Sheki upland (183)
Azerbaijan, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2004
National site name: Sheki upland
Central coordinates: Latitude: 41.2000, Longitude: 47.1667
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 100 to 1500
Area of KBA (km2): 100.32634
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The lower foothills of the Great Caucasian mountains, with a few patches of broadleaved forest (mainly in the central part), with bushes and scrub in the river valleys. Land-uses include sheep- and cattle-grazing and some cultivation/arable farming.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard. 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: A wintering area for Tetrax tetrax, most of which occur outside the Game Reserve. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aegypius monachus (visitor throughout the year, formerly bred), Circus macrourus (non-breeding summer visitor), Aquila heliaca (breeds), Falco naumanni (status uncertain, probably breeds), Crex crex (common on passage in some years), Otis tarda (extremely rare on migration and in winter). Among breeding raptors are Milvus migrans, Circaetus gallicus, Accipiter brevipes and Aquila pomarina, while Aquila nipalensis is common on passage. Phasianus colchicus and Alectoris chukar are very common; Francolinus francolinus is rare.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 33 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 33 | |
| Shrubland | 33 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are poaching of Tetrax tetrax and Phasianus colchicus, excessive grazing in some areas and illegal tree-felling (`Other' threat).