Borzon Gobi (28291)
Mongolia, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Borzon Gobi
Central coordinates: Latitude: 42.3333, Longitude: 105.5000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1000 to 1200
Area of KBA (km2): 3997.64906
Protected area coverage (%): 88.26
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Borzon Gobi is a fine example of a desert landscape. The site is characterized by semidesert steppe, valleys and plains with rolling hills, sand dunes, and dry river beds with elm and saxaul trees. Some rocky hills and oases are found in the area. Rocky hills and elms along the dry river beds provide good nesting habitats for large raptors and other birds, while the oases are important for thousands of migratory waterbirds, as well as other wildlife. Illegal hunting of ungulates and unsustainable cutting of saxaul trees for firewood are the main threats to biodiversity at the site.
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: Globally Threatened birds found at the site include Saker Falcon Falco cherrug (EN), Lesser Kestrel F. naumanni (VU) and Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata (VU). The site also supports an assemblage of species restricted to the Eurasian steppe and desert biome, including Mongolian Ground Jay Podoces hendersoni and Saxaul Sparrow Passer ammodendri. Non-bird biodiversity: There are many rare and threatened wildlife species at the site, such as Asiatic Wild Ass Equus hemionus (EN), Goitered Gazelle Gazella subgutturosa (VU), Mongolian Gazelle Procapra gutturosa, Argali Ovis ammon (NT), Siberian Ibex Capra sibirica, Daurian Hedgehog Mesechinus dauuricus and Long-eared Jerboa Euchoreutes naso.