Burqin River and Kanas Lake (15426)
China (mainland), Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Burqin River and Kanas Lake
Central coordinates: Latitude: 48.3333, Longitude: 87.0000
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 490 to 3000
Area of KBA (km2): 852.01856
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Located in the southern part of the Altay Mountains, near to the Chinese borders with Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia, 100 km west of Altay City and 450 km north of Urumqi. The Burqin River is a tributary of the Ertix River, which flows into the Arctic Ocean. There are extensive reedbeds and grasslands along the Burqin River, and it is important for breeding and migratory birds.
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)
Additional biodiversity: Non-bird biodiversity: Nationally protected animals include Ursus arctos and Cervus elaphus, and the fish Hucho spp.
Delineation rationale: Boundary digitized by Tris Allinson at Birdlife International using Google Earth. Accuracy probably OK.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 33 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 33 | |
| Forest | 33 |