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close| Location | Mongolia, Khovsgol |
| Central coordinates | 99o 56.00' East 49o 56.00' North |
| IBA criteria | A1, A3, A4i |
| Area | 2,400 ha |
| Altitude | 1,544 - 1,850m |
| Year of IBA assessment | 2007 |
Ornithological information Globally Threatened species that occur at the site are Saker Falcon Falco cherrug (EN), Lesser Kestrel F. naumanni (VU) and Great Bustard Otis tarda (VU). The site supports an assemblage of species restricted to the Eurasian steppe and desert biome. Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea and Herring Gull Larus argentatus occur in numbers exceeding the 1% of their flyway populations. Good numbers of Whooper Swans Cygnus cygnus and Bar-headed Geese Anser indicus moult at the site. Several raptor species were observed passing through the site during southward migration in September 2006, including Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis, Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis, Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus, Saker Falcon Falco cherrug (EN), Eurasian Hobby F. subbuteo, Common Kestrel F. tinnunculus and Peregrine Falcon F. peregrinus. Further raptor observation is needed.
Site description Erkhel Lake is a saline lake surrounded by grassy steppe in Alag-Erdene soum. Freshwater springs feed the lake on the northwestern side, and the bay and islands in this area are favoured by waterbirds. There is no cultivation in the area, and the land is used for nomadic animal husbandry. Salt and soda from the lake are used as mineral additives for local livestock. Consecutive outbreaks of avian influenza were reported from the site in 2005 and 2006.
Populations of IBA trigger species
| Species | Season | Period | Population estimate | Quality of estimate | IBA Criteria | IUCN Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea | - | 2004 | present [units unknown] | - | A4i | Least Concern |
| Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni | - | 2004 | present [units unknown] | - | A1 | Least Concern |
| Saker Falcon Falco cherrug | - | 2007 | present [units unknown] | - | A1 | Endangered |
| Great Bustard Otis tarda | - | 2004 | present [units unknown] | - | A1, A3 | Vulnerable |
| Herring Gull Larus argentatus | - | 2007 | present [units unknown] | - | A4i | Least Concern |
Habitats
| IUCN habitat | Habitat detail | Extent (% of site) |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands (inland) | - | |
| Grassland | Steppe | - |
Other biodiversity The site is not known to be important for other fauna and flora.
Protection status Unprotected
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Recommended citation BirdLife International (2013) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Erkhel Lake. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 24/05/2013
To provide new information to update this factsheet or to correct any errors, please email BirdLife
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