Turianchai (146)
Azerbaijan, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Türyançay
Central coordinates: Latitude: 40.7333, Longitude: 47.4833
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 400 to 650
Area of KBA (km2): 118.25508
Protected area coverage (%): 94.98
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A reserve on the heavily-eroded slopes of the Bozdag ridge, in the southern foothills of the Great Caucasus. The principal habitats are steppe and sparse, arid forest mainly of Juniperus with Pistacia and, less so, Quercus. A small patch of tugai forest along Turianchai river of Alnus, Salix, Populus, etc.
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: At least 112 species recorded, with c.60 passerines. Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aegypius monachus, Aquila heliaca, Falco naumanni (status uncertain, perhaps only on passage). Among other raptors in the best area for birds of prey in Azerbaijan are: Gypaetus barbatus, Neophron percnopterus, Gyps fulvus, Circaetus gallicus, Aquila pomarina, A. clanga (passage only), Hieraaetus fasciatus (pair in April 1991). Merops superciliosus, Coracias garrulus and Emberiza melanocephala also occur and huge numbers of Turdus thrushes winter in the reserve when there is a good Juniperus berry crop.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 61 | |
| Grassland | 20 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 20 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Lack of natural regeneration in the arid, sparse forests results from earlier overgrazing. The situation has improved since the reserve was established in 1958 and erosion has been reduced. Return to the reserve of the 16,000 ha (i.e. part of Gekchai Bozdag, IBA 011) lost in 1961 is considered essential for the better protection of Azerbaijan's arid landscapes.