Qiemo Oasis and Qarqan River (15458)
China (mainland), Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Qiemo Oasis and Qarqan River
Central coordinates: Latitude: 38.5000, Longitude: 85.8333
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1000 to 1250
Area of KBA (km2): 2505.91309
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Located 400 km west south-west of Korla and 650 km south of Urumqi. The Qarqan River runs through the Qiemo Oasis. The vegetation of the oasis includes Populus euphratica, Phragmites spp. and Tamarix spp. The IBA is a staging and wintering site for migratory birds.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Additional biodiversity: Non-bird biodiversity: Nationally protected animals include Camelus bactrianus, Vulpes vulpes, Cervus elaphus and Gazella subgutturosa.
Delineation rationale: Boundary digitized by Tris Allinson at Birdlife International using Google Earth. Accuracy probably OK.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Desert | 33 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 33 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 33 |