Kamysh-Samarskie Lakes (20687)
Kazakhstan, Central Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: Kamysh-Samarskie Lakes
Central coordinates: Latitude: 48.8833, Longitude: 49.8500
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): -3 to 3
Area of KBA (km2): 1095.84093
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The IBA covers the flood areas in the lower reaches of the Malyi Uzen river, near the northern edge of the Ryn sands (desert massif). The site consists of a lake system in depressions with water fringe vegetation, plus surrounding desert steppe.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.
Additional biodiversity: Typical set of waterfowl; 25 species of waterbirds were registered during a short-term survey in May 2006. Non-bird biodiversity: Typical set of desert steppe and wetland plants, as well as typical small mammals, fox, wolf etc.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Cattle pasture near the villages at the northern part of the IBA, as well as medium sized agriculture fields near the IBA. Water from some lakes (regulated with dams) is used for small-scale irrigation. There is also regular fishing.
Land use: fisheries/aquaculture (10%) | rangeland/pastureland (20%) | water management (10%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Desert | 25 | |
| Grassland | 22 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 48 | |
| Shrubland | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Almost annual fires can cause habitat destruction of differing scale; disturbance by fishermen; natural long-term fluctuations of water level in the lakes.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Small-holder farming | Ongoing |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Work & other activities | Ongoing |