Saiga Nature Sanctuary (20650)
Uzbekistan, Central Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2016
National site name: Заказник 'Сайгачий'
Central coordinates: Latitude: 44.7837, Longitude: 57.7770
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 210 to 220
Area of KBA (km2): 5074.44329
Protected area coverage (%): 36.23
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Pliocene-aged Quaternary Ustyurt Plateau is situated in the extensive area between the Caspian and Aral Seas and is one of the most ancient dry lands of Central Asia. There is a varied relief and an absence of watercourses and open freshwater. Ustyurt is one of the most arid and extreme areas where the animal life is practically at breaking point. The north of Ustyurt is located in a sub-band of northern deserts which receive water in the form of winter and early spring precipitation. The southern part of the plateau is extremely arid and waterless. The proposed IBA is located 30-40 km to the east of Churuk well.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: On the Ustyurt Plateau can be found a range of xerophilous bird species, typical of the northern variant of the loamy deserts of Central Asia. Especially numerous are: Melanocorypha leucoptera, Calandrella rufescens, Calandrella cinerea and Galerida cristata. Oenanthe finschii, Oenanthe deserti and Oenanthe isabellina all breed. Typical predators include Buteo rufinus, Bubo bubo and Athene noctua. Sylvia nana and Hippolais languida are numerous. Between 1970-1980 Aquila nipalensis regularly nested but now its current situation is unknown. Formerly there were large numbers of saiga and a regular legal and illegal trade in keeping large predators such as Aegypius monachus, Haliaeetus albicilla, Aquila heliасa, Aquila chrysaetos, Aquila nipalensis and others. The current situation on this point is also unclear.<p>Non-bird biodiversity: Saiga tatarica breeds, and Gazella subgutturosa is regularly observed. The plateau has a fauna typical of the northern deserts, especially rodents: Spermophilus pygmaeus, Allactaga major, Pygeretmus platyurus, Allactaga saltator and Stylodipus telum. There is also probably a new undescribed species of Salpingotus heptneri.</p>
Manageability of the site: Site identified based on BirdLife International's Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, under which manageability is strongly recommended but not explicitly documented
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Ustyurt is a typical clay desert of the northern type with scarce black saxauls. The flora is typical grassland with feather grass, and bushes of Spireanthus schrenkineana are especially widespread.
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 20 | |
| Desert | 80 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Until the period of industrial development of this area (oil, gas, railway construction, industrial enterprises), Ustyurt had a very reach fauna of commercial animal species: Gazella subgutturosa, Saiga tatarica, Ovis vignei, Chlamуdotis undulata and others. Now this part of the fauna is much reduced and some of the species are on the verge of disappearance. For birds this particularly concerns Chlamуdotis undulata, Aquila nipalensis and large falcons. There have been large declines in the number of wintering large predatory birds – eagles, sea-eagles and vultures - due to the disappearance of the large herds of hoofed animals.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Intentional use (species being assessed is the target) | Ongoing |
| Energy production & mining | Oil & gas drilling | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: Results of the authors’ field researches in 1999-2002 and of field research in June 2006.
Contributors: Site identified based on Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas by the BirdLife International Partnership