Absheron archipelago (north) and Pirallahi bay (147)
Azerbaijan, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1d
Year of last assessment: 2005
National site name: Absheron archipelago (north) and Pirallahi bay
Central coordinates: Latitude: 40.4667, Longitude: 50.3333
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): -27 to -27
Area of KBA (km2): 51.20962
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The territory presents water area size of 150000 ha and includes two big islands - Pirallahy and Jilov, some small islands like Boyuk and Kichik Tava, Yal, Koltish, Gu, Garabatdag and a scores of different very small islands. The old oil platforms in the sea is very important place for breeding of different species of birds.
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: Breeding birds include Tadorna ferruginea, Porphyrio porphyrio, Larus cachinnans, Sterna hirundo and (unconfirmed) S. sandvicensis. Wintering area for 2,000-3,000 wildfowl, notably Cygnus cygnus, also Aythya fuligula, A. marila, A. ferina, Bucephala clangula and Fulica atra. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Circus macrourus (3-6 winter).
Delineation rationale: 2018-01-22 (BL Secretariat): site area expanded from 1000 ha (2000 IBA) to 140,000 ha (2004 KBA).
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: This region is one of important place for oil and gas industry - there are a lot of oil fields on islands and oil platforms on the sea. There is an hunting farm on the Pirallahy island. The oil and fish fleet are based on the dam of Pirallahy island.
Land use: fisheries/aquaculture (30%) | hunting (50%) | urban/industrial/transport (60%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Desert | 5 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 95 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The area suffers from pollution by oil and industrial waste, disturbance from recreation and intensive hunting, including the use of power-boats for poaching (especially for Cygnus, Fulica atra, etc.). Few field investigations have been carried out.