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Shidvar Island
Island of the Persian Gulf From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Shidvar Island (Persian: جزیرهٔ شیدوَر) or Marou (Persian: مارو) is an uninhabited island in the Persian Gulf east of the larger inhabited island of Lavan. Administratively, the island forms part of the Lavan Rural District in Kish District, Bandar Lengeh County, Hormozgan Province, Iran. The name shetor or shotor in Persian means camel.
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Environment
The whole island is part of a natural reserve called the Shidvar Wildlife Refuge. It was designated a Ramsar site in 1999.[2] It has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International because it supports breeding Socotra cormorants as well as colonies of bridled and white-cheeked terns. It is also a breeding site for green and hawksbill sea turtles.[3]The hotspot area northeast of the Shidor Islands and then the northern line of Lavan Island shows better ecological conditions. This is due to the presence of coral reefs and the presence of shelter and therefore more nutrients, which leads to a greater diversity of fish.[4]
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Threats
Despite its ecological significance, Shidvar Island faces increasing environmental pressures, primarily due to unsustainable tourism practices. Unregulated visits by tourists, especially during peak seasons, have led to habitat degradation, littering, and disturbance to sensitive breeding areas for birds and sea turtles. Reports indicate that the number of birds on the island has declined in recent years, with some species showing reduced breeding success, possibly linked to the increased human presence. The use of boats and watercraft near the island’s shores has also been identified as a source of noise and water pollution, further stressing the island’s fragile ecosystems.[5]
Conservationists have raised concerns that, without stricter regulations and enforcement, continued tourist activities could jeopardize the island’s role as a critical refuge for migratory birds and marine life. Calls have been made for limiting visitor access during sensitive breeding periods and enhancing public awareness of Shidvar's ecological importance.[6]
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Cultural Significance
Although uninhabited, Shidvar Island holds cultural significance in the Hormozgan region. The remains of ancient settlements tell the stories of the people who once called Shidvar home. The island is like a living museum connected to the cultural heritage of the region, evoking a history of the lives of those who inhabited the island in the past.[7]
See also
References
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