email a friend
printable version
close| Location | Mongolia, Tov |
| Central coordinates | 106o 53.00' East 47o 19.00' North |
| IBA criteria | A1 |
| Area | 36,867 ha |
| Altitude | 1,400 - 1,885m |
| Year of IBA assessment | 2007 |
Ornithological information Two Globally Threatened bird species use the site: Saker Falcon Falco cherrug (EN); and Lesser Kestrel F. naumanni (VU). Other raptor species found at the site include Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasius, Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos and Steppe Eagle A. nipalensis.
Site description The site comprises an area of mountain steppe with rolling hills. Rocky outcrops, located on hill tops, provide suitable nesting habitats for various birds of prey. The IBA contains a sacred site, known as Eej Khad or 'Mother Rock'. Mongolians visit this rock to make offerings and seek solace and advice. Pilgrims ask for three wishes to be granted, circle the rock three times and make three separate visits. There are several other places within the IBA that are though to generate good luck, including 'Dog Rock', which Mongolians rub their body against to cure ailments, and 'Rich Rock', which locals touch their wallet against to ensure financial security. According to local tradition the earth around the Mother Rock is sacred, so any rubbish that is dropped cannot be picked up. Because of this tradition the area is now extremely dirty with rubbish and broken bottles laying everywhere. Although the main wildlife habitat is away from the Mother Rock area, the increasing number of visitors has a negative impact on wildlife. For instance, nesting attempts by raptors often fail due to disturbance.
Populations of IBA trigger species
| Species | Season | Period | Population estimate | Quality of estimate | IBA Criteria | IUCN Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni | - | 2007 | present [units unknown] | - | A1 | Least Concern |
| Saker Falcon Falco cherrug | - | 2007 | present [units unknown] | - | A1 | Endangered |
Other biodiversity Rare mammals include Argali Ovis ammon (NT) and Daurian Hedgehog Mesechinus dauuricus. Small herds of up to 200 Mongolian Gazelles Procapra gutturosa can be seen year around. Common mammals include Brandt's Vole Lasiopodomys brandtii, Grey Wolf Canis lupus, Red Fox Vulpes vulpes and Corsac Fox V. corsac.
Protection status Unprotected
Contribute Please click here to help BirdLife conserve the world's birds - your data for this IBA and others are vital for helping protect the environment.
Recommended citation BirdLife International (2013) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Eej Khad . Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 18/06/2013
To provide new information to update this factsheet or to correct any errors, please email BirdLife
|
|