Lower reaches of Tarim River (15451)
China (mainland), Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Lower reaches of Tarim River
Central coordinates: Latitude: 40.5000, Longitude: 87.5000
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 780 to 960
Area of KBA (km2): 5705.21752
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Located 100 km south-east of Korla and 300 km south of Urumqi. The Tarim is the longest inland river in China, with a length of 2,300 km. Human activities have caused the lower course of the river to dry up, and the area is suffering from desertification.
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: There were historical records of Panthera tigris, but it is now locally extinct. Other animals include Vulpes vulpes, Camelus bactrianus, Cervus elaphus and Gazella subgutturosa. The fish Aspiorhynchus laticeps also occurs.
Delineation rationale: Polygon provided by Wendall – source unknown. Accuracy probably OK.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 33 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 33 | |
| Desert | 33 |