Karamay desert and lakes (15431)
China (mainland), Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Karamay desert and lakes
Central coordinates: Latitude: 45.6667, Longitude: 85.1667
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 250 to 400
Area of KBA (km2): 612.0531
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Located in the western part of the Junggar Basin, 300 km north-west of Urumqi. Manas Hu lake in the northern part of the IBA is now dry and has turned into salt marsh. Ailike Hu lake and Urho are important breeding and staging areas for 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 Vulpes vulpes and Gazella subgutturosa.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 50 | |
| Desert | 50 |