Barzan's environmentalist legacy: how a community heals its wildlife

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In the serene landscape of the Mergaosr district, an injured eagle lies recovering under the vigilant care of specialist veterinarians. Though its health remains unstable, efforts are underway to restore its ability to soar high into the sky once more.

The Environmental Protection Battalion (EPB) in Mergasor has been closely monitoring the eagle’s condition. Once it regains full health, the magnificent bird will be released back into its natural habitat, reflecting the district's commitment to environmental harmony and balance.

"Four days ago, we received a report from a citizen in the Barzan area about an injured eagle in his garden that couldn't fly. The EPB in Barzan responded swiftly, transporting the bird to a vet for treatment. It has been under medical care for the past four days and is still under supervision. We plan to return it to the wilderness today," said an EPB personnel member.

Such scenes of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation are common in Barzan, although rarely documented.

Wild animals in this area display a unique fearlessness towards humans, often remaining undisturbed even by the noise of passing vehicles.

Many local residents contribute to wildlife welfare by building water ponds and providing essential vitamin supplements during the hot, dry summer months.

"I started this project in 2010, providing three water tanks for the wild animals. Every four or five days, I replenish the water supply and ensure it remains clean with the help of water pumps. The culture of environmental protection is deeply ingrained in the Barzan area, passed down by the Sheikhs and respected figures of our community," said a resident who pioneered efforts to support wildlife during the summer.

For over a century, the Barzan area has upheld principles of environmentalism and conservation.

Practices such as cutting down trees, polluting the environment, discarding trash, fishing during spawning seasons, and hunting wild animals and birds are strictly prohibited. Instead, protecting the environment is a deeply rooted cultural norm among the people.

In this part of the Kurdistan Region, wild animals descend from the highlands without fear of being hunted.

Their frequent appearances often blur the line between wild and domestic animals, showcasing a unique coexistence where animals and humans live in harmony.

Additional reporting done by Kurdistan24's correspondent Tayfur Mohammed