Data Zone
Country/territory: Azerbaijan
IBA criteria met: A1, B2 (2000)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 50,000 hectares (500.00 km2)
Site description (2000 baseline)
Tugai forests with Populus, Salix in the Kura valley and remnants of tugai forests in the Iori delta (Mingechaur reservoir). There are also pastures, semi-arid steppe and scrub. Land-uses include grazing (buffalo and sheep) and some cultivation/arable farming.
Key biodiversity
Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla (visitor throughout the year, formerly bred). Significant proportion (³1%) of national population breeding at site: Phalacrocorax carbo (15-20 pairs), Aquila pomarina (2-3 pairs, possibly more). Other breeding birds include Alcedo atthis (very common), Coracias garrulus (common) and woodpeckers. Ciconia nigra (status uncertain, probably breeds).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Shamkhor area (Azerbaijan). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/shamkhor-area-iba-azerbaijan on 22/12/2024.