Karasuk (21916)
Kazakhstan, Central Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1c
Year of last assessment: 2006
National site name: Karasuk
Central coordinates: Latitude: 53.5000, Longitude: 77.1333
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 105 to 112
Area of KBA (km2): 194.931981
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The IBA consits of a dispersed cluster of small and middle-sized lakes scattered throughout the Karasuk region, to the east of Trophymovka. The Karasuk region is a practically undisturbed expanse of swampy brackish land with extensive reedbeds. The largest lakes in the system are Malyie Berezniaki (near the village of the same name) and part of Karasuk Lake (on the Russian border). The adjacent territory consists of mesophyllic forest-steppe strewn with tiny copses of birch and scrub, mostly bird cherry bushes.
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 small breeding waterbird community is typical of small lakes with extensive reedbeds. Breeding by globally threatened species, such as Oxyura leucocephala, is suspected. The area is most important during migration. 52 species were recorded on 05.10.2006.
Delineation rationale: The IBA is enclosed by road systems and lies within the schematic enclosure bounded by the settlements of Trophymovka, Berezovka, M. Berezniaki, Karatal and Novokarasuk, with the Russian border forming the north- eastern boundary of the site.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: The terrestrial parts of the IBA (about 10%) are used for grazing at moderate density, though high near villages. The wetlands (reedbeds and open water) are not utilised.
Land use: not utilised (90%) | rangeland/pastureland (10%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 90 | |
| Grassland | 10 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Possible fires. Grazing near villages does not impact on the main (wetland) part of the IBA.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Fire & fire suppression | Increase in fire frequency/intensity | Only in the future |