Gorayk (19755)
Armenia, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2004
National site name: Gorayk
Central coordinates: Latitude: 39.6842, Longitude: 45.7788
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 2028 to 2871
Area of KBA (km2): 59.23056
Protected area coverage (%): 63.22
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Gorayk IBA is located in the south of Armenia in Syunik Province. It occupies Syunik plateau and includes part of Spandarian reservoir built on Vorotan River. The area is predominantly agricultural with livestock grazing and pasture use making the basis of most agricultural activity.
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: At present, it is the only IBA known to support a small breeding colony of Globally Threatened Lesser Kestrel in Armenia. However, it is also noted for the presence of orher IUCN listed species, Cinereous Vulture, Corncrake, Roller – many of national or international conservation importance. Non-bird biodiversity: Gorayk IBA forms part of the Caucasus Hotspot. Ecosystems here provide key habitats for animal species such as wolf, fox, stone marten, badger and hare. Some species of amphibians, reptiles and rodents also inhabit the area.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | energy production and mining | fisheries/aquaculture | hunting | rangeland/pastureland
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 85 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 5 | |
| Artificial - Aquatic | 5 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 5 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Nomadic grazing | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Intentional use (species being assessed is the target) | Ongoing |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Work & other activities | Only in the past and unlikely to return | |
| Natural system modifications | Other ecosystem modifications | Ongoing |