Bulgan River (16325)
Mongolia, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Bulgan River
Central coordinates: Latitude: 46.0500, Longitude: 91.4000
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1133 to 1751
Area of KBA (km2): 318.53535
Protected area coverage (%): 9.99
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Bulgan River rises on the southern slopes of the Mongol Altai mountain range and flows into Ulungur Lake in China. The site comprises a section of the Bulgan River valley, where the river divides into numerous large and small streams creating islands and isolated water bodies. At the source of the river and in the valleys of its tributary rivers, there are a number of small lakes. The sides of the Bulgan River valley support desert-steppe vegetation, while good wet riparian habitat is found along the bottom of the valley. There are numerous bays, such as Tsagaan Ereg, Sanjiin Tohoi, Balar Tohoi and Elst Tohoi, with dense reed and shrub vegetation.
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: Bulgan River is an important stopover site for various migratory passerines, waterbirds and shorebirds. Globally Threatened species that regularly migrate through the site are Swan Goose Anser cygnoides (EN), Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca (VU) and Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni (VU). Non-bird biodiversity: A small population of Mongolian Beaver Castor fiber birulai exists along the Bulgan River. A hydroelectric dam in the Chinese section of Bulgan River may create a barrier to migration and cause habitat fragmentation along the river.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 100 |