Shorgel lakes/Shirvan reserve (144)
Azerbaijan, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2004
National site name: Böyuk Şorgöl, Kiçik Şorgöl (Şirvan)
Central coordinates: Latitude: 39.5000, Longitude: 49.2500
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): -25 to -20
Area of KBA (km2): 685.61299
Protected area coverage (%): 90.43
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: An alluvial plain extending inland from the Caspian Sea. Predominantly dry semi-desert steppe with Artemisia and a high diversity of grasses. Canals run across the steppe and there are also saline lakes. The Shorgel lakes, with their rich aquatic vegetation, are fed by irrigation water. Part (c.3,500 ha) of this wetland lies within the reserve, the remainder extending into a contiguous Zakaznik.
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. KBA identified in the CEPF Ecosystem Profile of the Caucasus Hotspot (2003, updated 2004). Taxonomy, nomenclature and threat category follow the 2002 IUCN Red List.
Additional biodiversity: Among breeding birds at this IBA are Ardea purpurea, Tadorna ferruginea, T. tadorna, Netta rufina, Circus aeruginosus, Francolinus francolinus, Burhinus oedicnemus, Charadrius alexandrinus and Gelochelidon nilotica. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria (all observed in winter): Anser erythropus (27 in 1996), Aegypius monachus, Haliaeetus albicilla, Aquila heliaca. Other wintering birds include Phoenicopterus ruber (200-300), also wildfowl (Cygnus cygnus and others), Fulica atra, etc. Report of 20,000-35,000 wintering wildfowl, while 150,000-200,000 stage at the site in autumn. Aquila nipalensis also occurs on passage.
Habitats
Land use: nature conservation and research
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 60 | |
| Grassland | 40 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The chief threats are grazing by sheep (100,000 sheep graze in the reserve legally, a condition under which the reserve was gazetted) and, more recently, cattle, leading to destruction of goose pastures, continuing oil extraction and fishing (fishermen's camps are located within the Zapovednik and the Zakaznik), pollution of some lakes by pesticides and disturbance by shepherds. The oil-drilling operation should be isolated from the reserve. Shirvan Reserve (Zapovednik) was established in 1969 partly within the Byandovan Zakaznik, the aim being to give better protection to the Goitred Gazelle Gazella subgutturosa. Some new facilities have been built and the site has considerable education potential.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Nomadic grazing | Only in the past and unlikely to return |