Kenshektau Mountains (22284)
Kazakhstan, Central Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: Kenshektau Mountains
Central coordinates: Latitude: 43.7500, Longitude: 68.8000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 860 to 1900
Area of KBA (km2): 428.35171
Protected area coverage (%): 80.59
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Kenshektau mountains occupy the central part of the north-eastern slope of the Northern (Bol’shoi) Karatau Mountain range situated in the Suzak district of the South-Kazakhstan region close to the settlement of Atime (Abai) and 35-40 km to the west of the district centre, Chulakkurgan. The mountains are a picturesque rocky massif of marble and limestone and are a conspicuous feature in the expanse of adjoining lowland which is the south-western edge of the Moiynkum desert. Along the ridge forming the main watershed of the Kenshektau formation runs the border of the Karatau State Nature Reserve. In the north-east the IBA boundary follows the edge of the foothills, in the north-west it comes close to the highest peak of the Karatau Range – Bessaz mountain (Mynzhylky massif) - and the south-east boundary is marked by the course of Koshkarata river. The Kenshektau was formed by the prizing open and vertical buckling of sedimentary plates by tectonic processes. Some cliffs have the form of sheer rock faces or tapering pyramids rising to several hundred metres. This peculiar geomorphological feature stretches for 10 km along the side of the Karatau Mountain range and extends, on average, for 5 km from the ridge to the foothills along the eastern slope. A few feeble seasonal streams run in several deeply cut gorges. The vegetation is predominantly xerophyte associations of grasses and dwarf plants often supplemented, especially on the northern slopes, by a plentiful growth of hardy bushes and, infrequently, impenetrable woody thickets comprised mostly of wild apple and pear trees, maples and hawthorn. The highly varied and rugged relief creates abundant opportunities for the safe nesting of many bird species. The harsh environs of the arid rocky gorges, coupled with the presence of an exuberant growth of resilient scrub, are key factors influencing the local avifauna.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: The species composition of local avifauna reflects the singularity of the area’s landscape consisting of three major habitats: bare rocks, screes and scrubland. The site is most important for its medium-sized breeding population of Gyps fulvus which numbers 30 pairs. Falco naumanni also breeds though its numbers have almost halved over the last 15 years. The diverse array of large raptors and scavengers includes a few species of global or national rRegional) conservation concern (Aegypius monachus, Gypaetus barbatus, Neophron percnopterus, Aquila chrysaetos, Circaetus gallicus and Bubo bubo). The site is the most northerly known breeding location of Apus melba. It also supports several biome-restricted species. Non-bird biodiversity: The site is important botanically as it holds many rare endemic species including Dryopteris mindshelkensis and Aquilegia karataviensis. There are also seberal regionally endangered plants including Tulipa alberti and Tulipa greigii. In certain seasons, the grass-covered northern slope of the Karatau Range attracts foraging ungulates such as Sus scrofa, Capreolus capreolus and Ovis ammon.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Sheep, cattle and horse grazing occurs along the fringes of the mountain mountain complex.
Land use: rangeland/pastureland (10%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 20 | |
| Forest | 5 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 54 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 1 | |
| Shrubland | 20 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Practically none.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Nomadic grazing | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |