Data Zone
Country/territory: China (mainland)
IBA criteria met: A1, A2, A3, A4i, A4iii (2009)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 387,900 hectares (3,879.00 km2)
Site description (2009 baseline)
Located 120 km south-west of Korla and 325 km south south-west of Urumqi. The Tarim River is the largest inland river in China, and the Populus euphratica forests along its banks form a green corridor in the desert. However, the intensive cultivation and development of its upper course in the Aksu area has caused water shortages and pollution, and affected the breeding and migratory birds.
Key biodiversity
Non-bird biodiversity: Historical record of Panthera tigris, but it is now locally extinct. Other animals include Vulpes vulpes, Camelus bactrianus, Cervus elaphus and Gazella subgutturosa.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Tarim Euphrates Poplar Forest Nature Reserve (China (mainland)). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/tarim-euphrates-poplar-forest-nature-reserve-iba-china-(mainland) on 23/12/2024.