Lake Boz-Koba (156)
Azerbaijan, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2004
National site name: Bozqobu
Central coordinates: Latitude: 40.0333, Longitude: 47.8833
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Area of KBA (km2): 51.79928
Protected area coverage (%): 100.00
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A chain of oxbow lakes and channels in the ancient valley of the Kura river uniting to form a single lake in flood and lying between lakes Aggel (IBA 030) and Sarysu (IBA 032), and containing shallows, vast reedbeds and sparse Tamarix scrub. The main land-uses are legal hunting, oil extraction, grazing, etc. Part of the area is rented by the Hunters' Society of Azerbaijan, and part is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Oil.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard. 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: Undoubtedly a site of great significance for waterbirds with 10,000-20,000 birds wintering in the late 1980s (although formerly 40,000-50,000). Breeding waterbirds include Botaurus stellaris, Ixobrychus minutus and colonies of other Ciconiiformes totalling 1,000+ pairs. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Phalacrocorax pygmeus (breeds), Pelecanus crispus (the last site in Azerbaijan where this species bred; formerly 5-15 pairs, could still survive), Marmaronetta angustirostris (breeds), Oxyura leucocephala (non-breeding winter visitor), Haliaeetus albicilla (non-breeding, 2-3 winter). Other breeding birds include Tadorna ferruginea, Circus pygargus, Francolinus francolinus, Porphyrio porphyrio, Chettusia leucura and passerines.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | hunting | urban/industrial/transport
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 50 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 50 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Threats include poaching and pollution.