Khosrov Reserve (3135)
Armenia, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2004
National site name: Khosrov Reserve
Central coordinates: Latitude: 40.0323, Longitude: 44.9083
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1102 to 2966
Area of KBA (km2): 1211.2279
Protected area coverage (%): 47.38
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Khosrov Reserve lies in a central part of southern Armenia. The terrain is rather complicated. The entire area is typically alpine, densely traversed by primary and side-gorges, high plateaus and inter-montane depressions, massive towering mountain ranges, volcanic expanses and isolated mountain peaks. Two alpine rivers, the Azat and Verdi, with tributaries and a small lake (0.3 ha) are within the IBA. The area extends over four landscape zones: desert/semi-desert, mountain steppe, woodland, and alpine and subalpine meadows, though much valuable high-altitude habitat (meadow steppe on plateaus and rocky areas) lies outside the reserve.
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) KBA identified in the CEPF Ecosystem Profile of the Caucasus Hotspot (2003, updated 2004). Taxonomy, nomenclature and threat category follow the 2002 IUCN Red List.
Additional biodiversity: At least 156 species have been recorded and 76 of these have been proved to breed. An outstanding site for raptors, with at least 21 species breeding and three possibly breeding, including Aquila chrysaetos, A. pomarina, Circaetus gallicus, Accipiter brevipes and, uniquely in Armenia, a small relict population of Aegolius funereus. A colony of Apus melba in Azat Gorge numbers some 2,000 birds. Among other breeding birds are Dendrocopos medius, Oenanthe hispanica, Monticola saxatilis, M. solitarius and Bucanetes githagineus.
Habitats
Land use: hunting | nature conservation and research | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 25 | |
| Desert | 25 | |
| Forest | 25 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 25 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Fingers of grazing land 200-500 m wide and 1-5 km long penetrate into the reserve territory and herds are regularly driven through the reserve from adjacent farms. Until recently, there was hay- making and the collecting of fruit and seeds of edible, decorative and medicinal plants. Serious damage to the flora and fauna is caused by villagers resident in the reserve. There is also some poaching. The construction of tourist facilities, roads running through the reserve and the lack of a buffer zone are further causes for concern. A hydroelectric power-station, planned for a site on the Azat river within the reserve, would, it is believed, have a very detrimental affect on Khosrov and its wildlife.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Unintentional effects (species being assessed is not the target) | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Ongoing |