Designated on 18 May 2007 in Almaty, Kazakhstan

Country: Kazakhstan

Coordinates: 51023′N, 61052′E

Area: 8,300 ha

Overview: These lakes are representative of the steppe zone of Northern Kazakhstan. These are fresh water lakes, but when the water level lowers the salt concentration increases. The water bodies have seasonally changing water levels and typical border-curtain or mosaic thick reeds.

Importance for the Siberian Crane: The lake system is a stop–over site for Siberian Cranes during migration. During the last 10 years there were two definite sightings of Siberian Cranes: one bird was registered at Kulykol Lake in September 1997 (Bragin 2002), and pair of birds was observed between 18 and 20 August 2003 at a hollow near Kulykol Lake (Bragin 2004).

Importance for other waterbirds: The site is important for other crane species, 2-3 pairs of Eurasian Cranes (Taldykol Lake) and 1-2 pairs of Demoiselle Cranes regularly nest here. About one thousand Eurasian Cranes stop at Kulykol Lake during autumn migration. In some years there are groups of non-breeding birds in the summer.

Kulykol-Taldykol Lake System is one of the most important stop-over places for migratory waterbirds along western/central flyway. When the water level is high up to 450,000 birds stop at the site during autumn migration. Dominant duck species are Mallard, Northern Pintail, Common Teal and also Coot, and in some years – Ruddy Shelduck– up to 10-12 thousand birds, Tufted Duck, and Smew.

Map of Kulykol-Taldykol Lake System   [PDF 868 KB]

WCASN Site Information Sheet. Part I    [PDF 143 KB]

Information Sheet Ramsar Wetlands [PDF 1,348 KB]

Sheet of Important Bird Area Birdlife International

Factsheet of Kulykol-Taldykol Lake System    [PDF 453 KB]