On the hunt for endangered animals in Iraq's marshes - in pictures

One, the severely endangered Maxwell’s smooth-coated otter, is vital to the wetlands

Iraqi environmentalist Omar Al Sheikhly leads a team into the marshes in search of endangered animals, in Chibayish. Without quick action, Mr Al Sheikhly fears the delicate underwater ecology of the Unesco-protected site will be disrupted. AP Photo

A water buffalo walks on the remnants of an old military road built in the marshes by Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq war, in Chibayish, Iraq. AP Photo

Water buffalos wade in the waters of the marshes after feeding on grass in Chibayish, Iraq. Conservationists issued a stark warning that without quick remedial action, the Unesco-protected site could wither away. AP Photo

A member of Iraq's marsh communities collects reeds, which are typically sold or used locally in Chibayish, Iraq. Conservationists fear the Unesco-protected site could wither away without timely action. AP Photo

Pied Kingfisher birds take flight from a marshland where the number of many bird species are on the decline, in Chibayish, Iraq. AP Photo

Pied Kingfisher birds rest on trees extending from the marshes in Chibayish, Iraq. AP Photo

A man collects reeds from the wetlands that will later be sold or used for domestic use, in Chibayish, Iraq. AP Photo

Fishermen unload the day's catch from the marshes on to vehicles in Chibayish, Iraq. AP Photo

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