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Site description (2004 baseline):
Site location and context
The reservoir is situated in the most southern part of Kazakhstan, at the Syr-Darya river, 170 km from the regional centre, Shymkent city. The reservoir was created after dam construction. The northern bank is hilly, with ravines and clay soils (used mainly as a grazing area), the southern bank is flat, with sandy soils (agriculture area for cotton, corn etc.). The area is one of most populated regions of South Kazakhstan and is heavily used for agriculture. Water from the Chardara Reservoir is widely used for agriculture. There are intensive fisheries here, and (in autumn-winter) hunting. There are some resorts (hotels, camp sites). At the dam, there is a hydro-electric power-station. The reservoir is a place of mass wintering of tens of thousands of waterbirds.
The reservoir is a place of mass wintering of tens of thousands of water-birds. In first years after construction of the reservoir in 1968, more than 40,000 waterfowl wintered here (Auezov, 1972). During the last ten years, more than 100,000 waterbirds have wintered here, including globally threatened species. In December 2003- January 2004, 69 species were observed, including 30 waterbird species with a total number of about 180,000.
Non-bird biodiversity: About 20 species of fish, including Carassius auratus, Cyprinus carpio, Hypophtalmichtus molitrix, Ctenopharingodon ideilla, Ophiocephalus argus have been recorded. Mammals include Ondatra zibethica and Arvicola terrestris (aquatic)and Canis lupus, Canis aureus, Vulpes vulpes, Vulpes corsac, Meles meles and Lepus tolai (terrestrial).
The area is one of most populated and used for agriculture regions of South Kazakhstan. Water from Chardara reservoir is widely used for agriculture. There is intensive fisheries here, and (in autumn-winter) hunting. There are some resorts (hotels, camping). At the dam, there is hydro-electric power-station.Main part of the reservoir has shallow water, with a number of small islands used by birds for rest and feeding. Near NE and SE banks, there are great reed massive used by waterfowl and by passerines for rest. Incoming rivers (Syr-Darya, Keles, Kurkeles) bring various food for birds: seeds, water invertebrates etc. In winter, surrounding hills and planes of northern part are covered in some plots with ephemers used for feeding by gees and some ducks. Big number of fishes provides good food base for fish-eating birds.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Main threats are: 1 - Unstable and non-natural, unpredictable hydro-regime throughout the year; 2 - Badly controlled (almost unlimited) fishing, hunting and grazing; 3 - Fire-wood collection along the shore-line (bushes, reeds), and burning of dry reedbeds.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
In 1970-1980, regular ichthyological and hydro-biological research was carried. A survey of wintering birds was carried in 1969/1970. Around the reservoir, complex researches were carried by botanists and soil scientists of the Kazakhstan Academy of Science (between 1970-1990). The most recednt bird count was a winter survey in 2003/2004.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Chardara Reservoir (Kazakhstan). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/chardara-reservoir-iba-kazakhstan on 23/12/2024.
