The IBA is located on the boundary of the Astrakhan region and the Kalmyk republic, in the southeastern portion of the East European Plain. The wetland extends west of the Volga and stretches south to the Caspian Sea coast, following the natural boundary between the lake system and semi-desert areas.
Key biodiversity
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
Mainparst of area (500000) is included in the Shadow List of Wetlands of International Importance under name "Western Ilmeno-Bugrovoi area" ("Zpadniy Ilmeno-Bugrovoi raion"). In addition the area is partly protected as a Zakaznik (7300 ha).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2023) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Western Ilmen area. Downloaded from
http://www.birdlife.org on 23/03/2023.
