Korchai area (167)
Azerbaijan, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2004
National site name: Korçay
Central coordinates: Latitude: 40.8667, Longitude: 46.6000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 100 to 500
Area of KBA (km2): 440.27784
Protected area coverage (%): 92.65
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The area consists of semi-desert plains with low hills, low arid mountains, scrub along rivers, and a reservoir. Land-uses include sheep-grazing, agriculture in river valleys, and oil prospecting.
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) 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: Breeding species: Tadorna ferruginea (10-15 pairs), Buteo rufinus (3 pairs), Alectoris chukar (150 pairs), Pterocles orientalis (very rare). Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aegypius monachus (non-breeding visitor throughout the year), Falco naumanni (breeds), Otis tarda (winter visitor: 2-5, not annual). Aquila nipalensis occurs, with 3-4 wintering and some tens passing through; Anthropoides virgo is rare on migration.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | urban/industrial/transport
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 33 | |
| Shrubland | 33 | |
| Desert | 33 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are overgrazing, poaching for Tetrax tetrax and Francolinus francolinus, and the presence of insecure stores of pesticides (`Other' threat).