The first flock of 35 migratory pelicans recently arrived at Solduz Wetland in northwestern Iran. Akbar Qaemi, head of Naqadeh’s Department of Environment, confirmed the initial arrival during ongoing autumn monitoring. These birds travel southward toward warmer habitats as temperatures steadily drop across northern breeding sites. Consequently, environmental officials view this arrival as an important marker for regional ecological monitoring.
Field observations indicate that most of the arriving pelicans are juveniles born near Lake Urmia National Park. Furthermore, local officials expect the total pelican population to rise as migration activity picks up. Solduz Wetland already supports various resident and migratory bird species throughout the year. Environmental teams currently observe sandpipers, stilts, gulls, garganeys, coots, herons, and several duck species across local waters.
Naqadeh County contains seven seasonal and permanent wetlands, creating vital sanctuary habitats for regional wildlife. Together, these interconnected wetlands offer essential feeding, resting, and breeding environments for more than 10,000 birds. More broadly, Iran serves as a crucial geographical bridge connecting northern European and Siberian breeding grounds with African destinations. Consequently, around two million migratory birds travel to Iranian wetlands during the cold winter season.
Environmental researchers have identified more than 160 aquatic and waterside bird species across various Iranian ecosystems. However, fluctuating water availability continuously poses severe survival challenges for local wildlife populations. Despite environmental pressures, recent scientific monitoring demonstrates stable overall species diversity across major wintering grounds. Instead of declining, many bird populations gather in coastal habitats near the Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf.
Iran hosts migratory birds across approximately 450 distinct wintering sites throughout different geographic regions. Overall, the country accommodates more than five percent of the global migratory bird population each year. Protecting these fragile wetlands remains essential for long-term biodiversity preservation and regional environmental monitoring. Therefore, environmental authorities will continue monitoring Solduz Wetland to gather critical data on seasonal bird movements.