The Relation between Geodiversity and Biodiversity of Al-Salman Depression, Al-Muthana Governorate, Southern Desert of Iraq

Abstract

The study area is located in the southern desert of Iraq, near the Al-Salman Depression, about 130 km southwest of Al-Samawa City. The Collection of data of this study depends mainly upon field surveys, sample collection of rocks, soil, plants, and animals besides interviews with locals as well as photographing of interesting aspects. The geodiversity of the study area comprises geological features, geomorphological features, soil types, and water resources. The exposed rocks of study area are composed mainly of carbonate rocks, in addition to marl, sandstone, and claystone, which belong to the Middle member of the Dammam Formation (L. Eocene). The main landforms found near the Al-Salman area are flat terrain, depressions (faidhats), wadis, caves, and sinkholes. Three types of soils were recognized; silty clay, clayey silt, and sandy soils. The main water resources are the ephemeral streams (wadis), and water wells in sinkhole, besides the mechanical and hand-dug wells. Geodiversity features formed many habitats in the study area such as Wadi Al-Owja, depressions (faidhats), flat terrain, and sinkhole. The present study reveals that biodiversity includes a wide diversity of plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates. Some species were restricted to certain habitat types in the study area, while other species proved to be more generalist.