Iraq Extinct and Endangered Species

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ for IRAQ in West Asia and the Middle East lists 1 extinct species since the beginning of IUCN recordkeeping, 7 critically endangered species, and 15 endangered species. The Saudi Gazelle is extinct in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.

Iraq's critically endangered species include the Haditha Cavefish, Northern Bald Ibis, Pita Skate, Slender-billed Curlew. Endangered species include the Basra Reed Warbler, Egyptian Vulture, Euphrates Softshell Turtle, Persian Fallow Deer, Saker Falcon, Scalloped Hammerhead, and White-headed Duck.

The "critically-endangered" Pita Skate is a rather interesting addition to the IUCN Red List. There was only one Pita Skate individual discovered ever, located in the Iraqi territory of the Persian Gulf. Additionally, the extremely rare species was named after its similar coloration to pita bread.