Lesser Aral Sea (21951)
Kazakhstan, Central Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1d
Year of last assessment: 2005
National site name: Lesser Aral Sea
Central coordinates: Latitude: 46.3333, Longitude: 61.0000
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 40 to 42
Area of KBA (km2): 1382.09357
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The terrestrial part of the IBA is represented by a few low sections of the former shore retaining the general aspect of the northern deserts with typical flora and fauna. Also significant is the area of previous water that is now dry following the dramatic recession of the waters of the Aral Sea almost three decades ago. The subsequent natural development of these particular areas has resulted in a rather diversified character to the area and although initial impressions are that it is desertified, this is in no way severe, and there are numerous shallow despressions with enough moisture to allow the development of moisture-related salt-tolerant biotopes. Other areas with depressions have semi-permanent waterbodies creating a local wetland network. The wildlife communities are similarly adapting to the changing conditions.
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: Approximately 213 species have been recorded in the area. The overall numbers of migrating waterfowl using the site exceed the 20,000 IBA threshold several fold. Non-bird biodiversity: The mammal and herpetological faunas are typical for the habitat. There is, however, a distinct fish fauna with several endemic species and most species are protected.
Delineation rationale: The IBA is comprised of the territories of the eastern part of the Lesser Aral Sea, including Saryshyganak Bay and the delta of the Syrdariya River. The western straight-line boundary runs north-east from the Domalak promontory to Koktyrnak peninsula. Also included is a 1km wide strip of foreshore.
Habitats
Land use: fisheries/aquaculture (40%) | water management (5%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 99 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 1 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Most serious threat is intensive fishing which causes incessant disturbance and indiscriminate interference with many breeding waterbirds.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Abstraction of surface water (agricultural use) | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Nomadic grazing | Ongoing |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Work & other activities | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: 1. V.G. Berezovsky, E.M. Auhezov, V.V. Khrokov. Contemporary state of ornitho-fauna of the Eastern Shore of Aral Sea and the prognosis of its composition alterations due to the process of a dramatic drying up of the main water-body. The wild-life of Kazakhstan and the problems of is protection. Almaty, 1982. P.30-31. (in Russian) 2. V.A. Gratchov. Birds of the Aralsk environs and of Kymylybash lake (based on materials of 1951-1954 serveys).Non-Passerines. “Selevinia”, 2000, # 1-4. P.95-104. (in Russian) 3. S.N. Yerokhov. Observations on birds at the Northern Coast of Aral Sea. Kazakhstan Ornithological Bulletin of 2003. Almaty, 2004. P.40-41. (in Russian) 4. A. V. Kovalenko. Ornithological investigation in the lower reaches of Syrdariya river and sundry contiguous territories in 2005. Kazakhstan Ornithological Bulletin of 2005. Almaty, 2006. P 59-69. (in Russian) 5. A. F. Kovshar. Observations on the birds of river Syrdariya’s delta and adjacent dried-up territories of the receded Aral Sea in August of 2000. “ Selevinia”, 2000, # 1-4, P. 104-110. (in Russian) 6. V.V. Khrokov. On bird populations’ numbers in Syrdariya delta and at the nearby lakes in the spring of 2001. Birds’ migrations in Asia. Iss.12. Works of Institute of zoology, v.47, Almaty, 2004. P. 216-230. (in Russian) 7. B.M. Gubin Modern state of bird diversity in northern Aral Sea region and problems of its conservation//Sustainable use of natural resources of Central Asia. Envir. problems of Aral Sea and surrounding areas. Almaty, 1998. P. 23. .B.M. Gubin Problems Associated with Animal Diversity and Conservation in the Modern Aral sea//Abstract in the second Arab Int. Conference end Expedition on Envir. Biotechnology (Coastal Habitats) 8-12 April 2000. Abu-Dhabi, 2000. P. 43