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MN067
Khukh Lake
Location Mongolia, Dornod
Central coordinates 115o 35.00' East  49o 31.00' North
IBA criteria A1, A3, A4i
Area 13,200 ha
Altitude 566 - 615m
Year of IBA assessment 2007





Ornithological information The following Globally Threatened species occur at the site in significant numbers: Swan Goose Anser cygnoides (EN); White-naped Crane Grus vipio (VU); Hooded Crane G. monacha (VU); Great Bustard Otis tarda (VU); and Relict Gull Larus relictus (VU). In addition, Siberian Crane Grus leucogeranus (CR) is a regular passage migrant and summer visitor to this site. The site supports an assemblage of species restricted to the Eurasian steppe and desert biome. The following congregatory waterbirds occur in numbers exceeding 1% of their flyway populations: Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus; Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo; Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus; Swan Goose Anser cygnoides; Common Pochard Aythya ferina; Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo; and Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus.

Site description Khukh Lake lies in the southwest of Ereentsav soum, Dornod aimag. The lake is fed by the Teel River, and has no outflow. The lake is surrounded by grassland steppe and low rolling hills. There are marshes with reed beds where the Teel River enters the lake. The main land uses at the site are hay collection and livestock grazing. The railway from Ereentsav to Choibalsan passes along the western side of the lake. Since the 1990s, commercial fishing has become widespread, with the bulk of the catch being exported to China. Uncontrolled and illegal fishing poses a serious threat to the fish diversity in Khukh Lake. Steppe fires occur almost every year and destroy vegetation surrounding the lake. Khukh Lake lies within Mongol Daguur Ramsar Site.

Populations of IBA trigger species

Species Season Period Population estimate Quality of estimate IBA Criteria IUCN Category
Swan Goose Anser cygnoides -  2004  present [units unknown]  -  A1, A4i  Vulnerable 
Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus -  2004  present [units unknown]  -  A3, A4i  Least Concern 
Common Pochard Aythya ferina -  2004  present [units unknown]  -  A4i  Least Concern 
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus -  2004  present [units unknown]  -  A4i  Least Concern 
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo -  2004  present [units unknown]  -  A4i  Least Concern 
Great Bustard Otis tarda -  2004  present [units unknown]  -  A1, A3  Vulnerable 
Siberian Crane Leucogeranus leucogeranus -  2007  present [units unknown]  -  A1, A3  Critically Endangered 
White-naped Crane Grus vipio -  2004  present [units unknown]  -  A1, A3  Vulnerable 
Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo -  2004  present [units unknown]  -  A3, A4i  Least Concern 
Hooded Crane Grus monacha -  2004  present [units unknown]  -  A1, A3  Vulnerable 
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus -  2004  present [units unknown]  -  A4i  Least Concern 
Relict Gull Larus relictus -  2004  present [units unknown]  -  A1  Vulnerable 

Habitats

IUCN habitat Habitat detail Extent (% of site)
Wetlands (inland)   -
Grassland Steppe  -

Other biodiversity In winter, large herds of Mongolian Gazelle Procapra gutturosa can be seen in the area surrounding the lake. Also, Grey Wolf Canis lupus, Red Fox Vulpes vulpes and Corsac Fox V. corsac are frequently observed in the area. flora.

Protection status Unprotected

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Recommended citation  BirdLife International (2013) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Khukh Lake. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 21/05/2013

To provide new information to update this factsheet or to correct any errors, please email BirdLife