Upper Charyn (20601)
Kazakhstan, Central Asia

Site overview

KBA status: confirmed

Year of last assessment: 2007

National site name: Upper Charyn

Central coordinates: Latitude: 43.2167, Longitude: 79.2500

System: terrestrial

Elevation (m): 1500 to 1750

Area of KBA (km²): 46.31564

KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD

Legacy site: Yes

Site details

Site description: The canyon of the upper Charyn river, in the high-mountain (1,600-1,800 m) Zhalanash valley, is near the north-eastern end of the Kungei Alatau ridge. The territory extends from the junction of the Shet-Merke and Orta-Merke rivers, along the Charyn river for 7 km. It includes the canyon with its branches, limited by the Kuluktau mountain slopes to the east and a field road going along the river from the west. The total width of the territory is about 1 km. The depth of the rock canyon is up to 100 m, with an additional 100 m of steep grassy slopes.

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)

Additional biodiversity: The area is interesting due to a combination of species of different landscapes and it is unique because of the only known colony of Cinereous Vultures in Kazakhstan. There is also a colony of 4-5 pairs of Gyps himalayensis, and the nests of Aquila chrysaetos, Ciconia nigra and Gypaetus barbatus have being found here too, together with breeding pairs of Falco pelegrinoides, F. naumanni, F.tinnunculus, Buteo rufinus, Circaetus gallicus, Falco subbuteo, Milvus migrans and Corvus corax. Other typical species are: Alauda arvensis, Anthus campestris, Riparia rupestris, Monticola solitarius, M. saxatilis, Oenanthe pleshanka, Sylvia communis, Coracias garrulus, Lanius phoenicuroides, Carpodacus erythrinus, Emberiza bruniceps, E. buchanani, E. stewarti, E. cia, E. leucocephala etc. Non-bird biodiversity: Of large mammals, Capra sibirica, Vulpes vulpes and Canis lupus are observed here. Rodents are common. Reptiles are: Agkistrodon halis, Ablepharus alaicus. Typical grass of the pastures - Festuca sulcata, in the upper part of the area towards the mountains - tall motley grass. Typical bushes are: Rosa sp., Spirea sp., Cerasus tianschanica, Lonicera sp., Juniperus turkestanica, Berberis sp. In the hollows there are single trees of Crataegus sp., along the river there is a narrow strip of Populus diversifolia, in the upper part of the IBA there are some Picea schrenkiana and Populus tremola.

Habitats

Summary of habitats in KBA: About half of the area - grassy slopes - is used as pasture for cattle, but mainly sheep, on a moderate scale. These are a good source of food for vultures.

Land use: agriculture (50%) | not utilised (50%)

IUCN Habitat	Coverage %	Habitat detail
Wetlands(Inland)	1
Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks)	29
Grassland	49
Shrubland	20
Forest	1

Threats

Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Grazing is not a problem, only a moderate disturbance factor. The real threat is the plan to construct a water reservoir downstream along the river which could lead to complete loss of the habitat.

Threat level 1	Threat level 2	Threat level 3	Timing
Agriculture & aquaculture	Livestock farming & ranching	Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming	Ongoing
Natural system modifications	Dams & water management/use	Abstraction of surface water (unknown use)	Ongoing
Human intrusions & disturbance	Work & other activities		Ongoing
Residential & commercial development	Housing & urban areas		Ongoing
Residential & commercial development	Tourism & recreation areas		Ongoing

Additional information