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MN069
Tashgain Tavan Lakes
Location Mongolia, Dornod
Central coordinates 118o 27.00' East  47o 22.00' North
IBA criteria A1, A3, A4i
Area 31,200 ha
Altitude 714 - 823m
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; Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus; Swan Goose Anser cygnoides; Common Pochard Aythya ferina; Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo; and Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus.

Site description The site is located in Tamsag depression, 30 km southwest of Sumber soum centre. It comprises several small lakes (Shuumar, Bayan, and Bayanburd), which are partly covered by reeds. The lakes are surrounded by steppe. The main land uses are livestock grazing and hay collection, and small areas are cultivated. Steppe fires and livestock grazing damage the reed beds and remaining willow trees. The lakes are drying out because of a warmer climate. In addition, illegal hunting of birds has been reported. Other significant threats to biodiversity at the site comprise oil exploitation and steppe fires.

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 -  2007  present [units unknown]  -  A3, A4i  Least Concern 
Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea -  2004  present [units unknown]  -  A4i  Least Concern 
Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna -  2004  present [units unknown]  -  A4i  Least Concern 
Gadwall Anas strepera -  2004  present [units unknown]  -  A4i  Least Concern 
Common Pochard Aythya ferina -  2004  present [units unknown]  -  A4i  Least Concern 
Baer's Pochard Aythya baeri -  2004  present [units unknown]  -  A1, A3  Critically Endangered 
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus -  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, A4i  Vulnerable 
Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo -  2004  present [units unknown]  -  A3, A4i  Least Concern 
Hooded Crane Grus monacha -  2007  present [units unknown]  -  A1, A3  Vulnerable 
Red-crowned Crane Grus japonensis -  2004  present [units unknown]  -  A1, A3  Endangered 
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus -  2004  present [units unknown]  -  A4i  Least Concern 
Relict Gull Larus relictus -  2007  present [units unknown]  -  A1  Vulnerable 

Habitats

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

Other biodiversity Mammals commonly found at the site include Mongolian Gazelle Procapra gutturosa, Grey Wolf Canis lupus and Raccoon Dog Nyctereutes procyonoides. In winter, thousands of Mongolian Gazelle remain in the area. In 1996, a new fish species to Mongolia, Lefua Lefua costata, was found at Shine Gol. This species was hitherto known only from the Amur drainage of China and Russia.

Protection status Unprotected

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Recommended citation  BirdLife International (2013) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Tashgain Tavan Lakes. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 19/06/2013

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