Data Zone
Country/territory: Kazakhstan
IBA criteria met: A1, A3, A4i, A4iii (2007)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 45,855 hectares (458.55 km2)
| IBA conservation status | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of assessment (most recent) | State (condition) | Pressure (threat) | Response (action) |
| 2014 | moderate | medium | medium |
| For more information about IBA monitoring, please click here | |||
Site description (2007 baseline)
The IBA is situated 20 km to the north of Usharal and covers the southern corner of the Sasykkol lake delta of the Tentek river and a substantial part (25 x 25 km) of adjacent desert lying, mostly, within the Alakol State Nature Reserve. The IBA contains a mature natural complex of well-developed wetland systems: vast reedbeds amid the shallow open waters of the lake and a network of channels and marshes. In the upper parts of the delta there is a solid stretch of riverine forest running along the final integral section of the Tentek river and consisting mostly of Poplar, Willow and Maple. The adjoining land consists mostly of motley-herbage meadows, alkaline land complexes or Atriplex-overgrown desert.
Key biodiversity
The Tentek delta provides suitable habitat for a wide range of species, especially waterbirds. During the breeding season, the number of nesting birds can reach 10,000 individuals, while the total during migration may vary from 25,000 to 40,000 birds. The site is especially important for species of global and/or regional conservation concern including Pelecanus crispus, Aythya nyroca, Oxyura leucocephala, Platalea leucorodia and Otis tarda.
Non-bird biodiversity: Several species of mammals, some of which are important game animals, occur in the delat and surround areas including Sus scrofa, Capreolus pygargus, Vulpes corsac, Vulpes vulpes and Canis lupus. The site has thriving populations of Mustela nivalis, Mustela erminea, Mustela eversmanni and others small mammals.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Tentek River Delta (Kazakhstan). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/tentek-river-delta-iba-kazakhstan on 23/12/2024.