Bulgan Tal (28293)
Mongolia, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Bulgan Tal
Central coordinates: Latitude: 50.1833, Longitude: 101.5500
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1132 to 1254
Area of KBA (km2): 404.21244
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Located in the north of Erdenebulgan soum, the site extends west from the Eg River to Oliin Davaa, and northeast along the valley of the Eg River until it narrows into a canyon. In addition to the Eg River, a small river, the Sair, runs through the site. The site comprises a wide valley, with wheat fields, fallow and pasture, surrounded by hillsides with birch and larch forest. The site includes small lake, called Nuuriin Hotgor, and fields close to Erdenebulgan soum centre called Borog Tolgoi. The land is privately farmed in summer.
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 site is important for Great Bustard Otis tarda (VU)and Saker Falcon Falco cherrug (EN). Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca (VU) and Greater Spotted Eagle A. clanga (VU) have both been seen at the site during the breeding season and probably nest there. Osprey Pandion haliaetus, a Red Data Book of Mongolia species, nests in good numbers along the Eg River. Demoiselle Cranes Anthropoides virgo congregate in large numbers during migration but are not thought to exceed the 1% threshold for IBA criterion A4i. Destruction of Great Bustard nests and chicks by agricultural machinery is a concern. Non-bird biodiversity: The nationally threatened fish species, Taimen Hucho taimen, occurs in nearby rivers. Siberian Musk Deer Moschus moschiferus (VU), Red Deer Cervus elaphus, Grey Wolf Canis lupus and Siberian Roe Deer Capreolus pygargus occur in the forest. Poaching is the biggest threat to the forest-dwelling mammals.