Current view: Text account
Site description (2000 baseline):
Site location and context
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.
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).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The Game Reserve was established mainly to protect
Phasianus colchicus, Francolinus francolinus and game animals. The Iori delta section is not protected. Grazing inhibits forest regeneration and illegal tree-felling (`Other' threat) also occurs.
National Partial
International NoneIBA partly covered by Game Reserve.
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.
