150% Increase in Migratory Bird Deaths at Miankaleh Wetland

Mazandaran’s Environmental Organization announced on Tuesday, February 4, that migratory bird deaths at Miankaleh Wetland have increased by 150%, and declared entry to the area prohibited.

According to the organization’s statement, 508 carcasses of migratory waterfowl from species including common pochards, flamingos, and dabchicks were collected yesterday, bringing the total number of migratory bird deaths to 839.

The organization did not specify the exact cause of the migratory bird deaths. Previously, Ali Sefarmakanali, head of the Veterinary Organization, had attributed the bird deaths to a disease called “botulism.”

Last February, during a two-week period, between 10,000 to 13,000 birds died in Miankaleh Wetland, most of which were flamingos and pochards, and botulism was declared as the primary cause of the bird deaths.

Pochards are waterfowl native to Iran. Flamingos are also wading birds that inhabit coastal marshes, mudflats, and similar areas.

Miankaleh Wetland is part of a peninsula of the same name located in the southeast of the Caspian Sea.

The Miankaleh Peninsula covers approximately 70,000 hectares. Miankaleh is considered a protected area and serves as a sanctuary for wildlife and migratory birds.

Source: Radio Farda