Akstafa-chai valley (150)
Azerbaijan, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2004
National site name: Ağstafa çayın vadisi
Central coordinates: Latitude: 41.1333, Longitude: 45.4333
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 200 to 500
Area of KBA (km2): 41.56877
Protected area coverage (%): 47.09
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: This site is close to Karayazi forest (IBA 005). The area contains the last remaining tugai forest on the banks of the River Akstafa, a right-bank tributary of the Kura river. Main land-uses are firewood-collection (`Other' land-use) and tourism. There is also some sheep-grazing.
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. 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: Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aquila heliaca (visits the site throughout the year from IBA 005, but probably does not breed). Significant proportion (³1%) of national population breeding at site: Aquila pomarina (1 pair, possibly more). Alcedo atthis and Coracias garrulus are very common breeding birds.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Threats include illegal tree-felling (`Other' threat), which is being phased out, and grazing on the edge of the forest which inhibits regeneration. A game reserve for Phasianus colchicus is planned.