Pirgulu (Pirkuli) (145)
Azerbaijan, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Pirqulu
Central coordinates: Latitude: 40.7167, Longitude: 48.5500
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 800 to 2000
Area of KBA (km2): 54.80648
Protected area coverage (%): 49.87
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A reserve in three sections: the basin of the Kyrkbulak stream; Mount Pirgulu; wooded spurs east of Chagan. Habitats include open areas, ancient pasture, hay-meadows, cliffs, scree, open water, and Carpinus, Fagus, and Quercus forest.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.
Additional biodiversity: Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aegypius monachus (status uncertain), Aquila heliaca (status uncertain). Breeding birds include: Pernis apivorus, Neophron percnopterus, Gyps fulvus (recorded in breeding season), Buteo buteo, Hieraaetus pennatus, Alectoris chukar and woodpeckers.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 81 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 6 | |
| Grassland | 6 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 6 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Prior to the establishment of the reserve (1968), the main threat was destruction of the forest habitat and consequent erosion. The present reserve is considered too small (an increase by c.4,000 ha is recommended) and its division into three separate sections a disadvantage. The fauna, including birds, has been little studied.