Current view: Text account
Site description (2007 baseline):
Site location and context
The IBA encompasses all of the significant lakes and flood areas south of the lower reaches of the Chu River.
The IBA consists of the wetland system at the extreme north-eastern edge of the Moiyn-Kum sandy desert and at the lowest south-eastern section of the vast Betpak-Dala semi-desert range, where the erratic course of the Chu River ends.
The terrain is a mixture of permanent dunes, alkaline pans and loamy flats with all significant depressions occupied by a mass of small lakes, streams or ox-bows. All waterbodies are fed by the Chu River, principally by filtration. Additionally there is seasonal flooding from snow melt. The lakes are primarily freshwater but may become brackish during periods of severe drought. All the waterbodies have a rich fish fauna. As the lakes have a dense growth of reed they are very attractive to waterbirds for breeding and on migration. The stretches of land between the lakes are covered by a typical sparse growth of common desert dwarf scrubs, with a mosaic of taller bushes in some areas. Wet meadows also occur in a few areas and there are scattered solitary elms.
In addition to those species for which the site qualifies as an IBA, other species of note are those that are included on the national and international Red Lists or which have the potential to qualify for IBA status as they may occur in significant numbers. These include Podiceps cristatus, Phalacrocorax carbo, Phalacrocorax pygmaeus, Egretta alba, Ardea cinerea, Anser anser, Cygnus olor, Anas strepera, Anas crecca, Anas platyrhynchos, Anas penelope, Netta rufina and Haliaeetus albicilla.
Breeding by Marmaronetta angustirostris is also considered possible as the species has been recorded several times on passage at Kyzylkol Lake situated a little to the south-east of the IBA.
Non-bird biodiversity: The most imortant representatives of the local mammal fauna are: Sus scrofa, Canis areus, Canis lupus, Vulpes vulpes, Felis libyca, Meles meles and Lepus tolai.
Due to its harsh environmental conditions, agricultural activities have not become established and the main use of the area is hunting and fishing.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Fire and disturbance from small-time fishing and hunting activities.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
None at present and additional surveys to assess overall bird numbers and species' composition are required.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Lakes in the lower reaches of the Chu River (Kazakhstan). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/lakes-in-the-lower-reaches-of-the-chu-river-iba-kazakhstan on 23/12/2024.
