Shamkhor area (182)
Azerbaijan, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2004
National site name: Shamkhor area
Central coordinates: Latitude: 40.9333, Longitude: 46.2500
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 200
Area of KBA (km2): 136.78793
Protected area coverage (%): 91.36
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Tugai forests with Populus, Salix in the Kura valley and remnants of tugai forests in the Iori delta (Mingechaur reservoir). There are also pastures, semi-arid steppe and scrub. Land-uses include grazing (buffalo and sheep) and some cultivation/arable farming.
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: Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla (visitor throughout the year, formerly bred). Significant proportion (³1%) of national population breeding at site: Phalacrocorax carbo (15-20 pairs), Aquila pomarina (2-3 pairs, possibly more). Other breeding birds include Alcedo atthis (very common), Coracias garrulus (common) and woodpeckers. Ciconia nigra (status uncertain, probably breeds).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 20 | |
| Grassland | 20 | |
| Forest | 20 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 20 | |
| Shrubland | 20 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The Game Reserve was established mainly to protect Phasianus colchicus, Francolinus francolinus and game animals. The Iori delta section is not protected. Grazing inhibits forest regeneration and illegal tree-felling (`Other' threat) also occurs.