Erkhel Lake (16338)
Mongolia, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Erkhel Lake
Central coordinates: Latitude: 49.9333, Longitude: 99.9333
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1544 to 1850
Area of KBA (km2): 35.28667
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Erkhel Lake is a saline lake surrounded by grassy steppe in Alag-Erdene soum. Freshwater springs feed the lake on the northwestern side, and the bay and islands in this area are favoured by waterbirds. There is no cultivation in the area, and the land is used for nomadic animal husbandry. Salt and soda from the lake are used as mineral additives for local livestock. Consecutive outbreaks of avian influenza were reported from the site in 2005 and 2006.
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: Globally Threatened species that occur at the site are Saker Falcon Falco cherrug (EN), Lesser Kestrel F. naumanni (VU) and Great Bustard Otis tarda (VU). The site supports an assemblage of species restricted to the Eurasian steppe and desert biome. Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea and Herring Gull Larus argentatus occur in numbers exceeding the 1% of their flyway populations. Good numbers of Whooper Swans Cygnus cygnus and Bar-headed Geese Anser indicus moult at the site. Several raptor species were observed passing through the site during southward migration in September 2006, including Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis, Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis, Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus, Saker Falcon Falco cherrug (EN), Eurasian Hobby F. subbuteo, Common Kestrel F. tinnunculus and Peregrine Falcon F. peregrinus. Further raptor observation is needed. Non-bird biodiversity: The site is not known to be important for other fauna and flora.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 50 | |
| Grassland | 50 |