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Site description (2007 baseline):
Site location and context
The site comprises an area of high, snowcapped mountains, located in the centre of the
Mongol Altai mountain range, on the border between Khovd and Bayan-Olgii aimags. The
mountainous area is barren and rocky, and forest patches are found in some areas.
Globally Threatened and Near Threatened species occurring at the site include Saker Falcon Falco cherrug (EN), Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus (NT), White-throated Bushchat Saxicola insignis (VU) and Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola (VU). The bird community at the site is a good example of the Eurasian high montane biome, and biome-restricted species there include Altai Snowcock Tetraogallus altaicus, Chukar Partridge Alectoris chukar, Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris, Brown Accentor P. fulvescens, White-winged Redstart Phoenicurus erythrogaster and White-winged Snowfinch
Montifringilla nivalis. Large raptors, such as Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos, Steppe Eagle A. nipalensis, Gyps himalayensis, Cinereous Vulture and Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus, are common and nest at the site. The site supports Mongolian Accentor Prunella koslowi, the restricted-range species whose breeding range defines the Mongolian Mountains Secondary Area.
Non-bird biodiversity: Many Globally Threatened and Red Data Book of Mongolia species occur at the site, including Snow Leopard Uncia uncia (EN), Siberian Ibex Capra sibirica, Argali Ovis ammon
(NT), Red Deer Cervus elaphus, Eurasian Lynx Lynx lynx, Pallas's Cat Felis manul, Stone Marten Martes foina and Siberian Marmot Marmota sibirica (EN). Large herds of Siberian Ibex and Argali can be seen, which is a rare sight.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Poaching and habitat fragmentation are the main threats to the wildlife of the site. Trophy hunters often visit this area. There is no regulation about the locations of trophy hunters' camp sites. Herders' camps are also common, and cause disturbance to mountain ungulates. As a result, Snow Leopard and Grey Wolf face a shortage of food and attack livestock, giving rise to conflict between park rangers and herders.
Fully protected by Khokh Serkhiin Nuruu Strictly Protected Area
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Khokh Serkhiin Nuruu (Mongolia). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/khokh-serkhiin-nuruu-iba-mongolia on 23/11/2024.
