Environmental Expert Evaluates 'Duck Trend' in Iraqi Rivers

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Environmental expert Adi el-Rubeyi has assessed the impact of a "duck trend" appearing in Iraqi rivers on Monday, June 1, 2026, which gained traction on social media over the following 72 hours. According to el-Rubeyi, some activists released dozens of ducklings into various water channels to highlight the beauty of the rivers and raise public awareness regarding the protection of the aquatic environment. El-Rubeyi noted that ducks generally cannot adapt to river environments without proper care, citing risks such as strong currents drifting the animals away and threats from predators along the banks. While stating that the chances of environmental success for such initiatives are limited, the expert noted that the trend has sparked an important discussion on biodiversity and river conservation. He emphasized that all environmental initiatives must be conducted on scientific grounds to avoid harming living creatures and the ecosystem.