Lower reaches of the Ashchyozek River (20734)
Kazakhstan, Central Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a, A1c
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: Lower reaches of the Ashchyozek River
Central coordinates: Latitude: 49.1667, Longitude: 48.3000
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 3 to 19
Area of KBA (km2): 2059.25666
Protected area coverage (%): 0.00
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Clay semi-desert with large salt lakes in the lower reaches of the Aschiozek river. There are meadows near the water and the other parts of the land are covered with typical semi-desert vegetation with some stands of bushes. There is a well developed ravine-gully network, as well as “chinks” (precipices of the neighboring plateau).
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Additional biodiversity: A complex of birds typical for the northern desert and steppe, plus a number of waterbirds on migration.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Grassland areas are used for low to moderate intensity pasture.
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 2 | |
| Shrubland | 5 | |
| Grassland | 20 | |
| Desert | 40 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 33 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Undergrazing due to low numbers of cattle is resulting in the growth of tall grassy vegetation and a deterioration in the foraging habitats of birds of prey.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate change & severe weather | Droughts | Ongoing |