Shadegan Wetland (with an area of 537700 hectares) is an environmental system comprising of fresh and saline wetlands as well as tidal gulf of Khor mousa and its islands.
The wetland is located beneath Jerahi river, between the cities of
Shadegan,
Abadan and Mahshar in Khouzestan province and reach to the Persian gulf at the end.
Shadegan Wetland is the biggest
Ramsar site in
Iran, been registered in 1975 and is considered as an important international wetland.
According to the 1381 studies, 17 plant communities comprise of 110 plant species ( including Khor mousa islands) have been identified in the territories of the wetland.
Furthermore, this wetland is internationally recognized due to its high animal biodiversity and so far about 311 animal species has been identified in the vicinity of the wetland.
The unique and important features of
Shadegan Wetland includes big scale, a natural ecosystem, biodiversity
...see more and its important role in the livelihood of the local residents.
The three big cities of Shadegan, Abadan and Mahshar are close to this wetland. There are also several villages in the vicinities of Shadegan Wetland.
The majority of the population in this cities and villages are Arabs with the main occupation of farming and ranching. Buffalo graving, fishing, hunting birds and harvesting reeds are the main benefits gained from the wetland by the local people.
The major threads to the wetlands includes the inflow of the drainages, water pollution, The reduction of the floodwater inflow, long term climate change/drought, the introduction of nonnative species, the leakage of petroleum materials form the pipes and disturbance for the wild life.
Reference: www.wetlandsproject.ir
