KZ002
Lower reaches of the Ashchyozek River


Site description (2006 baseline):

Site location and context
Clay semi-desert with large salt lakes in the lower reaches of the Aschiozek river. There are meadows near the water and the other parts of the land are covered with typical semi-desert vegetation with some stands of bushes. There is a well developed ravine-gully network, as well as “chinks” (precipices of the neighboring plateau).

Key biodiversity
A complex of birds typical for the northern desert and steppe, plus a number of waterbirds on migration.

Habitat and land use
Grassland areas are used for low to moderate intensity pasture.

Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Undergrazing due to low numbers of cattle is resulting in the growth of tall grassy vegetation and a deterioration in the foraging habitats of birds of prey.

Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
None.

Protected areas
None.


Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Lower reaches of the Ashchyozek River (Kazakhstan). Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/lower-reaches-of-the-ashchyozek-river-iba-kazakhstan on 25/12/2024.