Assy Plateau (20635)
Kazakhstan, Central Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: Assy Plateau
Central coordinates: Latitude: 43.2500, Longitude: 78.0500
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 2600 to 2800
Area of KBA (km2): 405.35949
Protected area coverage (%): 100.00
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A high-mountain grassy, hilly plateau in the eastern part of the Zailyisky Alatau ridge (Northern Tian-Shan), at the upper border of the coniferous forest belt (tree-line ecotone, subalpine belt). The summer high-mountain pasture ('zhaylau') is an important foraging area for vultures. The plateau extends for 30 km east-west and 10 km south-north. There is one small river, the Assy, along the plateau, with a number of joining springs. The southern slopes surrounding the IBA are open, the northern slopes have patches of spruce forest, juniper scrub and scattered rocks.
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: Complex of birds of the subalpine belt and tree-line ecotone: Streptopelia orientalis, Pyrrhocorax graculus, Pyrrhocorax pyhrrocorax, Corvus monedula, C.corax, Parus ater, Serinus pusillus, Mycerobas carnipes, Carpodacus erythrinus, Carpodacus rhodochlamys, Carduelis caniceps, Emberiza cia etc. Near the river: Tadorna ferruginea, Charadrius dubius, Cinclus cinclus, single observations of Ibydorhyncha struthersii. Birds of prey: Aegypius monachus, Gyps himalayensis, Buteo buteo, Buteo rufinus, Milvus migrans, Aquila chrysaetos, Gypaetus barbatus, Falco tinnunculus, Falco naumanni, Falco subbuteo etc. Non-bird biodiversity: Grassy vegetation of the plateau: Festuca sp, Poa sp., Agropyron sp., Geranium, Phlomis, Phleum, Potentilla, with Alchimilla etc at higher elevations. Spruce forest: Picea schrenkiana, with the inclusion of Sorbus tianschanica, Rosa sp., Lonicera sp. etc. Scrub: Juniperus pseudosabina, J. sabina. Mammals: Canis lupus, Vulpes vulpes, common - Marmota baibacina, a number of rodents. Reptiles: Agkistrodon halis, Ablepharus alaicus. Amphibia: Bufo viridis.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: High-mountain grassy, hilly plateau - tree-line ecotone, subalpine belt. Summer high-mountain pasture ('zhaylau'), used for centuries. During Soviet times, use was very high, now it is moderate. Cattle are present from June to September.
Land use: agriculture (100%) | nature conservation and research (100%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 3 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 3 | |
| Grassland | 80 | |
| Forest | 5 | |
| Shrubland | 10 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Now the level of grazing is close to optimal and overgrazing is no longer observed. The level of recreation is increasing (the site is 70 km from Almaty - the biggest city in Kazakhstan)and this can cause additional disturbance for vultures.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Only in the future |
Additional information
References: Myrzabekov, Z.M. (2002). Specially protected nature areas of Kazakhstan: ecology, biodiversity and perspectives of development. Almaty. (in Russian).