The area consists of semi-desert plains with low hills, low arid mountains, scrub along rivers, and a reservoir. Land-uses include sheep-grazing, agriculture in river valleys, and oil prospecting.
Key biodiversity
Breeding species: Tadorna ferruginea (10-15 pairs), Buteo rufinus (3 pairs), Alectoris chukar (150 pairs), Pterocles orientalis (very rare). Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aegypius monachus (non-breeding visitor throughout the year), Falco naumanni (breeds), Otis tarda (winter visitor: 2-5, not annual). Aquilanipalensis occurs, with 3-4 wintering and some tens passing through; Anthropoides virgo is rare on migration.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The main threats are overgrazing, poaching for Tetrax tetrax and Francolinus francolinus, and the presence of insecure stores of pesticides (`Other' threat).
Protected areas
National Partial International NoneIBA partly covered by Game Reserve.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2019) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Korchai area. Downloaded from
http://www.birdlife.org on 18/11/2019.
