Current view: Text account
Site description (2007 baseline):
Site location and context
Sarcheganak Lake is situated in the Volga-Ural Interfluve on the lowland plains bordering the shores of the Northern Caspian. The site is in the Kaztal district of the Western Kazakhstan Region, 35 km to the south-east of Zhalpakal (Furmanovo) village. The lake's basin is thought to have been created through the erosion of part of the large salt dome underlying the lower reaches of the Bolshaya Usen River.
The lake is oval, approximately 4 x 5 km in size, and covers 1,800 ha. It lacks an outflow and the water is brackish. In many places the shore consists of marshes. The majority of the surrounding land is dry steppe with typical wormwood-motley-herbage growing on the clayey soils. In many areas closest to the shore, the incessant trampling by herds of cattle has created barren areas dominated by Ceratocarpus turkestanicus. There are a few stands of Tamarix bushes, the only woody species in the area. Comparatively dense reedbeds cover about 10% of the lake’s surface, and encompass the lake in an almost unbroken belt, except where local fishermen have created access channels. Water levels are subject to partial regulation as a canal brings some of the flow of the Bolshaya Usen into the lake. The site is attractive to birds as it provides ample feeding and cover.
Despite the difficulties of surveying the area, the lake appears to be one of the most important waterbodies for migratory birds in the region. In the second half of October 2007, the visible part of the lake held 9,520 waterbirds. Additionally, the shoreline appears suitable for breeding terns and gulls (on the scattered islets) and species of reed-thicket passerines. In addition to the waterfowl, the site is frequented by passage White-tailed Eagles, Steppe Eagles, harriers and Merlins.
There are four small settlements around the shore, the residents of which are traditionally involved in small-scale livestock-rearing and fishing. In total, there are 7 sheep folds with subsidiary facilities. The livestock population is approximately 300 head of cattle, 2,000 head of sheep, a few dozen horses and a small group of camels. Fishing takes place throughout the year on a steady and intensive level. The shore is a regular hunting ground for local and visiting hunters.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Currently there appear to be no severe threats to the lake. The formerly common hazard of dramatic drying-up is now removed because of the water supply from the canal. Hunting, fishing and other activities have only a minimal effect on the area. The large size of the lake means that there are safe refuge areas in the centre of the waterbody. As fish are the staple food of many birds using the site, increasing fishing could eventually have a negative impact. There are occasional fires in the dry reedbeds, started by local residents for no apparent reason.
The compilers wish to express their appreciation and satisfaction with the professional assistance provided by F G Bidashko, a researcher from the Uralsk Division of the National Plague Research Centre.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Sarshyganak Lake (Kazakhstan). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/sarshyganak-lake-iba-kazakhstan on 23/11/2024.
