AM002
Pombak mountain chain


Site description (2000 baseline):

Site location and context
Pombak chain is one of the largest mountain ranges in the central part of northern Armenia, extending for 65 km from the north-west to south-east and evolving two ridges split by the Marmareek river. The mountain range has clearly defined landscape zones; mountain steppe, and subalpine and alpine meadows interspersed with mosaics of woodlands covering steep, north-facing slopes.



Key biodiversity
Tetrao mlokosiewiczi is confined to the edge of the snow-line in the upper edges of the forest and in the subalpine and alpine meadows. The following species of special concern are also present: Gypaetus barbatus, Gyps fulvus, Accipiter gentilis, Aquila pomarina, A. clanga, A. chrysaetos, Prunella ocularis and Phoenicurus erythrogaster (current status uncertain).



Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The deeply-incised mountain range and the mosaic of woodland result in a patchy distribution of the Tetrao mlokosiewiczi population, thus lowering its viability and productivity. In addition, the species is threatened by heavy livestock-grazing during the breeding season and year-round poaching.



Protected areas
National None International None




Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Pombak mountain chain (Armenia). Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/pombak-mountain-chain-iba-armenia on 23/12/2024.