Ag Oua - Ag Arbech (6610)
Mali, Africa
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2001
National site name: Ag Oua - Ag Arbech
Central coordinates: Latitude: 16.5000, Longitude: 0.0833
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 250 to 318
Area of KBA (km2): 1120.43297
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Ag Oua–Ag Arbech lies north-north-east of the town of Gao in the east of the country. Provisional boundaries for the site are as follows; the Niger river from opposite the village of Aguinaouiaoui north along the river to opposite Doumbaria-ou-Echak, north-east to Amakouladji on the Gao–Bourem road, continuing in the same direction to 16°40’N 00°00’W, then due east to 00°17’E, turning due south to meet the course of the wadi running through In Chaouag, following the course of the wadi south-east until it reaches the road from Gao to Almoustarat, and from there to Aguinaouiaoui. This area includes part of the ancient watercourse of the Tilemsi valley, open desert, dunes, rocky outcrops and mixed cultivation together, with scattered shrubs and trees along the Niger river.
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: See Box and Table 2 for key species. In addition, it is possible that the Data Deficient Prinia fluviatilis may occur in the riverine vegetation. Non-bird biodiversity: None known to BirdLife International.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Desert | 77 | |
| Grassland | 7 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 3 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 10 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Intensive agriculture along the course of the Niger river and overgrazing and fuelwood-collection elsewhere are degrading the vegetation of the site.