Lake Arpi (3136)
Armenia, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: B1, D1a
Year of last assessment: 2008
National site name: Lake Arpi
Central coordinates: Latitude: 41.0608, Longitude: 43.6242
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 2010 to 2150
Area of KBA (km2): 38.6977
Protected area coverage (%): 100.00
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Arpi reservoir, located in the very north-west of Armenia, evolved in the 1950s from the small Lake Arpi. Fed by thaws and four streams, it is the source of the Akhurian river. The landscape is mountain steppe with mostly grassy alpine vegetation. The site is adjacent to wetlands. In spring the reservoir floods, and water covers an area of 20 km2and two islands (2 and 4 ha) form. By autumn, when the lake waters are used for irrigation, the shores of the two islands merge.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Additional biodiversity: More than 100 species have been observed around Lake Arpi. Of special concern is the large breeding colony of Larus armenicus; 7,000-10,000 pairs are known to breed on the two islands, comprising 60% of the population in Armenia. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Pelecanus crispus (breeding every 2-5 years, juveniles visiting annually).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 50 | |
| Grassland | 50 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The colony is extremely vulnerable due to annual water-level fluctuations of the reservoir. Birds are sometimes subject to disturbance when fluctuating water-levels allow access to nesting areas.