Deir Ezzor Northeastern Syria - In the Euphrates River in Deir Ezzor, one can see wide green island-like areas close to ideal wildlife float on the surface of the river.
These areas are locally known as "huwaija ", which are formed when river water recedes, precipitating pebbles, sand and mud in areas where water is slow and less deep, basically in the riverbed and along riverside, said Head of Biodiversity Department at Deir Ezzor Forestation Department Sufiyan Hammal.
At the beginning, huwaija (river island) seems void of any aspect of life. Different plants start to appear with time, he added.
The type of soil and the distance between huwaija and the riverbank influence the way plants are distributed according to their water needs. Water-craving species of plants like cyperus papyrus usually form a narrow tape stretching along the riverbank in a muddy or muddy-sandy soil that is highly damp, next to these willow and poplar trees are found.
The more the soil is muddy in huwaija, the more biodiversity and water-loving plants you could see, and the more the soil becomes sandy and pebbly, the more drought-tolerant and thorny plants you could find.
Hammal added that the number of river isles has increased in Deir Ezzor province due to decrease of the Euphrates water reaching up to77 huwaija with an estimated area of 33.000 dunums.
Huwaija makes homes fit for otters and river turtles. They also form a suitable environment for some resident birds such as rock pigeon, white heron, magpie, howl and sparrow. Migrant birds like cursoirus cursor, gull, starling, blackbird, duck, waterhen and sand grouse. Birds of prey such as eagle, falcon and hawk find a rich hunting spot.
Director of Biological Diversity Department at Deir Ezzor Environment Department Ahmed Edeak said that the department is working on spreading awareness about the role of the huwaija in preserving the environmental balance in the Province through holding lectures and symposiums, pointing out that he is writing a book on the wildlife in the Euphrates Region.
He added that huwaija is a suitable haven for the locals due to its moderate temperature and the environmental integration it enjoys.Huwaija is one of the most important tourist attractions, particularly for the foreign birdwatchers.
By Haifa Said /R. AL-Jazaeri/ H.Sabbagh
© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2010
