Lehais (BR4) Thi Qar & Basra - N30° 36’ 21” E46° 31’ 45” Area: 470 km - Altitude: >10m KBA Criteria: Not Assessed IBA Criteria: Not Assessed Ecoregion: Arabian Desert and East Sahero-Arabian Xeric Shrublands Status: Unprotected

Northern view of Al-Lehais area (Photo by N. Abdulhasan, 2010)

Site Description: This is a desert area with sparsely-growing shrubs such as Astragalus spinosus and Cornulaca aucheri. The geology of this area is Lower Faris Series: marls, siltstones, gypsum/anhydrite, and limestone bands; the soil type is sandy. Subba & Lehais Oilfield is located to the southwest and a gas separation station is located close to the south end of the site, causing major air and soil pollution. A small, abandoned airstrip exists near the northwestern extension and there is an area with vegetable farms to the east. Al-Lehais town is also located to the east of the site. A paved road leading to the gas station runs close to the area

 

 

(from the south). The old Basrah-Nasiria main road runs close to the north side. The area is scattered with the remains of Iraqi military weapons from the first Gulf War. Additional Plant & Habitat Information: (To be added after IPA review is completed) Conservation Issues: Energy production was rated a ‘high’ threat, as this site is located close to Subba & Lehais Oilfield, which has been contracted to an international oil company for development. There is also a pipeline network and the degasing station to the south of this site. Over-exploitation was also rated a ‘high’ threat, mainly due to overgrazing. Human intrusion was the third ‘high’ threat because of nomadic movements in the area and the presence of vehicles, both those related to the oil industry in the area and those traveling the old Basrah-Nasiria main road. To a lesser degree, agriculture - represented by the vegetable farms to the east - and pollution due to the war remains in the soil and smoke from the degasing station represented medium threats. Recommendations: This site is a good example of desert habitat and it includes a relatively good number of desert plant species, particularly annuals that grow after the rainy season. Therefore, it is recommended to find ways to regulate the oil industry, grazing, and disturbance from vehicle traffic to reduce the impact of activities mentioned above, especially near the more pristine areas, particularly in the northwest extension of the site.