Khovsgoliin Sangiin Dalai Lake (16341)
Mongolia, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Khovsgoliin Sangiin Dalai Lake
Central coordinates: Latitude: 49.2500, Longitude: 99.0000
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1889 to 2612
Area of KBA (km2): 250.97463
Protected area coverage (%): 99.97
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The site is a freshwater lake on the border of Zavkhan and Khovsgol Aimags, in a depression to the north of the Bulnai Mountains. About 20 rivers and streams drain into the lake, creating wetlands favoured by waterbirds. There is no outflow from the lake, which is frozen from November to May. The water level has increased over the last decade, submerging two major islands: Dalain Ovoo; and Khar Nuden Bulag. The main land use in the surrounding area is livestock grazing.
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 Globally Threatened Great Bustard Otis tarda (VN) occurs around the lake. The site supports at least 1% of the flyway populations of Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus, Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus and Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea. Non-bird biodiversity: Pallas's Cat Felis manul (NT), Grey Wolf Canis lupus, Corsac Fox Vulpes corsac and Red Fox V. vulpes are found near the lake.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 50 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 50 |