Pombak mountain chain (3138)
Armenia, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Pombak mountain chain
Central coordinates: Latitude: 40.6942, Longitude: 44.5928
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1551 to 3008
Area of KBA (km2): 566.745
Protected area coverage (%): 49.49
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Pombak chain is one of the largest mountain ranges in the central part of northern Armenia, extending for 65 km from the north-west to south-east and evolving two ridges split by the Marmareek river. The mountain range has clearly defined landscape zones; mountain steppe, and subalpine and alpine meadows interspersed with mosaics of woodlands covering steep, north-facing slopes.
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: Tetrao mlokosiewiczi is confined to the edge of the snow-line in the upper edges of the forest and in the subalpine and alpine meadows. The following species of special concern are also present: Gypaetus barbatus, Gyps fulvus, Accipiter gentilis, Aquila pomarina, A. clanga, A. chrysaetos, Prunella ocularis and Phoenicurus erythrogaster (current status uncertain).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 50 | |
| Grassland | 50 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The deeply-incised mountain range and the mosaic of woodland result in a patchy distribution of the Tetrao mlokosiewiczi population, thus lowering its viability and productivity. In addition, the species is threatened by heavy livestock-grazing during the breeding season and year-round poaching.