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Site description (2006 baseline):
Site location and context
The Angren plateau is situated at the head of the Akhangaran river in the Western Tien Shan. It connects Kuramin ridge with Chatkal ridge. There is an extremely difficult to access canyon with well developed tugay forests on the plateau. The proposed IBA includes the head of Ikkisu river which flows across the Angren plateau.
A unique mix of mountain and plain species live on the alpine Angren plateau. Passersines form the majority of this community: Eremophila alpestris, Calandrella acutirostris, Oenanthe isabellina, Monticola saхatilis, Phoenicurus ochruros, Prunella fulvescens, Prunella himalayana, Prunella collaris, Phylloscopus griseolus, Leucosticte nemoricola, Petronia petronia, Montifringilla nivalis, Bucanetes githagineus and Corvus corax tibetanus are all numerous. Raptors are numerous among the non-passerine species: Falco cherrug, Falco pelegrinoides, Falco subbuteo, Buteo rufinus, Aquila chrysaetos, Aegypius monachus, Gyps fulvus, Gyps himalayensis and Gypaetus barbatus. These species breed on the cliffs and canyons that surround the plateau. During summer immature and non-breeding birds of these species are also present. The disappearing mountain subspecies of Bubo bubo breeds on the cliffs of the plateau. The area is very important for bird migration during early autumn. Heavy passage was observed at a height of 3,000 metres (observation O.V. Mitropolskiy)involving Aquila clanga, Falco naumanni, Circus macrourus, Pernis рtilorhyncus and Calandrella cinerea. In winter Tetraogallus himalayensis is observed routinely in rocky habitats.
Non-bird biodiversity: One of the largest colonies of Marmota menzbieri (endemic to the Western Tien Shan) inhabits the Angren plateau but currently its size in depleted. The rodent fauna is unique with Spermophilus pygmaeus, Microtus kirgisorum, Microtus juldaschi, Alticola argentatus and Cricetulus migratorius. Ursus arctos isabellinus occurs in very low numbers. Vormela peregusna, Cuon alpinus and Capra sibirica are also present. There are also numerous endemic species of flora and invertebrates.
Until the 1970s the Angren plateau was very difficult to access, but intensive geological exploration resulted in road-building, constructionn of settlements and installation of drilling rigs. The new road allowed the opening up of the pastures of the plateau for sheep grazing which has resulted in degradation. Shepherds, geologists and hunters from Angren, Akhangaran and Tashkent have begun to hunt marmots and Marmota menzbieri has begun to disappear. During the last ten years geological exploration has stopped, settlements are beginning to be abandoned, the road has become damaged, and the number of grazing sheep and level of poaching have started to decline.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
As poaching levels are declining, this disturbance factor is reduced.
The Angren plateau is not a protected area but the Akhangaran canyon is part of a game-reserve where licensed hunting of mountain goats and wild boars is permitted.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Angren Plateau (Uzbekistan). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/angren-plateau-iba-uzbekistan on 23/11/2024.
