The Zoo animals of Iraq, as discussed by Dr. Milstein, are not the only creatures being decimated or losing their habitat as a result of war and a water rights dispute with their neighbour Turkey. Turkey is damming some of the rivers that sustain the marshlands.

The story of Iraq's Marsh Arabs and their once magnificent habitat is an ecological disaster with wide repercussions for the whole environment of the area.

Wildlife has been decimated in once fertile areas. Resident birds, including rare and endangered species, have been reduced in numbers and migratory birds have fewer areas that they can use to sustain them on their long trips.

For more information see

http://www.nwf.org/nationalwildlife/printerFriendly.cfm?issueID=66&articleID=883