Barzan Tribal Protected Area

The Barzan valley, near the Turkish border on the Greater Zab, is a very important site for Kurds and particularly for the Kurdish Barzani tribe. This area has a long history of tribal governance, and it is particularly important because Barzani tribe established a sort of tribal reserve in this part of Iraqi Kurdistan in the early 20th century. This site is a protected area located on the northeast of Erbil City which represents mountains with woodlands of Oak tree with the presence of some streams. The most important river near to this site is Barzan River which comes from Turkey through Musaka Village then it mixes the water from the Bekhal and Jundyan forming the Big Zab. In the past decades the Sheikhs of Barzan attempted to enforce certain regulations to maintain a clean environment, that still exist, such as prohibition of: • Cutting down fruit trees and other trees that stood along the pathways which provided shade for travelers; • Taking out excessive honey from hives to endanger the bees; • Killing the non-poisoned snakes; • Fishing with dynamites; • Hunting during reproduction seasons; and, • Killing animals when drinking water. These regulations were enforced during a period when people during the revolt of 1961-1975 had access to guns, they were firing at Partridges and other animals for fun. The animals were on the verge of extinction, as there lacked a sense of responsibility within people to preserve the environment. Although Barzan area has not yet been established as a Protected Area under the national legislation, it area is recognized as a regional reserve that is subject to tribal management and control. Due to its important natural and biodiversity values in 2009 this site has been classified as a KBA by the NGO Nature Iraq. Birds of conservation concern are: eastern rock Nuthatch (Sitta tephronota), Finsch’s Wheatear (Oenanthe finschii), Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumani), European Roller (Coracias garrulous), Masked Shrike (Lanius nubicus), and Hooded Crow (Corvus corone cornix).