Angren Plateau (20665)
Uzbekistan, Central Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1b, B1, D1a
Year of last assessment: 2017
National site name: Angren Plateau
Central coordinates: Latitude: 41.2195, Longitude: 70.6655
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 2700 to 3420
Area of KBA (km2): 231.08035
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Angren plateau is situated at the head of the Akhangaran river in the Western Tien Shan. It connects Kuramin ridge with Chatkal ridge. There is an extremely difficult to access canyon with well developed tugay forests on the plateau. The proposed IBA includes the head of Ikkisu river which flows across the Angren plateau.
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. KBA identified in the CEPF Ecosystem Profile of the Mountains of Central Asia Hotspot (2017). Taxonomy, nomenclature and threat category follow the 2016 IUCN Red List.
Additional biodiversity: A unique mix of mountain and plain species live on the alpine Angren plateau. Passersines form the majority of this community: Eremophila alpestris, Calandrella acutirostris, Oenanthe isabellina, Monticola saхatilis, Phoenicurus ochruros, Prunella fulvescens, Prunella himalayana, Prunella collaris, Phylloscopus griseolus, Leucosticte nemoricola, Petronia petronia, Montifringilla nivalis, Bucanetes githagineus and Corvus corax tibetanus are all numerous. Raptors are numerous among the non-passerine species: Falco cherrug, Falco pelegrinoides, Falco subbuteo, Buteo rufinus, Aquila chrysaetos, Aegypius monachus, Gyps fulvus, Gyps himalayensis and Gypaetus barbatus. These species breed on the cliffs and canyons that surround the plateau. During summer immature and non-breeding birds of these species are also present. The disappearing mountain subspecies of Bubo bubo breeds on the cliffs of the plateau. The area is very important for bird migration during early autumn. Heavy passage was observed at a height of 3,000 metres (observation O.V. Mitropolskiy)involving Aquila clanga, Falco naumanni, Circus macrourus, Pernis рtilorhyncus and Calandrella cinerea. In winter Tetraogallus himalayensis is observed routinely in rocky habitats. Non-bird biodiversity: One of the largest colonies of Marmota menzbieri (endemic to the Western Tien Shan) inhabits the Angren plateau but currently its size in depleted. The rodent fauna is unique with Spermophilus pygmaeus, Microtus kirgisorum, Microtus juldaschi, Alticola argentatus and Cricetulus migratorius. Ursus arctos isabellinus occurs in very low numbers. Vormela peregusna, Cuon alpinus and Capra sibirica are also present. There are also numerous endemic species of flora and invertebrates.
Delineation rationale: Coordinates and area of this IBA were calculated with ArcGIS.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Until the 1970s the Angren plateau was very difficult to access, but intensive geological exploration resulted in road-building, constructionn of settlements and installation of drilling rigs. The new road allowed the opening up of the pastures of the plateau for sheep grazing which has resulted in degradation. Shepherds, geologists and hunters from Angren, Akhangaran and Tashkent have begun to hunt marmots and Marmota menzbieri has begun to disappear. During the last ten years geological exploration has stopped, settlements are beginning to be abandoned, the road has become damaged, and the number of grazing sheep and level of poaching have started to decline.
Land use: agriculture (75%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 10 | |
| Grassland | 90 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: As poaching levels are declining, this disturbance factor is reduced.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Nomadic grazing | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Intentional use (species being assessed is the target) | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: Data of observations by Mitropolskiy O.V. during 1976-1987 and 1998 years. Mitropolskiy O.V. Report on field surveys of Angren (IBA in Uzbekistan – project)