Mount Giamysh (159)
Azerbaijan, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2004
National site name: Gamışdağ
Central coordinates: Latitude: 40.2667, Longitude: 46.3500
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1500 to 3724
Area of KBA (km2): 80.78193
Protected area coverage (%): 34.36
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The highest peak of the Murovdag ridge (Little Caucasus). A mountainous area with some forests and bushes. The main land-uses are sheep- and cattle-grazing, and tourism.
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: The alpine and subalpine zones support at least three of the 10 species in Europe that are restricted (when breeding) to the Eurasian high-montane biome. This is also a notable site for breeding raptors, including Gypaetus barbatus, Gyps fulvus, Neophron percnopterus, Aquila chrysaetos, Otus scops and Bubo bubo. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aegypius monachus (breeds), Aquila heliaca (status uncertain; probably does not breed).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 33 | |
| Forest | 33 | |
| Shrubland | 33 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Threats include intensive grazing and poaching. Some damage may have been caused by the war between Azerbaijan and Armenia (`Other' threat).