ZABOL, Sistan-Baluchestan Province With the onset of cold in northern Asia the first group of migratory sea birds, mainly flamingo and pelicans, arrived in Iran's Hamoun marshland in Sistan-Baluchestan Province, it was announced here Monday. Khosrow Afsari, official in charge of Zabol's Environment Protection Department, told IRNA that according to the census conducted by experts Hamoun marshland hosts more than 200,000 migratory birds of 180 various species annually.

Hamoun marshland, being charged from Hirmand River which itself originates from Afghanistan's central mountains, is the only marine ecosystem surrounded by Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan. According to Ramsar Convention in 1976, the 400,000-hectare Hirmand wetland is recognized as the world's seventh international wetland suitable for migratory birds to live. Some three environment protection posts have been installed in Zabol, he added.

(IRNA)