Project overview
Illegal trapping and trade of wild birds in Iraq have escalated over the past decade, posing a severe threat to migratory bird populations and biodiversity. Many species of conservation concern including globally threatened waterbirds and raptors are actively caught and sold, with Baghdad’s Souq Al Ghazl market serving as a notorious hub. This project aims to address the crisis by investigating the socioeconomic drivers behind illegal bird trapping and trade and using that knowledge to inform effective conservation action. Through field surveys, interviews, and market monitoring, we will document the scale of the issue and the motivations and methods of those involved. The research will produce evidence-based insights into how poverty, cultural practices, and weak enforcement contribute to the illegal killing and trade of birds. Building on these findings, the project will engage local communities and authorities to develop sustainable solutions from alternative livelihoods (e.g. small-scale poultry farming and ecotourism) to strengthened wildlife protection policies that reduce pressure on wild bird populations.
By the end of the project, we will deliver concrete recommendations and an action plan to curb illegal bird trade in Iraq, contributing to the Safe Flyways goal of ending the illegal killing of birds in the region. This initiative will lay the groundwork for long-term conservation efforts in Iraq by fostering collaboration between government, local stakeholders, and international partners.
