Karakol Lake (20927)
Kazakhstan, Central Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2006
National site name: Karakol Lake
Central coordinates: Latitude: 43.5333, Longitude: 51.3000
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): -28 to -27
Area of KBA (km2): 50.174
Protected area coverage (%): 99.77
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The lake is situated on the southern outskirts of Aktau city (Karakiyanskiy district of Mangistau region), within the Karagye-Karakolskiy zoological reserve. The lake formed following the floodng of a natural hollow by hot water from the nearby thermoelectric power station. The lake is about 12 km long and runs parallel to the Caspian Sea coast, separated from the sea by a strip of land about 1 km in width. Its depth is 0.5-0.8 m and water levels tend to be stable throughout the year. The lake is connected to the sea by two channels at the northern and southern ends. The western border of the site is Caspian Sea shore-line. There is a considerable amount of water fringe vegetation, mainly reedbeds, mostly along the north, north-east and western shores. The bottom of the lake is sandy, with extensive patches of green algae, which provides food for wintering swans and other waterfowl.
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: In winter, 14 species of waterbird have been recorded, including two from the Red Data Book of Kazakhstan – greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) and whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus). Non-bird biodiversity: Five species of fish and two species of amphibian have been recorded.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: The main use of the site is as a reservoir of warm waste water from the heat and power plant. This use ensures the existence of the IBA.
Land use: nature conservation and research (100%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 2 | |
| Shrubland | 2 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 2 | |
| Artificial - Aquatic | 82 | |
| Desert | 13 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Tourists and people from the neighboring Aktau recreation zone (on the sea shore) cause disturbance. There is the potential threat of fluctuating water levels depending on operations at the power station.