A chain of oxbow lakesand channels in the ancient valley of the Kura river uniting to form a single lake in flood and lying between lakes Aggel (IBA 030) and Sarysu (IBA 032), and containing shallows, vast reedbeds and sparse Tamarix scrub. The main land-uses are legal hunting, oil extraction, grazing, etc. Part of the area is rented by the Hunters' Society of Azerbaijan, and part is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Oil.
Key biodiversity
Undoubtedly a site of great significance for waterbirds with 10,000-20,000 birds wintering in the late 1980s (although formerly 40,000-50,000). Breeding waterbirds include Botaurus stellaris, Ixobrychus minutus and colonies of other Ciconiiformes totalling 1,000+ pairs. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Phalacrocorax pygmeus (breeds), Pelecanus crispus (the last site in Azerbaijan where this species bred; formerly 5-15 pairs, could still survive), Marmaronetta angustirostris (breeds), Oxyura leucocephala (non-breeding winter visitor), Haliaeetus albicilla (non-breeding, 2-3 winter). Other breeding birds include Tadorna ferruginea, Circus pygargus, Francolinus francolinus, Porphyrio porphyrio, Chettusia leucura and passerines.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Threats include poaching and pollution.
Protected areas
National None International None
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2023) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Lake Boz-Koba. Downloaded from
http://www.birdlife.org on 23/03/2023.
