Syrdarya Delta Lakes (19953)
Kazakhstan, Central Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1b, A1d, D1a
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: Syrdarya Delta Lakes
Central coordinates: Latitude: 46.0667, Longitude: 61.7000
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 60 to 80
Area of KBA (km2): 1431.62486
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The IBA is located 120 km to the south of Aralsk city, 30 km to the north-west of Kazalinsk (new name - Aiteke-By) town and is situated in the north-east part of the Aral depression, in the north-west part of the Kyzylkum desert, among clay- and sand landscapes. It comprises a series of lakes of different size with large reedbeds and salt marshes. The largest lakes are: Laikol, Kamyshlybash, Akchatau, Shumyshkol, Karakol, Zalanash.
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: 319 bird species were recorded here at the beginning of the 20th century, 168 species in the 1970s, and 107 species in May 2001. About 70% of them are waterfowl and waders, with 28 species included in the Red Data Book of Kazakhstan. Some of the lakes are breeding areas for waterfowl, and all of the system has great importance during migration. Non-bird biodiversity: About 40 species of mammals have been recorded. The lakes are a reservoir for several valuable fish species.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (50%) | fisheries/aquaculture (80%) | hunting (60%) | water management (30%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 10 | |
| Desert | 17 | |
| Forest | 1 | |
| Shrubland | 1 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 59 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 12 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Abstraction of surface water (commercial use) | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Nomadic grazing | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Abstraction of surface water (domestic use) | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Abstraction of surface water (agricultural use) | Ongoing |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Work & other activities | Ongoing | |
| Pollution | Garbage & solid waste | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Utility & service lines | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: Spangenberg, E.P., and Feigin, G.A. (1936) The birds of low-stream of Syrdarya and of adjacent areas. Collection of works of Zoological Museum of Moscow State University. Moscow. 3: 41-184. (In Russian). Khrokov, V.V. About number of birds at delta lakes and at Syrdarya mouth in spring 2001 (unpublished) (in Russian).