Caspian Sea shore between Volga and Ural River Deltas (31299)
Kazakhstan, Central Asia

Site overview

KBA status: confirmed

Year of last assessment: 2013

National site name: Caspian Sea shore between Volga and Ural River Deltas

Central coordinates: Latitude: 46.7772, Longitude: 50.2237

System: freshwater, marine, terrestrial

Elevation (m): -29 to -26

KBA classification: Regional

Legacy site: Yes

Site details

Site description: The northern coast of the Caspian Sea – very unique habitat, it so small, what even when walking deep into the seas on 2-5 km level of sea water won't be above a knee. The salt content of the sea in this northern part of the sea is rather low thanks to the freshwater influx from the Volga and to a lesser extend the Ural River. Owing to fluctuations of level of sea water from time to time extensive areas of the coast or are bared, or completely become covered by sea water. Sea level changes of the Caspian Sea have had a profound impact on the current shape of the site and the distribution of habitats. (During the period since 1930-1978 the sea level fell, and then since 1978 - increased more than by 2 m. Owing to what, the coastline appeared on 5-10 km farther far inland, than it was in 1978, and now the most part of area any more doesn't admit on cards (as that were used). The wide belt of reeds still notes the old coastline, but now maintains about 5 km from the coast in the sea middle The shoreline has now been protected through an about 80 km long dam running from the village of Zhanbay east up to Atyrau. This dam provides at places good observation points, although it is difficult to count all birds present due to the large distances involved and the huge extension of the site. The seaward side of the dam is dominated by large expanses of salicornia salt-meadows. In the SW of the site near the village of Zaburunye is slightly steeper, so that direct access to the open sea is possible here (and only here!). One of the best and most accessible observation points is the Maspinsky peninsula SW of the village of Zhanbay.

Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.

Additional biodiversity: A 5 km wide belt (between the reed and the dam) of open sand- and mudflats has developed providing ideal feeding and resting places for very large numbers of waterbirds and waders. The SW-NE directed shoreline in the SW of the site near the village of Zaburunye is slightly steeper, so that direct access to the open sea is possible here (and only here!). The shoreline here seems to be followed by many migrating birds like ducks and terns, but also curlew species and visible migration can well be observed here. At the area concern, several species of rare or threatened with the extinction birds may be fond.

Habitats

Summary of habitats in KBA: Between Zhanbay and Atyrau important oil fields are located, and the industrial facilities are in close vicinity to the areas populated by birds.

Land use: energy production and mining (15%) | urban/industrial/transport (15%) | water management (5%)

IUCN Habitat	Coverage %	Habitat detail
Desert	8
Grassland	12
Wetlands(Inland)	80

Threats

Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: In case sea level rises further, the extensive flats may be subject to coastal squeeze due to the newly build dam. Between Zhanbay and Atyrau important oil fields are located, and the industrial facilities are in close vicinity to the areas populated by birds. Any oil spills will be a danger to birds feeding in the area.

Additional information