Kura Delta (168)
Azerbaijan, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2005
National site name: Kürün deltası
Central coordinates: Latitude: 39.3333, Longitude: 49.4000
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): -28 00
Area of KBA (km2): 157.6007
Protected area coverage (%): 47.16
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Delta of the Kura, the largest river in the Transcaucasus, with reedbeds, flooded areas, bushes and shallows. Kura River splits on two main distributaries at the delta - Boyuk Kur and Kichik Kur. Site has magnificent food sources and protective conditions for waterbirds. It is one of main fishing district in the country. Land-uses include hunting, fishing, grazing and fish-ponds. To the south there are oil fields.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Additional biodiversity: One of the two most important sites for wintering Pelecanus in Azerbaijan. Site also hold one of the biggest winter population of Red-Crested Pochard. This site is characterized by high numbers of waders during winter and migration seasons. Other breeding Ciconiiformes include Botaurus stellaris, Ixobrychus minutus, Egretta alba, Ardea cinerea, A. purpurea and Platalea leucorodia, and there are many thousands of other passage and winter visitors. Non-bird biodiversity: There are about 70 species of fish at this place (most of them have big importance for fishing industry). The most important are: Huso huso, Acipenser guldenstadti, A. stellatus, Salmo trutta caspius etc.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: There is one of biggest fish-farm of state concern 'Azerbalyg' on the territory of site. Local people use separate surrounding lands for agriculture and animal husbandry. The site is also using for active hunting and fishing. There are big oil fields at the south part of territory.
Land use: agriculture | fisheries/aquaculture | hunting | urban/industrial/transport
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Threats include some poaching and possible pollution from pesticides and oil. Undoubtedly important for wintering waterbirds, but has yet to be surveyed properly.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Intentional use (species being assessed is the target) | Only in the future |