Mount Babadag (152)
Azerbaijan, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2004
National site name: Babadağ
Central coordinates: Latitude: 41.0333, Longitude: 48.1167
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1000 to 3629
Area of KBA (km2): 84.13989
Protected area coverage (%): 100.00
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: One of the four highest peaks of the Great Caucasus in Azerbaijan. Habitats include ravines, subalpine meadows, rock, mountain forests (on south-western slopes only). There are some abandoned orchards on the southern slopes. Part of the area is leased by the Hunters' Society of Azerbaijan.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas) 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: The subalpine and alpine zones support at least two of the 10 species in Europe that are restricted (when breeding) to the Eurasian high-montane biome. Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aegypius monachus (3-4 pairs). Significant proportion (³1%) of national population breeding at site: Gypaetus barbatus (1+ pair), Neophron percnopterus (4-5 pairs), Gyps fulvus (8-10 pairs) and Bubo bubo (2+ pairs).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | hunting
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 25 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 25 | |
| Forest | 25 | |
| Grassland | 25 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Subalpine meadows are damaged by intensive grazing and poaching is a further threat. There is a hunting lodge near the mountain.
| 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 |