Data Zone
Country/territory: China (mainland)
IBA criteria met: A1, A3 (2009)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 62,000 hectares (620.00 km2)
Site description (2009 baseline)
Aqqik Kol is a large high-altitude salt lake with an area of 36,000-38,000 ha, which is located between the Kunlun Shan and Altun Shan mountains. The lake is fed by snowmelt and glaciers, and there are freshwater streams and marshes in the vicinity.
Key biodiversity
Non-bird biodiversity: Nationally protected animals include Canis lupus, Vulpes vulpes, Panthra uncia, Ursus arctos, Equus kiang, Ovis ammon, Marmota himalayana, Pantholops hodgsoni, and Bos mutus.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Aqqik Kol and alpine grassland (China (mainland)). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/aqqik-kol-and-alpine-grassland-iba-china-(mainland) on 26/12/2024.