NOVA Season 19 Episode 12 Saddam's War on Wildlife

In NOVA season 19 episode 12, titled "Saddam's War on Wildlife," viewers are taken on a journey to Iraq during the reign of Saddam Hussein, where they witness the devastating effect his regime had on the country's wildlife.

The episode begins by highlighting the once-lush marshlands of southern Iraq, which were home to a variety of bird and fish species, as well as the Ma'dan or Marsh Arabs, a unique culture that had thrived in the area for thousands of years. However, in the 1990s, Saddam Hussein ordered the draining of the marshlands as part of his campaign against the Marsh Arabs, who he viewed as a threat to his authority.

The episode shows footage of the draining, which occurred over several years and had a catastrophic impact on the ecosystem. Within a few years, the marshlands had been reduced to a fraction of their former size, and the wildlife that depended on them had either died out or migrated elsewhere. The Ma'dan people, who had built their homes and livelihoods around the marshes, were also forced to flee.

The episode then turns its attention to another aspect of Saddam's war on wildlife: his obsession with falconry, a sport that was traditionally practiced by the wealthy in the Middle East. Saddam was an avid falconer, and he spared no expense in acquiring the best birds and equipment for his hobby. However, his passion for falconry had a dark side, as he ordered the killing of millions of wild birds across Iraq to provide food for his birds of prey.

Viewers hear from ornithologists and conservationists who witnessed the devastating effect of Saddam's falconry on Iraq's bird populations. The episode includes footage of hunters collecting birds from the wild and interviews with former government officials who were tasked with overseeing the capture and transport of the birds.

While the episode paints a bleak picture of the impact of Saddam's regime on Iraq's wildlife, it also offers a glimmer of hope. After the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, some environmentalists and scientists began working to restore the marshlands and bring back the species that had been lost. The episode shows examples of successful conservation efforts, including the reintroduction of the Iraqi marsh bird, a species that was previously thought to be extinct.

Overall, "Saddam's War on Wildlife" is a thought-provoking and powerful look at the environmental devastation caused by a brutal dictator, and the inspiring efforts to undo some of the damage. The episode offers a reminder of the importance of conservation and the urgent need to protect our planet's precious biodiversity.