Document Type : Research Paper
Author
Member of Faculty at Zanjan University
Abstract
Wetlands are significant not only materially, but ecologically as well. Hence the recognition of these natural ecosystems and efforts to protect them must be placed at the forefront of scientific and practical attention. In this regard, recognition of some of the ecological features of Hoor Shadegan as one of the vital zones will be sought. Hoor Shadagan is ranked as the twenty-second wetland in the world, and has various ecological, scientific, aesthetic, economic and hydrological values. The Shadegan wetland has been declared by the Environmental Protection Agency as a wildlife refuge due to the migration of various birds from northern areas of the globe to this place during the winter and early spring. This wetland was registered on 23 June 1975 by the Ramsar Convention as an internationally important wetland (especially for aquatic birds). (Majnounian 1998)
The Shadegan wetland is located in a warm and dry climate, and in some years it is encountered in warm seasons with water shortage or aridity over a large part of it. The animals have adapted themselves to these ecological conditions over the years. (Farrokhian et al., 1997)