Lake Ych-chala (Novogolovka-chala) (184)
Azerbaijan, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: İççala (Novoqolovka çalası)
Central coordinates: Latitude: 39.2333, Longitude: 48.7167
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Area of KBA (km2): 25.32536
Protected area coverage (%): 45.17
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Adjacent to Kizil Agach Zapovednik (IBA 048). A very shallow lake (0.5-1.0 m in depth) which is mainly covered by reeds. It occasionally dries out in very hot years, but can flood the surrounding area during autumn rains. The water-level is also affected by irrigation. Land-use includes grazing domestic cattle and buffaloes.
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.
Additional biodiversity: Significantly, many wildfowl wintering in Kizil Agach Reserve come to this IBA to feed and about 10,000-15,000 wildfowl and shorebirds winter. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Branta ruficollis (very rare winter visitor), Marmaronetta angustirostris (summer visitor, probably breeds), Aythya nyroca (breeds), Oxyura leucocephala (very rare on passage), Haliaeetus albicilla (5-8 birds, sometimes only 1-2, wintering). The site holds breeding herons, Plegadis falcinellus, Platalea leucorodia (status uncertain, possibly breeds), Porphyrio porphyrio, etc.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | hunting
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are intensive poaching and contamination of the lake by pesticide run-off from cotton fields. The IBA is immediately adjacent to a Zapovednik (Kizil Agach, 88,360 ha), but there is no overlap and so the lake is not protected. One of the least-known wetlands in Azerbaijan despite its proximity to Kizil Agach Zapovednik (which has scientific staff).