Soran
Residents in Soran protect squirrels to support biodiversity
SORAN — In the Sherwan Mazin subdistrict of Erbil’s Soran Autonomous Administration, local residents are protecting squirrels by building small nests and safe spaces in oak-rich areas to support biodiversity and forest health, according to a local environmentalist.
Ibrahim Saeed, a resident of Lere village, told 964media that the community has built squirrel dreys—nesting structures—throughout the area and works to safeguard the animals and their habitat.
“Squirrels don’t cause any harm. That’s why we protect them — for their beauty and as part of our commitment to nature,” Saeed said.
Environmentalists note that squirrels play a valuable role in supporting biodiversity across the Kurdistan Region. The animals help propagate oak trees and other plants by burying nuts and seeds—especially acorns—as winter food stores.
