globally Threatened species
Marmaronetta
angustirostris
,
Aythya nyroca
and
Oxyura leucocephala
were regularly breeder in southern wetlands (Kaniborazan
and Gopibaba-Ali) of Lake Uromia. It was particularly important for it large breeding colonies of
Pelecanus
onocrotalus
,
Phoenicopterus ruber
,
Larus armenicus
and
Larus geneai
, but also supports over 1% of the regional
breeding population of seven other species of waterfowl (Argyle 1975, Evans 1994). During the migration season
and in winter, it regularly supports over 1% of the regional population of an additional 29 species of waterfowl,
table (4) (Scott 1995 and 2001, Evans 1994). Wild Sheep
Ovis gemelini
were introduced on to Kabodan Island in
the 19th century while Persian Fallow Deer
Dama mesopotamica
were introduced onto Ashak Islandin late 1970s.
The sheep population Peaked at over 4000 in 1970-1980, but then declined to only about less than 800 in 2015.
The Persian Fallow Deer population peaked up over 300 in 1980s, but reduced to only about less than 20 in 2015.
Several of the islands notably Ashk, Kabodan, Espir and Arezo, supports almost pristine stands of Azerbayjan
Pistachio
Pistacia atlantica
forest. The Ashk, Espir, Arezo, Dughouzlar and Kabodan islands were sensitive
habitats for breeding species of waterbirds, some terrestrial birds, Wild Sheep and Persian Fallow Deer. In 2015
the all mentioned islands connected to the main ground at around of the lake and there were not any islands.
However, all bird communities, Wild Sheep and Persian Fallow Deer population crack up. The lake supports an
abundant growth of the alga
Enteromorpha intestinallis
(Ulvaceae) and there was a buildup of brine shrimp
Artemia Uromiana during the summer month in wet years also in 1980s, but in 2015 reduced to zero. Variation of
breeding and wintering population of birds are bio-indicators for ecological water need of Lake Uromia ecosystem,
because each group of Waterbirds preform special depth of water, food and habitats, that these factors can be used
to protect and manage the Lake Uromia. The crack up of the Lake Uromia ecosystem unfolds at agricultural
grounds and effect on the local people life in near future.
References
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Behrouzi-Rad B., 1980, Birds ringed and recovered in Iran, Tehran Bird Ringing Center, Dep. of Environment, Tehran, Iran, 50 pp.
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Behrouzi-Rad B., 1990, Ringing of Greater Flamingo, Gulls and Herons in Lake Uromia (1979-1990), Natural Bureau of Dep. of Environment, Tehran,
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