Galba Gobi (28296)
Mongolia, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2012
National site name: Galba Gobi
Central coordinates: Latitude: 43.0833, Longitude: 107.6667
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 800 to 1000
Area of KBA (km2): 8286.74889
Protected area coverage (%): 29.36
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: This site is similar to Borzon Gobi (MN047). The site is characterized by a 100 km-long desert valley, with rolling hills, sand dunes and dry river beds with elm and saxaul trees. Some rocky hills and oases are found in the area. Poaching of Asiatic Wild Ass Equus hemionus and other wildlife species is on the increase. The grazing areas of livestock and Asiatic Wild Ass overlap, resulting in competition for food and water. The site is bisected by an existing road linking mines in Omnogobi aimag with the Chinese border. Future development of these mines could lead to the upgrading of this transport corridor, with potentially severe impacts on biodiversity, such as increased hunting and creation of physical barriers to animal movements.
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 species found at the site include Saker Falcon Falco cherrug (EN) and Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata (VU). In addition to these species, Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus (NT), Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus, Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus and Amur Falcon Falco amurensis breed at the site. The site also supports species typical of the Eurasian steppe and desert biome, such as Mongolian Ground Jay Podoces hendersoni, Saxaul Sparrow Passer ammodendri and Pallas’s Sandgrouse Syrrhaptes paradoxus. Non-bird biodiversity: Several globally and nationally threatened species occur at the site, including Asiatic Wild Ass (EN), Goitered Gazelle Gazella subgutturosa (VU), Mongolian Gazelle Procapra gutturosa, Argali Ovis ammon (NT), Siberian Ibex Capra sibirica and Long-eared Jerboa Euchoreutes naso.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Desert | 100 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Ongoing |