Data Zone
Country/territory: Kazakhstan
IBA criteria met: A1, A4i, A4iii (2003)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 248,480 hectares (2,484.80 km2)
| IBA conservation status | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of assessment (most recent) | State (condition) | Pressure (threat) | Response (action) |
| 2013 | very poor | not assessed | very low |
| For more information about IBA monitoring, please click here | |||
Site description (2007 baseline)
The site consists of areas of inundated flatland with prolific reed growth. The mosaic of waterbodies (pools, large areas of open water, channels etc.) and reedbeds is typical for any large freshwater estuary. Several canals run seawards and are interspersed, in their turn, by channel-like connections. Terrestrial sections of the shore support stands of flood-forest consisting mainly of elms, prickly olives (oleasters) and poplars.
Key biodiversity
In this part of the Volga delta more than 250 bird species may be encountered. The overall number of migrating waterfowl significantly exceeds the 20,000 individuals criterion but precise supporting data is scarce. Several rare or threatened species occur.
Non-bird biodiversity: Common species include Sus scrofa, Phoca caspica, Ondatra zibethica, Felis chaus and others.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Kazakhstan portion of the river Volga's Delta - Zhambay (Kazakhstan). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/kazakhstan-portion-of-the-river-volgas-delta--zhambay-iba-kazakhstan on 23/12/2024.