This area which constitutes more than half of the total area of Iraqi Kurdistan is now under the control of Kurdistan Regional Government. The remaining population inhabits the areas under the control of Iraqi government. The mountainous nature of Kurdistan, deep valleys and plains contributes to climate changes. Low temperatures and heavy snowfalls in the winters and hot and dry summers are common variations in the region s weather conditions. Kurdistan s fauna includes the ibex, lynx, gazelle, deer, wolf, fox, leopard, bear, wild boar, hare, squirrel, hedgehog, snakes, frogs and lizards.
Fish are abundant in all rivers.
The most common birds are grouse, snipe, goose, duck, crane, plover, pigeon, partridge, stork and birds of prey. The area of Iraqi Kurdistan is approximately 80.000-km sq. Iraqi Kurdistan is comprised of the six governorates of Arbil, Sulaimania, Dokuk, Kirkuk, parts of Dyala and Nineva. Kurdistan is a mountainous area with many fertile plains, of cold winters and moderate summers. Hard won passes and narrow sloping valleys with hundreds of rivers and streams flowing deep in the bottom.