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The books are listed by publication date with the most recent at the top.

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Birds of the Middle East

Richard Porter and Simon Aspinall

Helm Field Guides

Christopher Helm

2010

"This is a completely revised second edition of the bestselling field guide to the birds of the Middle East. For the first time, the text and maps appear opposite the plates, and as a consequence there are fewer species per plate than before. The text and maps have been fully revised and many new artworks have been painted. There are more than 100 new species in this new edition, which features more than 810 species in total. It will be the essential field guide for anyone visiting the Middle East."

Birds of the Middle East

Richard Porter and Simon Aspinall

Princeton Field Guides

Princeton University Press

2nd edition

2010

"Birds of the Middle East is now the most field-ready and comprehensive guide to the fantastic birds of this region. This fully revised and updated second edition covers all species - including vagrants - found in the Arabian Peninsula (including Socotra), Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Cyprus. It features 176 superb color plates depicting more than 800 species, as well as 820 color distribution maps that show the breeding range for almost every species. In this upgraded edition, maps and detailed species accounts are now located opposite the plates, making this stunningly illustrated field guide easier to use than ever."

The Complete Fauna of Iran

Eskander Firouz

2005

"Iran is host to some of Asia's most diverse animal wildlife. Its lush Caspian coastline, arid central deserts and fertile plains are the habitat for a vast range of creatures. Eskander Firouz's prize-winning book is the most comprehensive work to date on the fauna of Iran. Indeed it is the only book to cover all of Iran's vertebrate fauna, comprising mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Despite the emergence of a conservation movement in the 1960s and '70s, the last quarter century has witnessed continuing environmental degradation and the destruction of natural habitats in Iran. The position of a number of species unique to Iran, such as the Asiatic cheetah, is critical. More than an invaluable source of scientific knowledge, Eskander Firouz's book also alerts the public to an environmental situation in Iran which is becoming increasingly imperilled."

Birds of the Middle East

Richard Porter, S Christensen and P Schiermacker-Hansen

Christopher Helm

2004

"This guide covers all the species, including vagrants, found in the Arabian peninsula (including Socotra), Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Cyprus. Over 700 species are described in concise text with full details of pulmage and voice. Distribution maps appear opposite the plates and are annotated with each species' status and preferred habitat. This authoritative book will not only be an indispensable guide to the visiting birder, but also a vital tool for those engaged in work to conserve and study the avifauna of this region, which is of such importance to both the indigenous species and those which pass through on migration."

Waterbirds in Lake Orumieh, Iran, September 2000

Roland Jalving & René Vos

Working Group International Waterbird and Wetland Research

2003

"Between 13 and 30 September 2000, a waterbird census of Lake Orumieh and bordering marshes was carried out. The fieldwork was done by a team of WIWO (Working Group International Waterbird and Wetland Research, The Netherlands), in good cooperation with the Department of Environment of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The main purpose of the project was to update the information of the value of the wetlands of North-West Iran for migrating waterbirds, since little research has been carried out there after the 1970's. The research area comprised of Lake Orumieh and its surrounding areas, including some rivermouths and marsh areas (Eslamabad wetland) And lake Shorgul and Yadegarlu. Part of this area is designated as National Park. The conditions during the survey were not optimal. Several of the visited wetlands in the area were partly or totally dried up and with low numbers of waterbirds."

Searching for Slender-billed Curlews in Iran, January-February 2000

T.M. Van der Have, G.O. Keijl, J. Mansoori & V.V. Morozov

Working Group International Waterbird and Wetland Research

2001

"Between 13 January and 3 February 2000 about 20 wetlands were visited to count waterbirds and pay special attention to the presence of Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris, a globally threatened species. At least, 1,200 Eurasian Curles N. arquata and 250 Whimbrels N. phaeopus were checked individually, as well as several hundreds of Bartailed Godwits Limosa lapponica and Black-tailed Todwits L. limosa, but no Slender-billed Curlews were observerd."

The Lion and the Gazelle: The Mammals and Birds of Iran

P.N. Humphreys and E. Kahrom

1997

"Iran is a country rich in wildlife and, under the Shah, was one of the first in the world to develop a conservation program. A natural crossroads over which migrations of men and animals have flowed since the beginning of time, the country has two completely different climatic zones enabling an extraordinary variety of species to flourish. Surprisingly, however, the details are poorly documented in the West. This book is the first to explore the major species of mammals and birds, both as they are now and as they have evolved through time. It will serve as an invaluable guide for wildlife enthusiasts and travelers."

Important Bird Areas in the Middle East

Editors: M.I. Evans

BirdLife International

1994

"The Middle East contains some of the largest wetland, steppe desert and marine ecosystems in the world, providing habitats for more than 800 species of bird, of which more than 60 are endemic. This book identifies and describes the 391 sites most important for the conservation of these birds and other biodiversity. Maps, tables and line drawings show site locations, species and population data. The whole Middle East is covered, from the Levant and Arabia to the West Himalayas. The only book of its kind, "Important Bird Areas in the Middle East" is currently being used by conservationists developing systems of site protection in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Birds of the Middle East and North Africa

P.A.D. Hollom, R.F. Porter, S. Christensen, I. Willis

Poyser

1988

"A field guide to the birds of the Middle East and North Africa from Morocco to Iran. It covers 700 breeding, wintering, migratory and vagrant species, with over 350 illustrated in colour and the distribution of 510 shown in distribution maps."