Jargalant Khairkhan Mountain (16328)
Mongolia, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Jargalant Khairkhan Mountain
Central coordinates: Latitude: 47.9333, Longitude: 92.4000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1219 to 3796
Area of KBA (km2): 1589.90682
Protected area coverage (%): 89.41
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Jargalant Khairkhan Mountain is an isolated extension of the Mongol Altai mountain range. Located in the middle of Khar Us Lake Depression, the diversity of habitats and wildlife at the site is rich in many ways. Habitats vary from high-mountain tundra, alpine meadows and high-mountain steppe to arid steppe. There is year-round grazing of domestic livestock, which is leading to degradation of the pastures and competition with the rare wild ungulates that occur there.
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: The site supports two Globally Threatened species, Saker Falcon Falco cherrug (EN) and White-throated Bushchat Saxicola insignis (VU), as well as the Near Threatened Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus (NT). The site also supports species typical of the Eurasian steppe and desert and Eurasian high montane biomes, such as Altai Snowcock Tetraogallus altaicus. Finally, the site supports Mongolian Accentor Prunella koslowi, whose breeding range defi nes the Mongolian Mountains Secondary Area. Non-bird biodiversity: Rare mammals found on the mountain include Argali Ovis ammon (NT), Siberian Ibex Capra sibirica and Snow Leopard Uncia uncia (EN). Goitered Gazelle Gazella subgutturosa (VU) occurs in the foothills, and Siberian Marmot Marmota sibirica (EN) occurs in the middle and lower part of the foothills. Rare plants, like Altai Onion Allium altaicum and Roseroot Rhodiola rosea, can also be found at the site.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 50 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 50 |