AZ006
Akstafa-chai valley


Site description (2000 baseline):

Site location and context
This site is close to Karayazi forest (IBA 005). The area contains the last remaining tugai forest on the banks of the River Akstafa, a right-bank tributary of the Kura river. Main land-uses are firewood-collection (`Other' land-use) and tourism. There is also some sheep-grazing.



Key biodiversity
Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aquila heliaca (visits the site throughout the year from IBA 005, but probably does not breed). Significant proportion (³1%) of national population breeding at site: Aquila pomarina (1 pair, possibly more). Alcedo atthis and Coracias garrulus are very common breeding birds.



Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Threats include illegal tree-felling (`Other' threat), which is being phased out, and grazing on the edge of the forest which inhibits regeneration. A game reserve for Phasianus colchicus is planned.



Protected areas
National None International None




Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Akstafa-chai valley (Azerbaijan). Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/akstafa-chai-valley-iba-azerbaijan on 28/12/2024.