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UZ027
Angren Plateau
Location Uzbekistan, Namangan
Central coordinates 70o 39.93' East  41o 13.17' North
IBA criteria A1, A3, A4ii
Area 25,310 ha
Altitude 2,700 - 3,420m
Year of IBA assessment 2006

Uzbekistan Society for the Protection of Birds (Affiliate)



Ornithological information A unique mix of mountain and plain species live on the alpine Angren plateau. Passersines form the majority of this community: Eremophila alpestris, Calandrella acutirostris, Oenanthe isabellina, Monticola saхatilis, Phoenicurus ochruros, Prunella fulvescens, Prunella himalayana, Prunella collaris, Phylloscopus griseolus, Leucosticte nemoricola, Petronia petronia, Montifringilla nivalis, Bucanetes githagineus and Corvus corax tibetanus are all numerous. Raptors are numerous among the non-passerine species: Falco cherrug, Falco pelegrinoides, Falco subbuteo, Buteo rufinus, Aquila chrysaetos, Aegypius monachus, Gyps fulvus, Gyps himalayensis and Gypaetus barbatus. These species breed on the cliffs and canyons that surround the plateau. During summer immature and non-breeding birds of these species are also present. The disappearing mountain subspecies of Bubo bubo breeds on the cliffs of the plateau. The area is very important for bird migration during early autumn. Heavy passage was observed at a height of 3,000 metres (observation O.V. Mitropolskiy)involving Aquila clanga, Falco naumanni, Circus macrourus, Pernis рtilorhyncus and Calandrella cinerea. In winter Tetraogallus himalayensis is observed routinely in rocky habitats.

Site description The Angren plateau is situated at the head of the Akhangaran river in the Western Tien Shan. It connects Kuramin ridge with Chatkal ridge. There is an extremely difficult to access canyon with well developed tugay forests on the plateau. The proposed IBA includes the head of Ikkisu river which flows across the Angren plateau.

Populations of IBA trigger species

Species Season Period Population estimate Quality of estimate IBA Criteria IUCN Category
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni passage  1998  500-3,000 adults only  poor  A1, A4ii  Least Concern 
Himalayan Vulture Gyps himalayensis resident  2006  49 adults only  good  A3  Least Concern 
Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus resident  2006  28 adults only  good  A1  Near Threatened 
Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus passage  1998  100-1,000 adults only  poor  A1  Near Threatened 
Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga passage  1998  50-500 adults only  poor  A1  Vulnerable 
Hume's Lark Calandrella acutirostris breeding  2006  7 adults only  good  A3  Least Concern 
Sulphur-bellied Warbler Phylloscopus griseolus breeding  2006  6 adults only  good  A3  Least Concern 
White-tailed Rubythroat Luscinia pectoralis breeding  2006  1 unknown  medium  A3  Least Concern 
White-winged Snowfinch Montifringilla nivalis breeding  2006  21 adults only  good  A3  Least Concern 
Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris breeding  2006  1 adults only  good  A3  Least Concern 
Brown Accentor Prunella fulvescens breeding  2006  1 adults only  good  A3  Least Concern 
Fire-fronted Serin Serinus pusillus breeding  2006  2 adults only  good  A3  Least Concern 

Habitats

IUCN habitat Habitat detail Extent (% of site)
Grassland   90%
Rocky areas   10%

Land use

Land-use Extent (% of site)
agriculture 75%

Other biodiversity One of the largest colonies of Marmota menzbieri (endemic to the Western Tien Shan) inhabits the Angren plateau but currently its size in depleted. The rodent fauna is unique with Spermophilus pygmaeus, Microtus kirgisorum, Microtus juldaschi, Alticola argentatus and Cricetulus migratorius. Ursus arctos isabellinus occurs in very low numbers. Vormela peregusna, Cuon alpinus and Capra sibirica are also present. There are also numerous endemic species of flora and invertebrates.

Management considerations As poaching levels are declining, this disturbance factor is reduced.

Protection status The Angren plateau is not a protected area but the Akhangaran canyon is part of a game-reserve where licensed hunting of mountain goats and wild boars is permitted.

References Data of observations by Mitropolskiy O.V. during 1976-1987 and 1998 years. Mitropolskiy O.V. Report on field surveys of Angren (IBA in Uzbekistan – project)

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

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