GndasarCode: AM013
IBA Criteria: B1iv, B2 Area: 113,100 ha National Protection Status: None International Protection Status: Designated as KBA General description:
The site is located on the slopes of Vardenis Mountain Ridge in elevation range from 1,200 to 2,700 m a.s.l. It was assessed as IBA in 2002 (BirdLife International 2002). The area of IBA belongs to community however about 40% of it is given in a long-term rent. The IBA is located at the southern slopes of the ridge, and its lower part is covered by shrublands, alternated by arid mountain steppe areas. With increase of elevation the landscape changes towards grassy mountain steppe, then - meadow, and then - sub-alpine carpets. The rigorous terrain of Gndasar IBA is reach with rocks, cliffs, and screes, and at the middle is cut by a deep canyon. While in lower part the scarce juniper woodlands are found, the numerous gorges are hosting remains of deciduous woodlands. Description of bird diversity: There are 123 species of birds recorded in the area, among which 84 are breeding and 39 occur during migration or found in breeding season having this site as part of their foraging range. Gndasar area is important for breeding populations of high mountain species, such as Caspian Snowcock, Alpine Accentor, and White-winged Snowfinch. Also soaring migrants, like storks, cranes, and raptors, sometimes make congregations here. Threats: Almost entire area is used as a pastureland for nomadic grazing by surrounding communities. Smaller portion is allocated for haymaking, which faces obstacles of the difficult terrain. Also the area is included in the seasonal hunting sites. Gndasar IBAs natural grasslands may suffer with the intensification of pasture use, which can cause overgrazing with all the subsequent issues of soil erosion, which is particularly dangerous at this steep area. Additional threats are expected from poaching, since the level of inspection of hunting is substantially low, and in the same time the current state of hunters' responsibility is at the developing stage. Conservation measures: The area was included into the network of Emerald Sites and also was recognized as the Key Biodiversity Area. In frames of those programs it is important to develop the area's management plan, which can consider habitat friendly grazing schemes and support development of wildlife tourism in this area, thus providing the necessary support to the surrounding communities and provoke development of local hospitality services in accordance to the ecotourism standards. The incomes from wildlife tourism can be used for guarding the area, thus securing protection of endangered species of birds and mammals from poaching and indirectly support in the success of wildlife watching in this area. |
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Birds
- Common Pochard
- Ferruginous Pochard
- White-headed Duck
- Caucasian Grouse
- Caspian Snowcock
- White Stork
- Bearded Vulture
- Egyptian Vulture
- Griffon Vulture
- Black Vulture
- Levant Sparrowhawk
- Lesser Spotted Eagle
- Golden Eagle
- Booted Eagle
- White-tailed Lapwing
- Northern Lapwing
- Turtle Dove
- Semi-collared Flycatcher
- Sombre Tit
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