Lakes in the lower reaches of the Chu River (21938)
Kazakhstan, Central Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1d
Year of last assessment: 2006
National site name: Lakes in the lower reaches of the Chu River
Central coordinates: Latitude: 44.9167, Longitude: 67.7000
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 115 to 125
Area of KBA (km2): 1480.30459
Protected area coverage (%): 49.78
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The IBA encompasses all of the significant lakes and flood areas south of the lower reaches of the Chu River. The IBA consists of the wetland system at the extreme north-eastern edge of the Moiyn-Kum sandy desert and at the lowest south-eastern section of the vast Betpak-Dala semi-desert range, where the erratic course of the Chu River ends. The terrain is a mixture of permanent dunes, alkaline pans and loamy flats with all significant depressions occupied by a mass of small lakes, streams or ox-bows. All waterbodies are fed by the Chu River, principally by filtration. Additionally there is seasonal flooding from snow melt. The lakes are primarily freshwater but may become brackish during periods of severe drought. All the waterbodies have a rich fish fauna. As the lakes have a dense growth of reed they are very attractive to waterbirds for breeding and on migration. The stretches of land between the lakes are covered by a typical sparse growth of common desert dwarf scrubs, with a mosaic of taller bushes in some areas. Wet meadows also occur in a few areas and there are scattered solitary elms.
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: In addition to those species for which the site qualifies as an IBA, other species of note are those that are included on the national and international Red Lists or which have the potential to qualify for IBA status as they may occur in significant numbers. These include Podiceps cristatus, Phalacrocorax carbo, Phalacrocorax pygmaeus, Egretta alba, Ardea cinerea, Anser anser, Cygnus olor, Anas strepera, Anas crecca, Anas platyrhynchos, Anas penelope, Netta rufina and Haliaeetus albicilla. Breeding by Marmaronetta angustirostris is also considered possible as the species has been recorded several times on passage at Kyzylkol Lake situated a little to the south-east of the IBA. Non-bird biodiversity: The most imortant representatives of the local mammal fauna are: Sus scrofa, Canis areus, Canis lupus, Vulpes vulpes, Felis libyca, Meles meles and Lepus tolai.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Due to its harsh environmental conditions, agricultural activities have not become established and the main use of the area is hunting and fishing.
Land use: fisheries/aquaculture (50%) | hunting (100%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Desert | 30 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 70 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Fire and disturbance from small-time fishing and hunting activities.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological resource use | Fishing & harvesting aquatic resources | Unintentional effects: large scale (species being assessed is not the target) [harvest] | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Unintentional effects (species being assessed is not the target) | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Fire & fire suppression | Increase in fire frequency/intensity | Ongoing |
| Climate change & severe weather | Habitat shifting & alteration | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |