Aktubek (20646)
Kazakhstan, Central Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a, A1c, D1a
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: Aktubek
Central coordinates: Latitude: 50.2167, Longitude: 69.5000
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 300 to 320
Area of KBA (km2): 61.79773
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The IBA is located in the vicinity of Aktubek village (Nurinkiy district of Karaganda region) which is a small village with 20-25 families situated to south-east of Tengiz lake, about 30 km to the south of Korgalzhin Nature Reserve. The natural landscape is Festuca-Arthemisia steppe with gently sloping hills, in some plots with Spirea bushes. The are two small rivers nearby - the Kon and the Kulanotpes.
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: The area is a regular breeding site of Sociable Lapwing. In addition, it is used for foraging or breeding by Circus macrourus, Glareola nordmanni, Melanocorypha yeltoniensis, Melanocorypha leocoptera, plus wagtails, pipits etc. Other birds are typical of anthropogenic landscapes.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Almost all of the area is used as pasture for cows, horses and sheep, at low to moderate intensity.
Land use: rangeland/pastureland (90%) | urban/industrial/transport (10%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 10 | |
| Grassland | 80 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 10 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Threats – direct disturbance of nesting birds plus higher nest predation by rooks, dogs etc. Direct destruction of eggs by cows etc. is also possible. Overgrazing and undergrazing (due to too tall grass in this case) might have a very strong influence. In the area, undergrazing is more possible.
| 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 | Work & other activities | Ongoing | |
| Natural system modifications | Other ecosystem modifications | Only in the future |