Aktaş Lake (826)
Turkey, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2004
National site name: Aktaş Gölü
Central coordinates: Latitude: 41.2000, Longitude: 43.2167
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1798 to 1798
Area of KBA (km2): 20.23552
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A shallow, stream-fed, soda-rich lake situated on the high plateau of the Turkish-Georgian border zone. About 1,400 of the lake's 2,700 ha lie within Turkey, and this area includes 12 uninhabited and sparsely vegetated islands. Arable fields and grazing land adjoin the lake; there are a few small reedbeds (Phragmites). Access is highly restricted for military reasons, and human disturbance is therefore minimal. Fishing is solely land-based.
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. 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: One of three Turkish Pelecanus onocrotalus breeding sites and one of seven P. crispus breeding sites. Melanitta fusca is also thought to breed.
Habitats
Land use: not utilised (100%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Savanna | 41 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 59 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Plans exist to open the Aktaþ border post in order to improve trade and transport between the former USSR states and Turkey. This would increase traffic north of the lake.