Silent Skies: How Climate Change is Forcing Migratory Birds to Flee Diyala, Iraq – Insights from Shafaq News

Shafaq News – Diyala

Every autumn, the skies over eastern Diyala would be alive with migratory birds. Geese, hawks, and falcons filled the air, especially around Mandali, Qazaniya, and Hamrin. Now, those skies are quiet. The marshes and rivers that once throbbed with the sounds of wildlife are dry. This change is a sign of Iraq’s growing climate crisis.

Many residents express disbelief. Ali Sattar, 74, remembers how the sky would darken with the shadows of flocks at sunrise. “Now it feels like the birds have left us forever,” he sighed. Local hunters, who once caught rare falcons worth thousands, now come back empty-handed. “It’s a treasure lost,” another local reflected.

Changing Migration Patterns

Experts say eastern Diyala was once a vital stop for birds migrating between southern Iraq and Syria or Turkey. That route is changing. “Climate change, drought, falling water levels, and hunting are driving birds away,” said environmental expert Youssef al-Khuwari. “The wetlands they needed are gone, leading to dramatic declines in their numbers.”

He pointed out that species like geese and eagles are not just disappearing for aesthetic reasons. “This impacts biodiversity. Drought is pushing birds to avoid Diyala, and that has long-term effects on ecosystems.”

Threats to Ecological Balance

Environmental activist Saif al-Jumaili stated that migratory birds are crucial for food chains, pollinating plants, and keeping insect populations in check. Their absence creates serious ecological issues that can harm agriculture. He believes the decline is due not only to climate change but also to urban spread and land clearing. Al-Jumaili urges the government to create protected areas and restrict hunting. “Safeguarding the environment can boost both ecology and the economy,” he said.

Iraq is now one of the world’s most climate-affected countries. Studies show record droughts, reduced rainfall, and dam projects in Turkey and Iran have slashed river flows, draining reservoirs and turning farmland into desert. In the last 30 years, nearly a third of Iraq’s arable land has vanished, while water reserves have plummeted below safe levels.

According to a recent report by the World Bank, more than 60% of Iraqis are concerned about climate change’s impact on their livelihoods. This insight highlights the urgency for action as the nation navigates a complex interplay of environmental and human challenges.

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