Document 6428499

Transcription

Document 6428499

FINAL REPORT
ACG Phase 1 Technical Appendix 11
FAUNA and FLORA
BP EXPLORATION (CASPIAN SEA)
LTD
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN
URS Dames & Moore
Nizami 86, Apt. 7
Baku, Azerbaijan
Tel: (99412) 93 4116
Fax: (99412) 987817
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Contents
1.
OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................3
2.
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................3
3.
BOTANY......................................................................................................................5
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.
MAMMALS AND HERPETOFAUNA.......................................................................7
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................7
METHODOLOGY .....................................................................................................7
REPORTING ............................................................................................................9
AVIFAUNA................................................................................................................10
5.1
5.2
5.3
6.
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................5
METHODOLOGY .....................................................................................................5
REPORTING ............................................................................................................7
INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................10
METHODOLOGY ...................................................................................................10
REPORTING ..........................................................................................................11
APPENDIX A BOTANY PROFORMAS..................................................................12
6.1
COMPLETED TRANSECT PROFORMAS ....................................................................13
6.2
SAMPLE PLOT PROFORMAS...................................................................................29
6.3
ENDEMICS & SPECIES LISTED IN AZERBAIJAN AND 1997 IUCN RED LIST OF
THREATENED PLANTS ......................................................................................................33
6.4
WRITTEN REPORT AND RECOMMENDARTIONS ......................................................34
6.
APPENDIX B MAMMALS AND HERPATOFAUNA PROFORMAS ...................42
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
6.10
7.
MAMMALS & HERPETOFAUNA SPECIES ENCOUNTERED ........................................43
MAMMAL LIFE CYCLES ........................................................................................46
HERP LIFE CYCLES ...............................................................................................47
NIGHT WORK ........................................................................................................48
MAMMALS FAUNA SURVEY AROUND THE SANGACHAL TERMINAL ....51
HERPATOFAUNA SURVEY REPORT ........................................................................54
APPENDIX C ORNITHOLOGY REPORT .............................................................55
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................................................................................57
INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................58
METHODS.............................................................................................................58
RESULTS............................................................................................................64
DISCUSSION......................................................................................................65
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1
Overview
The Technical Appendix describes the approach used in gathering baseline data,
with respect to specific environmental parameters, for the Environmental and
Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of the Azeri, Chirag and Gunashli (ACG)
Phase 1 development. A review of past assessment documents focussing on the
Sangachal area highlighted a lack of site-specific information. The ACG Phase 1
ESIA data gathering process was designed to provide sufficient data to properly
inform the ESIA process.
The various studies were undertaken by URS however they were conducted in association
with, and often carried out by, members of the Azerbaijani scientific community, who were
involved in both the design and implementation of study processes. This enabled the existing
expert knowledge of the local area and its characteristics to be utilised for the ESIA process.
Methodologies for data collection were implemented in order to:
•
•
2
Increase site specific information regarding a number of environmental parameters
Account for any activities not planned within the early engineering documents
Introduction
To describe the coastal and terrestrial biological resources of the Sangachal area, a thorough
review of available secondary data sources was undertaken in order to identify data gaps and
the scope out the necessary studies to address these gaps. The following sections contain the
proformas used to collect and summarise the baseline information along with the resulting
technical reports. The proformas and reports cover surveys conducted in May-June 2001 of
the coastal and inland terrestrial environment. The scientific experts involved in the studies in
order to ensure the information gathered was applicable to the ESIA process generally
provided technical reports as templates for completion.
The study area comprised the coastal and inland terrestrial environment within a five
kilometre radius of the existing Early Oil Production (EOP) terminal (Figure 1 overleaf). This
area, although considerably larger than BPs anticipated ‘ecological footprint’ for both
construction and operation of the ACG Phase 1 and SD Stage 1 developments, was chosen to
account for uncertainties (exact facilities, locations, methods of construction etc.) particularly
during the construction phase. In addition, this larger area contributed to a good
understanding of current environmental conditions.
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Figure 1 Geographic location and extent of survey sectors (defined primarily on
geomorphological characteristics)
The environmental parameters investigated are listed below. For each of these, the particular
methodologies by which they were investigated are outlined and the results provided. The
area chosen was studied on foot; walking at a comfortable pace of 1-2.5 km/hr and using a
series of transect lines where appropriate.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Botany – habitats and characteristics
Mammals (Mammalia)
Herpetofauna – Reptiles (Reptilia) and Amphibians (Amphibia)
Avifauna – Birds (Aves)
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3
3.1
Botany
Introduction
The botanical survey was undertaken over a period of four days (04-6-01 to 07-6-01). The
individuals involved and their affiliation are listed below.
Individual
Expertise
Affiliation
Vahid Hajiyev
Higher plants
Sevda Alverdiyeva
Lower plants
Azerbaijan Institute of Botany
Director
Azerbaijan Institute of Botany
Vugar Kerimov
Higher plants
ASPI
A URS consultant and translator accompanied the specialists listed above.
3.2
Methodology
The following methodology was used for the botanical survey.
3.2.1
Parallel-line search
A parallel-line search is the most appropriate method for assessing the presence of visible
species in reasonably small areas. An example of a study area and transects to be walked are
shown below.
1
2
3
4
5
The botanists involved in the data collection process were provided with maps defining the
study area and the transects to be walked. If the participating scientists concluded that further
assessment along the same transect would yield little, if any, new information they moved on
to a new transect. For each transect walked, information regarding higher or lower plant
species was gathered, depending on the specialisation of the scientist involved. The transect
proforma used for the flora survey included the following parameters:
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•
•
•
•
•
•
transect #;
transect portion (GPS coordinates necessary at each significant change in vegetative
composition);
habitat or habitat range (which section of each transect);
name and floristic description including diagnostic and dominant species
regional/global extent; and
physiognomic and floristic classifications: class, subclass, group, subgroup,
formation, alliance, and association, as well as families, genera, and species.
An assessment of the difficulties of type recognition, such as gradual transitions to other
types, or other difficulties in identification was also made where appropriate.
3.2.2
Sample plots
Each survey day two or more Two m² quadrants were selected within which to record all
higher plant species and the numbers of these present. Two m² was chosen as the plot area
due to the low herbaceous nature of the vegetation typical of the study area. Stakes were used
to mark off each quadrant. Care was taken to choose sample plots representative of the
habitat being sampled. The Domin scale of cover-abundance was used, as illustrated in the
Table 1, for each higher plant species identified in the sample plot.
Table 1 Domin scale of cover-abundance
+
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
One individual, reduced vigor
Rare
Sparse
<4%, frequent
5-10%
11-25%
26-33%
34-50%
51-75%
76-90%
91-100%
A photo and GPS co-ordinates were taken of each sample plot chosen and the data entered
onto a proforma as illustrated in Table 2.
Table 2 Sample Plot Data Proforma
Date
3.2.2.1
Transect
number
Quadrant
location
(GPS)
Photo
id#
Family
Genus
species
Number of Domin
individuals Scale #
Azeri Red Data Book/IUCN Red List Species
Any Azerbaijan Red Data Book or IUCN Red List species identified was recorded
accompanied by:
•
•
•
a photograph;
GPS co-ordinate; and
number of individuals identified
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3.3
Reporting
Reporting consisted of completed data sheets and the results of any necessary laboratory
work. Reports, in Russian and Azeri, were submitted to URS Dames & Moore, both on paper
and in electronic form, for review within a specified time period. Any necessary changes
identified as a result of the review were incorporated and a final report submitted to URS.
Photographs, were appropriate, included the following information:
•
•
•
•
Roll and photo number
Date and time taken
Species in photo
GPS co-ordinates where appropriate
The filled-in proformas and recommendations from the scientists involved can be found in
Appendix A.
4
4.1
Mammals and Herpetofauna
Introduction
The survey to identify mammals, reptiles, and amphibians was undertaken over a period of
three days and one night (11-6-01 to 13-6-01 and 14-6-01, respectively). The individuals
involved and their affiliation are listed below.
Individual
Irina Rakhmatilina
Expertise
Mammals
Svetlana Jafarrova
Herpetofauna
Affiliation
Azerbaijan Institute of Sciences,
Department of Zoology
Azerbaijan State University
Nijat Hansanov
Zoology
ASPI
Two URS consultants accompanied the specialists listed above.
4.2
Methodology
A parallel-line search is the most appropriate method for assessing the presence of visible
species in reasonably small areas. An example of a study area and transects to be walked are
shown below.
1
2
3
4
5
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Field teams were instructed to begin at transect #1 and walk to the end of the final transect as
determined by GPS coordinates. The walking pace adopted was comfortable and consistent.
For each transect walked the following information was logged on a field data sheet as
illustrated in Table 3.
•
•
•
•
Date/time for each transect start
Fauna species recorded as seen, along with the time at which seen
If another individual of an already documented species was seen, another time mark was
logged on the appropriate transect data sheet.
Time for each transect end point
Table 3: Field Data Sheet
Date
Individual
Transect # X
Start time
End time
Genus species
Time seen
Time seen
Time seen
Time seen
For final data consolidation, the following format was used:
Table 4: Data consolidation
Species
4.2.1
Associated
habitat
(GPS
range)
Transect 1
Number seen
Transect 2 Transect 3
Total
Transect
X
Azeri Red Book/IUCN Red List Species
For any rare or threatened species documented, the following format was used.
Table 5: Rare species encountered
Threatened
species present
Azeri Red Book
Inclusion?
IUCN
inclusion?
IUCN threat
category if
relevant.
Area most
common in
Genus species
4.2.2
Night-time survey
A nighttime survey was undertaken in order to ensure that all species of mammals and
herpetofauna, nocturnal as well as diurnal, were recorded. Due to time constraints placed on
the nighttime survey, a smaller area than that used for the daytime survey was chosen. The
area chosen was also specifically chosen as an area where bat activity could be expected to
occur for at least some of the bat species in the area. Mist nets were used for the capture and
subsequent identification of hard to see small mammals. Any trapped mammals were handled
safely and released following identification.
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The following format was used to log data for the live traps.
Table 6: Live trap data
Participant
Starting Time
Completion Time
Live Trap Size
GPS
entrapped
Coordinates
group
biotope
sex
The following data was logged data for bats caught in the mist nets.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
4.3
Catch time
Net number
Species
Sex
Weight
Age
Antibrachium (forearm) length
Ring number
Reporting
Reporting consisted of completing data sheets. Reports, in Russian and Azeri, were submitted
to URS Dames & Moore, both on paper and in electronic form, for review within a specified
time period. Any necessary changes identified as a result of the review were incorporated and
a final report submitted to URS. Photographs, where appropriate, included the following
information:
•
•
•
•
Roll and photo number
Date and time taken
Species in photo
GPS co-ordinates where appropriate
In addition reports contained a brief outline long-term monitoring plan within the context of
the area surveyed.
The completed proformas and reports generated by the scientists involved can be found in
Appendix B.
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5
5.1
Avifauna
Introduction
The primary goal in this baseline study was to identify important breeding and visiting bird
species and to map the areas they preferentially occupy.
The ornithological survey was undertaken over a period of four days (28-5-01 to 31-5-01).
The individuals involved and their affiliation are listed below.
Individual
Expertise
Ilyas Babayev
Ornithologist
Elchin Sultanov
Ornithologist
Simon Aspinall
Ornithologist
Affiliation
Azerbaijan Academy of sciences,
Zoology department
Azerbaijan Academy of sciences,
Ornithology department
Independent consultant
Two URS consultants accompanied the specialists listed above.
5.2
Methodology
5.2.1
Breeding bird census
The field team walked line transects recording all species within a fixed distance. For
convenience, this area was subdivided, mainly on geomorphological grounds, into seven
smaller areas (Figure 1). Single morning or afternoon visits were made to pre-chosen areas
during 28-31/5/01 inclusive. Morning surveys commenced between 0800 and 0830 and
concluded around midday. Afternoon surveys were conducted between c1400 and 1730.
Ideally, two visits were made to each pre-chosen site, starting at dawn and continuing for
three-four hours each day, and when possible, or preferable, censused the entire site once,
rather than to make a second visit to each site. This depended on numbers of birds found, ease
of access and the weather, amongst other variables.
The team counted and mapped where appropriate the distribution of breeding species in the
study area. In addition, the survey team recorded pairs, territorial (i.e. singing) males and any
evidence indicative of breeding nearby e.g. collecting nesting material, food carrying,
alarming, distraction display etc. A GPS was used to record the transects walked and
elsewhere where appropriate.
5.2.2
Migrant species
All migrant species and their population sizes were recorded. These were recorded at the
same time as the breeding survey as well as at other times. Survey work during the middle of
the day concentrated on waterfowl.
The ornithologists filled in the following proforma.
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Table 6: Species encountered
SITE NAME:
Start coordinates:
End coordinates:
DATE:
TIME - Start:
End:
Species
Latin name
5.3
No.
Sex
Male,
female,
unknown
OBSERVER:
Activity
Song, food-carrying display,
distraction
GPS coord.
N
E
Notes
e.g. flew west
calling
Reporting
Reporting consisted of filling in the proforma provided above. This proforma was completed
by the team and consolidated into the format as provided in Table 7.
Table 7: Bird Species Encountered*
(All figures refer to minimum number of pairs or occupied territories).
Species
SE
NE
Coast Coast
North
Hill
Central
Plain south
Central
Plain
north
West
Hills
Western
Plains
Date (a.m./p.m.)
*areas e.g. SE coast refer to those depicted in Figure 1
A final report incorporating all the data collected by the three ornithologists can be found in
Appendix C.
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Appendix A Botany Proformas
Disclaimer
These reports have been prepared at the request of URS, by local and international experts for
the sole use of BP. As such, the report represents the investigations, findings and conclusions
of these individuals. Where reports were issued in a language other than English, translations
were verbatim.
These reports in no way represent the views, assumptions or opinions of URS. No other
warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the professional advice included in, or contents
of, these report. URS is not responsible for any liability arising out of, or in connection with,
any reliance on or use of the advice or information provided.
12/74
Completed Transect Proformas
Transect
#
1
Transect
portion 1
N4014600
E04947245
Environment/
habitat
Wet
coastal
sand
Name and floristic description 2
N4014996
E04947183
Salt
argillaceous
soil (semidesrt)
Physiognomic and floristic
classifications3
Formation ? 1
Argusietum sibirca
pp 50-60% sometimes 20-30%
Dominants.
1.A.sibirica (L.)Dandy
Low, brushy-fluffy plant with branchy rhizom, 5-30 cm high, perennial,
white flowers on top of the tendril. Corona tubular conical
Blossom:-V
Fruit.:-VI
1
Regional/global extent
Azerbaijan: Samur-Devechi
lowland, Caspian coast,
Apsheron, Lencoran.
World: Balkans, Near East, Iran
Mongolia, Japan.
Fam.:
Boraginaceae Juss
Genus:
Argusia Boehm.
Species:
A.sibirica ies (L.)Dandy
Apsheron, Kura-Araz lowland,
Lencoran.
World: Balkans, Near East.
Fam.:
Asteraceae Dumort.
Gen:
Artemisia L.
.Species:
? .tschernieviana Bess.
Formation ? 2 Artemisietum tschernieviana
pp. 75-80% Dominants
1. ? .tschernieviana Bess.
Subshrub, height 50-75 cm
Stem and leaves fluffy. Branches faceted, striated. Lives linear, pointed.
Baskets egg-like. Inflorenscence paniculate.
Blossom: -IX
Fr.: -X-XI
1
GPS coordinates necessary at each significant change in vegetative composition
including diagnostic and dominant species
3
class, subclass, group, subgroup, formation, alliance, and association, as well as families, genera, and species
2
13/74
Transect
#
Transect
portion 1
Environment/
habitat
2. A.pseudalhagi (Bieb.) Fish. et Mey.
Perennial, 60 cm high. Deep rooted. Light green naked plant. Straight stem,
oblong obtuse leaves, flowers on leave fistula. Bell. Corona pink-reddish
Blossom: -VI
Fr.: -VIII-IX
1
1
N4015014
E04947178
N4015026
E04947179
Argillaceous
sand
Wet coastal
sand
Formation ? 3
Alhagetum pseudalhagi, pp 60-70%
Dominants
Perennial, reaches 60 cm. Deep rooted. Light green naked plant. Straight
stem, oblong obtuse leaves, flowers on leave fistula. Bell. Corona pinkreddish Blossom: -VI
Fr.: -VIII-IX
2. S. dendroides (Fish. et Mey).Moq.
Low, 50 cm, subshrub with branches protruding from base. Periodical
leaves, semicylinder flowers by 2-6 or more in balls in leave fistula. Black
oval glittering semen
Blossom.- V
Fr.- VI
Formation ? 4
Juncusetum acutus
pp– 70-80%
Dominant
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Azerbaijan:
Major Caucasus (Guba zone),
Samur-Devechi lowland,
Caspian coast, Apsheron, Kura
zone.
World: Near East.
Azerbaijan:
Samur-Devechi
lowland,
Caspian coast, Apsheron, Kura
zone.
World: Near East.
Azerbaijan:
Absheron, Gobustan, Caspian
coast, Kura-Araz lowl., Kura
zone, Nakhichevan valley
World: Caucasus, European part
FSU
classifications3
Fam.Fabaceae Lindl.
GenAlhagi Gagneb.
Spec.A.pseudalhagi (Bieb.) Fish. et
Mey.
Fam.Fabaceae Lindl.
GenAlhagi Gagneb.
Sp.A.pseudalhagi (Bieb.) Fish. et
Mey.
Fam.-Chenopodiaceae Vent.
Gen.Suaeda Forssk.
Spec.S. dendroides (Fish. et
Mey).Moq.
Transect
#
Transect
portion 1
N4015048
E04947181
1
N4015264
E04947056
Environment/
habitat
Wetland.
Coastal sand
Argillaceous
sand,
alluvial soils
classifications3
Fam.Juncaceae Juss.
GenJuncus L.
Sp.J. acutus L.
Fam:Poaceae Barnhard.
Gen: Phragmitec Adams.
Spec.:Ph. australis (Cav.)Trin.
1. J. acutus L.
Dark green perennial, branches from base, 1 m high. Bushy smooth
stems, pricky top. Cylindre leaves with pricky tops. Flowers gather in
short compact oval paniculate inflorenscence
Blossom.- V
Fr.-VII-VIII
2. Ph. australis (Cav.)Trin. 2 m high perenial. Rhizome of long
underground shoots.
Wide up to 2 cm bluish rigid leaves. Panicle 6-20 cm high, pyramidal .
Anther violet, pinnate, reddish
Blossom.- VII
Fr..- IX
Formation ? 5
Phragmitesum australis
pp 80-90%
Dominant
1. Ph. australis (Cav.)Trin. 2 m high perenial. Rhizome of long
underground shoots.
Wide (up to 2 cm) bluish rigid leaves. Panicle 6-20 cm high, pyramidal .
Anther violet, pinnate, reddish
Blossom.- VII
Fr..- IX
Formation ? 6 Tamarixetum meyeri pp 50-60%
Dominant
Azerbaijan:
Samur-Devechi lowland,
Lenkoran lowl.,
World: Atlantic Europe,
Mediterranean, N.Iran
Azerbaijan: Almost
anywhere but for high
mountain.zones.
World: Warm and moderate
belts but for Arctic.
Azerbaijan: Almost
anywhere but for high
mountain.zones.
World: Warm and moderate
belts but for Arctic.
Fam:Poaceae Barnhard.
Gen.: Phragmitec Adams.
spec.:Ph. Australis (Cav.)Trin.
1. T. meyeri Boiss.
Naked, bluish grey shrub of brown greyish bark. Spear-shaped coming
down leaves. Clusters lateral cylindrical, 3-9mm wide. Bracts blunt, 12mm long. Corona bell-like. Petals pink, egg-like, straight. Boll 3-5 cm
long
Fr.- V.
Blossom.- IV
Azerbaijan:
Steppe plato, Kura-Araz lowl.,
Nakhichevan valley, alluvial
soils
World: Eastern
Mediterranean, Balkans,
Near East, Iran
Fam:Tamaricaceae Link.
Gen:Tamarix L.
Sp.:T. meyeri Boiss.
15/74
Transect
#
Transect
portion 1
Environment/
habitat
Bark of
Calligonum
bakiense Nitr.
Bark of
Calligonum
bakiense Nitr.
Bark of Lucium
uuthenicum
Murr.
1
N4017832
E04947715
Wet coastal
sand
2. ? . bakuense Litv.
1.5c m high shrub with protruding branches. Small filiform leaves 2-4 mm
long early falling down. Flowers come in bunches by 2-5. Fruit oval.
Blossom.- V
Fr.- VI
Azerbaijan: Apsheron,
Kura-Araz lowl.,
(Sangachal)
World: Eastern Caucasus.
Azerbaijan endemic
Xanthoria parietina
(L.) Th. Fr.
Thallus laciniated, orange-yellow. Apothecia superficial, almost adjoining
or with short petioles, of yellow-orange-reddish flat disc. Polymorphic.
Widely spread in Azerbaijan in parks, gardens, forests, roofs and so forth.
Settles on bark, rocks, moss.
Physcia adscendens (Fr.) Oliv.
Whitish-greyish thallus, laciniates adjoin substatum weakly, more
dispersed, cilia on edge. On samples taken apothecia abscent. Settles on
bark, moss rocks. Widely spread
Caloplaca holocarpa (Hoffm.) Wade
Thallus of whitish or ashy thin crust, sometimes barely visible. Apothecia
numerous, independent or twisted. Slightly concaved or flat disc, yellow or
orange yellow. Settles on bark or rocks. Widely spread.
Formation ? 7
Argusietum sibirica
Pp 50-60%
Dominants
Blossom:-V
Fruit.:-VI
In Azerbaijan 110 habitats
Europe, Asia, N.America,
Tasmania, Antarctics
2. L. rutheni?um Murr.
Shrub of protruding branches which are whitish and prickly. Leaves linearbladed, naked, narrow at base. Flowers come in bunches on peduncles.
Corona violet with egg-like blades. Bacca black.
Blossom.- V
Fr.- VII
2
Azerbaijan: Caspian coast,
Kura valley, Nakhichevan
Valley.
World: Minor Caucasus,
Iran, Dj-Kashk., Mongolia,
Tibet
16/74
classifications3
Fam:Polyganaceae Juss.
Gen:Callugonum L.
Spec.:C. bakuense Litv.
Class: Ackolichenes
Teloschistaceae
Xanthoria (L.)Beltr.
X. parietina (L.) Th. Fr.
Europe (Switzland, Norway,
Finland, Dane) Asia,.Americas
Physciaceae Physcia
(Ach.)Wain.
P. adscendens (Fr.) Oliv
Europe, N&C America, New
Zealand
Teloschistaceae Caloplaca Th.
Fr.
C. holocarpa (Hoffm.) Wade
Apsheron, Lencoran.
Mongolia, Japan.
Fam.:
Boraginaceae Juss
Gen:
Argusia Boehm.
Spec.:
A.sibirica (L.)Dandy
Fam:Solanaceae Juss.
Gen:Lycium L.
Spec.:L. rutheni?um Murr.
Transect
#
Transect
portion 1
N4017832
E04947715
Environment/
habitat
Wet
coastal
sand
Formation ? 8
Argusietum sibirica
Pp 70-80%
Dominants
Blossom:-V
Fruit.:-VI
2. J. acutus L.
Dark green perennial, branches from base, 1 m high. Bushy smooth
stems, pricky top. Cylindre leaves with pricky tops. Flowers gather in
short compact oval paniculate inflorenscence
Blossom.- V
Fr.-VII-VIII
3. T. meyeri Boiss.
long
Fr.- V.
Blossom.- IV
1
N4017913
E04947825
Wet
sand
coastal
Apsheron, Lencoran.
Mongolia, Japan.
lowland, Apsheron, Lencoran
lowl., Kura-Araz lowl.
World: Atlantic Europe,
Mediterranean, N.Iran
Azerbaijan:
soils
World: Eastern
Near East, Iran
classifications3
Fam.:
Boraginaceae Juss
Gen:
Argusia Boehm.
Spec.:
A.sibirica (L.)Dandy
Fam.Juncaceae Juss.
GenJuncus L.
Spec.J. acutus L.
Fam.:Tamaricaceae Link.
Gen:Tamarix L.
Spec.:T. meyeri Boiss.
Formation ? 9
Argusietum sibirika + Canvolvus persica L.
Pp 60-70%
Dominants
A.sibirika (L.)Dandy
Blossom:-V
Fruit.:-VI
17/74
Apsheron, Lencoran.
Mongolia, Japan.
Fam..:
Boraginaceae Juss
Gen.:
Argusia Boehm.
Spec.:
A.sibirica (L.)Dandy.
Transect
#
1
2
Transect
portion 1
N4018307
E04948451
N4020528
E04948973
Environment/
habitat
Argillaceous
sand
Argillaceous
solonchak.
2. C. persicus L.
Perennial whitish brushy plant. Rhizome branchy, stems abundant in
leaves, straight, erect or creeping. Short base, thick, ellipsoid leaves.
Flowers in leave fistula in uniflorous polyumbels. Corona white funnelshaped with 5 wooly strips.
Blossom - V
Fr- VI-VII
Formation ? 10
Lucium ruthenicum
Pp 30-35%
Dominant
1. L. rutheni?um Murr.
Shrub of protruding branches which are whitish and prickly. Leaves linearbladed, naked, narrow at base. Flowers come in bunches on peduncles.
Corona violet with egg-like blades. Bacca black.
Blossom.- V
Fr.- VII
2
Perennial, reaches 60 cm high. Deep rooted. Light green naked plant.
Straight stem, oblong obtuse leaves, are flowers on leave fistula. Bell.
Corona pink-reddish
Blossom: -VI
Fr.: -VIII-IX
Formation ? 11
Salsoletum nadulosa + Suaeda dendroides
Pp 50-60%
Dominants.
18/74
lowland, Caspian lowl.,
Apsheron, Lencoran lowl.,
Kura-Araz lowl.,
World: Caspian coast,
Balkans, Near East, Iran
Azerbaijan: Caspian coast,
Kura valley, Nakhichevan
Valley.
Iran, Dj-Kashk., Mongolia,
Tibet
Azerbaijan:
Gobustan, Samur-Devechi
Apsheron, Kura zone.
World: Near East. .
classifications3
Fam:Convolvuleceae Juss.
Gen:Canvolvus L.
Sp.:? .persicus L.
Fam:Solanaceae Juss.
Gen:Lycium L.
Sp.:L. rutheni?um Murr.
Fam.Fabaceae Lindl.
GenAlhagi Gagneb.
Sp.A.pseudalhadi.
(Bieb.) Fish. et Mey
Transect
#
Transect
portion 1
Environment/
habitat
1. S. nadulosa (Moq.)Iljin.
Low, 10-30cm, shrub of heavily protruding branches of greyish scales.
Buds almost globular, greyish. Leaves periodical, short, triangularlanceolate, gibbous at the bottom. Flowers singular, in bushy spiciform
inflorescence. Fruits with bud-shaped red or orange wings. Blossom.VII
Azerbaijan:
Casp.lowland., Apsheron,
Gobustan, Steppe plato, KuraAraz lowl., Nakhichevan valley
World: Caucasus, European
FSU
classifications3
Fam.- Chenopodiaceae Vent
Gen-.
Salsola L.
Sp.S. nadulosa (Moq.)Iljin.
Fr.-VIII
Low subshrub with branches protruding from base, 50 cm. Periodical
leaves, semicylindric flowers by 2-6 or more in balls in leave fistula.
Black oval glittering semen
Blossom.- V
Fr.- VI
3.S. ericoides Bieb.
Low, heavily branched shrub 30-60 cm high of bushy branches. Leaves
periodical, succulent, semicylindrical, widely rounded, bended. Fruits
with wide or not so wide wings.
Blossom:- VI
Fr.:- VII
3. H. strobilaceum (Pall) Bieb.
Small heavily branched subshrub with erecting branches. Branches
bluish, naked, with semiglobular buds. Leaves accumbent,
underdeveloped, of two blades. Flowers come by 3 in fistulas of
succulent fore- florets
Blossom. -VIII
Fr.- X
19/74
Azerbaijan:
Gobustan, Steppe plato, KuraAraz lowl.,
Kura lowl., Nakhichevan valley
World:
Caucasus, European part FSU
Azerbaijan:
World:
Minor Caucasus
Azerbaijan: Shirvan,
Mugan, Salyan steppe
Minor Caucasus
GenSuaeda Forssk.
SpS. dendroides (Fish. et
Mey).Moq.
GenSalsola L.
Sp.:
S. ericoides Bieb.
GenHolosnemum Bieb.
Sp.:
H. strobilaceum (Pall)Bieb.
Transect
#
2
Transect
portion 1
N4020939
E04948523
Environment/
habitat
Argillaceous
solonchak
and
semidesert
Formation ? 12
Artemisetum fragrans
Pp 40-50%
Dominants.
1. .S. nadulosa (Moq.)Iljin.
classifications3
Azerbaijan:
FSU
Gen-.
Salsola L.
Azerbaijan:
FSU
GenSuaeda Forssk.
Sp.S. dendroides (Fish. et
Mey).Moq.
Azerbaijan:
FSU
Gen-.
Salsola L.
Fr.-VIII
2
N4021505
E04947950
Argillaceous
solonchak
and
semidesert
Low subshrub with branches protruding from base, 50 cm. Periodical
Blossom.- V
Fr.- VI
Formation ? 13
nadulosa
Pp 40-50%
Dominant
1.S. nadulosa (Moq.)Iljin.
Fr.-VIII
2
N4021545
E04947950
Argillaceous
solonchak
Formation ? 14 Salsoletum dendroides
Pp 60-65%
Dominant
20/74
Transect
#
2
Transect
portion 1
N4022701
E04945331
Environment/
habitat
Salt
argillaceous
sand
1.S. dendroides Pall.
Subshrub, 40-70 cm high, with dense lowered stems of branches in the
upper part. Light green plant. Leaves periodical, fleshy, short, adjoining
stem, bluntish. Flowers on spiciform branches in wide paniculate
pyramidal inflorescence. Fruit of yellowish or pink wings.
Blossom. –VII
Fr. –IX
Formation ? 15
Salsoletum dendroides + Tamarix meyeri
Pp 45-50%
Dominants
Blossom. –VII
Fr. –IX
2. T. meyeri Boiss.
long
Fr.- V.
Blossom.- IV
3.C. dactylon (L.)Pers.
Perrenial. Rhizom long, creeping and branchy. Stem comes out of base and
branchy and naked, 50cm and over. Leaves linear-spear-shaped, rigid,
naked or hirsute, grey-bluish. Inflorescence of 3-8 spiciform branches
palmatipartited on top of stem.
Blossom -VII
Fr – IX
21/74
Azerbaiajn: All mountains
and lowlands
Iran
and lowlands
Iran
Azerbaijan:
soils
World: Eastern
Near East, Iran
Anywhere in Azrbaijan
World:
C. Europe, Balkans, Near
East, Minor Caucasus, Iran,
Hindo-Himalai, DjungKashk., Mongolia
classifications3
Fam:Chenopodiaceae Vent
Gen:Salsola L.
Sp.:S. dendroides Pall.
Fam:Chenopodiaceae Vent
Gen:Salsola L.
Gen:Tamarix
Sp.:T. meyeri Boiss.
Fam:
Poaceae Barnhart.
Gen:
Cynodon Rich.
Sp.:
C. dactylon (L.)Pers.
Transect
#
Transect
portion 1
Environment/
habitat
Soil
Soil
3
N4022697
E04942385
Salt
argillaceous
sand
Diploschistes gupsaceus Auct.
Thallus ash-white or almost white very thick crust of warty dull surface.
Apothecia submerged in thallus. Disc black, often with whitish bloom,
initially pointed then expanded. Thallus verge very thick, often turning over
disc. Encountered on lime substratum and soil, usually in open areas.
Pp 15-20%
Squanaria lentigera (Web.) Poelt
Thallus stamineous- or olive- green with very thick whitish bloom in shape
of roundish relatively poorly secured on soil rosettes. Thallus rosettes
smallscaled in center, laterally of leaf-like blades. Blades wide, daedalous,
with verges up. Apothecia roundish or irregularly angular, in central part of
thallus. Disc yellow- or dark- brown of concave or flat, sometimes convex
surface. Encountered on lime containing soils in steppe.
Formation ? 16
In Azerbaijan 7 haitats
Europe, Asia
classifications3
Thelotremataceae Diploschistes
Norm.
D. gupsaceus Auct.
Lecanoraceae Squamarina Poelt
S. lentigera (Web.) Poelt
Europe, Asia, N.Africa (Algiers)
, N.America
Salsoletum nadulosa + Suaeda dendroides
Pp 60-65%
Dominants
Azerbaijan:
FSU
Gen-.
Salsola L.
Azerbaijan:
FSU
GenSuaeda Forssk.
Mey).Moq.
Collemataceae (Collema)Weber
C. crispum (Huds.) Web.
Fr.-VIII
Soil
Soil
Blossom.- V
Fr.- VI
Squamaria lentigera (Web.) Poelt
Pp 15%
Collema crispum (Huds.) Web.
Thallus of small leaves, almost scaly, thin. Thallus blades on verges
denticulated, turned up, on top greenish black or dark olive. Apothecia
densely crowded on surface, of dark brown disc. Encountered on limestone
rock and argillaceous soil. Pp 5%
22/74
Europe, Asia, Americas,
N.Africa
Transect
#
Transect
portion 1
Environment/
habitat
Soil
Soil
3
N4020476
E04944485
Desert. Salt
argillaceous
sand
Rocks
Rock
Rock
Diploschistes
gupsaceus Auct.
Pp 15%
Fulgensia fulgens (Sw.) Elenk.
Thallus in the form of light or grayish- orange, sometimes lemon yellow
leaf-like rosettes. Rosettes poorly folded or flat in the center, barbed blades
well developed laterally. Apotecia bright orange-yellow or brownish
orange, situated only in the center of thallus. Encountered in most dry
habitat on limestone, potassium or gypsum soil and moss. Scattered.
Formation ? 17
Artemisetum frograns + Salsola dendroides
Pp 60-70%
Dominants
1.T. polium L.
Grey or white felty perennial very branchy subshrub. Leaves seated,
oblong or linear, small heads of paniculate or shield shaped
inflorescence. Corona small, white, seeds grey and wrinkled.
blossom - VII
Fr- IX
Aspicilia contorta (Hoffm.) Kremplh.
Thallus whitish- or greenish grey rarely ochre tint in the form of separate or
rarely close scales. Apothecia roundish or angular, come by 1 or rarely by
2-3, submerged in the scale center. Disc concave or flat, usually with
whitish bloom. Predominantly encountered on limestone of low and high
mountainous zones. Scattered.
Caloplaca ferruginea (Huds.) Th. Fr.
Thallus ash- or dark grey crust, warty and often cracked in center,
sometimes poorly developed. Apothecia numerous separate or crowded.
Disc flat or slightly convex, orange or brownish red. Encountered on rock.
Pp 5%.
Caloplaca saxicola (Hoffm.) Nord.
Thallus leave-shaped yellowish- or reddish-orange rosettes. Rosettes warty
or cellular in center, laterally with clear-cut leave-shaped radial blades.
Thallus blades narrow, closely adnated to substratum. Apothecia numerous.
Dics and thallus almos same color. Encountered on rock. Scattered
23/74
In Azerbaijan 21
habitats
Europe (Mediterranea,
Germany, Poland, Chek,
Hungary), N.Africa, Asia,
Australia, Grenland, Tasmania
Anywhere in Azerabaijan
World:
Mediterranean, Iran, Asia
Minor, Balkans
classifications3
Teloschistaceae Fulgensia
Mass.
F. fulgens (Sw.) Elenk.
Fam:Lamineceae Lindl.
Gen:Teucriun L.
Sp.:T. polium L.
Aspiciliaceae Aspicilia Mass.
A. contorta (Hoffm.) Kremplh.
Europe, Asia (moderate zones),
Africa, N.America
Europe, Asia, N.America
Europe, Asia, Africa, N&S
Americas, N.Zealand
Teloschistaceae Caloplaca
(Huds.) Th. Fr.
? . ferruginea
Teloschistaceae Caloplaca
Th.Fr.
? . saxicola (Hoffm.) Nord.
Transect
#
Transect
portion 1
Environment/
habitat
Rock
Soil
N4020837
E04945155
Lecanora atra (Huds.) Ach.
Thallus whitish or ash-grey thick warty crust with lateral black narrow
strip. Apotecia roundish or irregular. Disc black, naked, with smooth or
denticulated edge. Encountered on silicate and lime containing rock, rare on
bark.
Scattered
Toninia coeruleonigricans (Leight.) Th. Fr.
Thallus dark olive or grey with naked or almost completely covered with
thick white bloom scales, often congested in pads. Disc black, naked or
with whitish bloom. Encountered on ground and moss.
Scattered
Soil
Soil
Psora lurida (With.) DC.
Thallus is formed of leaf-like overlapping scales, light or dark brown on
top, lighter below. Apotecia disc reddish-brown or almost black, naked, flat
or convex. Encountered on limestone soil and moss. Rare individuals
? ???? ??? 15-20%
Formation ? 18 Salsoletum nadulosa + Noaea mueronata
Pp 40-50%
Dominants
Soil
4
Rocky
slopes
In Azerbaijan (?) habitats
Europe, Asia, N&S Americas ,
Greenland, N.Zealand .
Europe, Asia, NAmerica (USA,
Canada), C.America (Mex)
Greenland, N.Zealand, N.Africa
Europe, Asia, NAmerica
(Canada), S.Africa
classifications3
Lecanoraceae Ach.
Lecanora
L. atra (Huds.)
Lecideaceae Mass.
Toninia coeruleonigricans
(Leight.) Th. Fr.
Lecideaceae
Psora
P. lurida (With.) DC.
Azerbaijan:
FSU
Gen-.
Salsola L.
Azerbaijan:
Apsheron, Kura valley, Steppe
plato.
World: Mediterranean Asia
Minor, Balkans, Caucasus
Minor, Iran
Fam:
Fr.-VIII
2.N.mucronata (Forssk.)Aschers.
Grey-bluish subshrub 20-60 cm high of short rigid branches curled on end.
Leaves periodical, rigid, shield-shaped, naked or rough. Flowers single, 5
stamen, ovary with 2 stigmae.
Blossom – VII
Fr. – X
24/74
Chenopodiaceae Vent.
Gen:
Noala Moq.
Sp.:
N.mucronata (Forssk.) Aschers
Transect
#
Transect
portion 1
Environment/
habitat
Soil
Moss
Soil
Soil
Soil
Soil
Soil
Rocks
Rocks
Rocks
classifications3
Cladonia foliaceae (Huds.) Wield.
Scale of primary thallus fairly large, narrow or wide, irregularly divided,
mainly flat, reyish-greenish-yellowish or grayish-greenish on top, grayishyellowish or whitish below. No podetia. Encountered on limestone or sand
soil, on moss. Single individual.
Pp 5%
Toninia coeruleonigricans (Leight.) Th. Fr.
Scattered
Single individual.
. Scattered
Squamaria lentigera (Web.) Poelt
Pp 10%
Pp 10%
Candelariella aurella (Hoffm.) Zahlbr.
Candelariella aurella (Hoffm.) Zahlbr.
Thallus green or egg-yellow in the form of small grained crust. Apotecia
similar color, numerous, crowded or separated. Apotecia disc slightly
convex of well visible thick or thin verge. Scattered.
Caloplaca saxicola (Hoffm.) Nord ????????
In Azerbaijan
Caloplaca citrina (Hoffm.) Th. Fr.
Thalus in the form of yellow or greenish-yellow small grained or soredium
crust often formed of separate cells divided by cracks. Apotecia disc
orange or reddish-yellow. Encountered on rocks, sometimes on bark.
25/74
habitats
Europe (Germany, Poland,
Chek, Hungary), N.Africa, Asia,
Australia, Grenland, Tasmania
Europe, Asia, N&C Americas ,
Greenland, N.Zealand
Europe, Asia, N&C Americas
Cladoniaceae
Cladonia Wigg.
? . foliaceae (Huds.) Wield.
Candelariaceae Candelariella
Mass.
C. aurella (Hoffm.) Zahlbr.
Transect
#
5
Transect
portion 1
N4020432
E04945232
Environment/
habitat
Argillaceous
sand
Formation ? 19
Tamsrixetum meyeri
Pp 75%
Dominants
1. T. meyeri Boiss.
long
Fr.- V.
Blossom.- IV
26/74
Azerbaijan:
soils
World: Eastern
Near East, Iran.
classifications3
Gen:Tamarix L.
S.:T. meyeri Boiss.
Transect
#
Transect
portion 1
Environment/
habitat
Blossom. –VII
Fr. –IX
Blossom.- V
Fr.- VI
Fr.: -VIII-IX
5
N4020184
E04945028
Rocky
mountains
piedmont
Formation ? 20
Alhagetum pseudalhagi + Salsola nadulosa
Pp 80-85%
Dominants
Fr.: -VIII-IX
27/74
and lowlands
Iran
classifications3
Fam:Chenopodiaceae Vent.
Gen:Salsola L.
Azerbaijan:
FSU
Azerbaijan:
World: Near East.
GenSuaeda Forssk.
Mey).Moq.
Fam.Fabaceae Lindl.
GenAlhagi Gagneb.
Mey.
Azerbaijan:
World: Near East.
Fam.Fabaceae Lindl.
GenAlhagi Gagneb.
Mey.
Transect
#
Transect
portion 1
Environment/
habitat
Azerbaijan:
FSU
classifications3
Gen-.
Salsola L.
Fr.-VIII
3.A.fragrans Willd.
30-40 cm high perennial. Vertical root, lower leaves have stalk, oblong,
seated, globular. Inflorescence narrow, pyramidal paniculate. Flowers
yellow.
Blossom:- IX-X
Fr.- X-XI
Azerbaijan:
Apsheron, Kura valley,
Lencoran, Mugan, Diab.
World: Caucasus Minor,
Iran
28/74
Fam:Asteraceae Dumort
Gen:Artemisia L.
Sp.:A.fragrans Willd.
Sample Plot Proformas
Date
4.06.01
4.06.01
Transect
#
1
1
Sample plot
GPS
coordinates
N4014663
E0494723
2
N4015014
E04947178
Family
Boraginacea
Juss.
Argusia
Boehm.
Poaceae
Barnhart.
Fabaceae Lindl.
Phragmites
Adams
Alhagi
Gagneb.
Argusia
Boehm.
Boraginacea
Juss.
Poaceae
Barnhart.
Fabaceae Lindl.
4.06.01
1
N4015026
E04947179
Poaceae
Barnhart
Poaceae
Barnhart.
Juncaseae
Juss.
Tamaricaceae
Link.
Poaceae
Barnhart
Boraginacea
Juss.
Fabaceae Lindl.
Poaceae
Barnhart.
Fabaceae Lindl.
Poaceae
Barnhart.
Fabaceae Lindl.
4.06.01
4.06.01
1
1
N4015048
E04947181
N4015312
E04947092
Genus
Alliaceae
J.Agardh.
Poaceae
Barnhart.
Juncaseae
Juss.
Polyganaceae
Juss.
Tamaricaceae
Link.
Fabaceae Lindl.
Cheno-podiaceae
Vent.
Cheno-podiaceae
Vent.
29/74
Suaeda
Forssc.
Salsola L.
Bromus L.
Medicago L.
Species
A.sibirika
(L.)Dandy.
Ph.
australis(Cav.)Trin.
A. pseudalhagi
(Bieb.)Fisch.
A.sibirika
(L.)Dandy.
S. dendroides
(Fish.et
Mey.)Moq.
S.denproides Pall.
B. japonicus
Thunb.
M.minima (L.)
Bartalini
Domin
Scale
mark
8
4
7
5
4
4
4
3
Adonis L.
A. australis L.
2
Poa L.
P.bulbosa L.
2
Juncus L.
J. acutus L.
8
Tamarix L.
T.meyeri Boiss.
4
Phragmites
Adams.
Argusia
Boehm.
Alhagi Gagneb.
Poa L.
Medicago L.
Cynodon
Rich.
Astragalus sp.
Allium L.
Phragmites
Adams.
Juncus L.
Ph.australis(Cav.)Trin.
A.sibirika
(L.)Dandy.
pseudalhagi
(Bieb.)Fisch.
P.bulbosa L.
M. minima (L.)
Bartalini
C.dactylon
(L.)Pers.
4
4
4
3
3
3
A. sp.
1
A.rubellum Bieb.
1
Ph.australis(Cav.)Trin.
10
J.acutus L.
2
Calligonum L.
C.bakuense Litv.
6
Tamarix L.
T. meyeri Boiss.
4
Alhagi Gagneb.
A. pseudalhagi
(Bieb.)Fisch.
5
Climacoptera
Botsch.
Petrosimonia
Bunge.
C. crassa (Bieb)
Botsch.
P. bpacheata
(Pall.)Bunge
4
2
Date
Transect
#
Sample plot
GPS
coordinates
Genus
Poaceae
Barnhart.
Eremopyrum
(Ledeb.)Jaub et
Spach
E. orientale (L.)
Jaub et Spach
1
Veronika L
V. amoena Bieb.
2
Scrophulariaceae
Juss.
Poaceae
Barnhart.
Solanaceae Juss.
Poaceae
Barnhart
Fabaceae Lindl.
4.06.01
1
N4017743
E049947630
Cheno-podiaceae
Vent.
Poaceae
Barnhart
Cheno-podiaceae
Vent.
Boraginaceae Juss.
Fabaceae Lindl.
5.06.01
1
2
N4017913
E4947825
N4020614
E049489927
Lycium L.
Catabrosella
(Tzvel.)Tzvel.
Boraginaceae
Juss.
Canvolvulaceae
Juss.
Chenopodiaceae
Vent.
Chenopodiaceae
Vent.
Chenopodiaceae
Vent.
Poaceae
Barnhart.
Poaceae
Barnhart
Alliaceae
J.Agardh.
Lamiaceae
Lindl.
Brassicaceae
Barnett.
30/74
2
2
2
A. sp.
2
Suaeda
Forssk.ex Scop.
S.dendroides Pall.
2
Hordeum L.
H. leporinum Link.
1
Anabasis L.
Spinosia L.
A.salsa
L.
S. tetrandra Stov.
A.sibirika
(L.)Dandy
K.caspicum ( L.)Ung.Sternb.
1
1
8
4
S.dendroides Pall.
2
L.ruthenicum
Murr.
2
Allium L.
A.rubellum Bieb.
1
Hordeum L.
H. leporinum Link.
1
Trigonella L.
T. monspeliaca L.
1
Argusia Boehm.
A.sibirica
(L.)Dandy.
4
Canvolvulus L.
C.persicus L.
7
Salsola L.
S.nodulosa
(Moq.)Iljin.
6
Salsola L.
S.ericoides Bieb.
4
Holosnemum
Bieb.
H.strobilaceum
(Pall.)Bieb.
B.japonicus
Thunb.
C.humilis
(Bieb.)Tzvel.
3
Allium L.
A.rubellum Bieb.
1
Sideritis L.
S.montana L.
1
Bromus L.
Catabrosella
(Tzvel.)Tzvel.
Torularia
(Coss.)O.E.
Schulz.
Cheno-podiaceae
Vent.
Lameaceae
Lindl
C. dactylon
(L.)Pers.
L.ruthenicum
Murr.
C.humilis
(Bieb.)Tzvel.
Astragalus L.
Argusia
Boehm.
Cheno-podiaceae
Kalidium
Vent.
Moq .
Cheno-podiaceae
Suaeda
Vent.
Forssk.ex Scop.
Solonaceae Juss.
Lycium L.
Alliaceae
J.Agardh.
Poaceae
Barnhart
4.06.01
Cynodon
Rich.
Species
Domin
Scale
mark
Family
Anabasis L.
Nepeta L.
T. contortu pliceta
(Steph.) O.E.
4
2
1
Schulz.
A.salsa
L.
N. sp.
1
+
Date
5.06.01
Transect
#
2
Sample plot
GPS
coordinates
N4020939
E049485523
Family
Poaceae
Barnhart.
Asteraceae
Dumort.
Asteraceae
Dumort.
Chenopodiaceae
Vent.
Chenopodiaceae
Vent.
Poaceae
Barnhart.
Asteraceae
Dumort.
2
N4021505
E04947990
Puccinellia Part.
P.bulbosa
(Grossh.)Grossh.
+
Jurinea Cass.
J. elegans (Stev.)
+
Artemisia L.
7
Salsola L.
S.ericoides Bieb.
5
C.humile
(M.B.)Criseb.
2
Catabrosella
(Tzvel.)Tzvel.
Filago L.
Medicogo L.
F.arvense L.
M.minima
(L.)Bartalini
M. orbicelaris
(L.)Bartalini
6.06.01
3
3
N4021859
E04947367
N4022488
E04942634
1
1
Agropyrum L.
A.orientale L.
?
Veronika L
V.amoena Bieb.
+
Trigonella L.
T. manspeliaca L.
+
Allium L.
A.rubellum Bieb.
1
Poa L.
P.bulbosa L.
1
T. sp.
1
B.sp.
1
S.nodulosa
(Moq.)Iljin.
6
Erodium L
Her.
Brachypodium
Beauv.
Salsola L.
5
Cynodon Rich.
Fabaceae Lindl.
Alhagi Gagneb.
Salsola L.
S.dendroides Pall.
6
C.dactylon
(L.)Pers.
5
T.meyeri Boiss.
4
A.pseudalhagi
(Bieb.)Fisch.
4
A.rubellum Bieb.
2
I.acutiloba G.A.Mey.
+
A.fragrans Willd.
5
Salsola L.
S.nodulosa
(Moq.)Iljin.
4
Poa L.
P.bulbosa L.
4
Tamarix L.
Alliaceae
J.Agardh.
Allium L
Iridaceae Juss.
Iris L.
31/74
2
P.minuta Pall.
Chenopodiaceae
Vent
Poaceae
Barnhart.
Tamariceae
Link.
Asteraceae
Dumort.
Chenopodiaceae
Vent.
Poaceae
Barnhart.
Poaceae
Barnhart.
Cheno-podiaceae
Vent.
2
Plantago L.
Efemer
6.06.01
8
S.nodulosa
(Moq.)Iljin.
Fabaceae Lindl.
Alliaceae
J.Agardh.
Poaceae
Barnhart.
Geraniaceae
Juss.
Poaceae
Barnhart.
Chenopodiaceae
Vent.
A.fragrans Willd.
Salsola L.
Medicaco L.
Fabaceae Lindl.
5.06.01
Species
Fabaceae Lindl.
Plantagineceae
Juss.
Poaceae
Barnhart.
Scrophulariaceae
Juss.
Domin
Scale
mark
Genus
Arfemisia L.
Catabrosella
(Tzvel.)Tzvel.
Climacoptera
Botsch.
C.humilis
(M.B.)Criseb.
C.crassa (Bieb.)
Botsch.
4
2
Date
7.06.01
Transect
#
5
Sample plot
GPS
coordinates
N4020348
E04945259
Family
Cheno-podiaceae
Vent.
Chenopodiaceae
Vent.
Fabaceae
Tamariceae
Link.
Plantaginaceae
Juss.
Cheno-podiaceae
Vent.
Cheno-podiaceae
Vent.
Chenopodiaceae
Vent.
Poaceae
Barnhart
Poaceae
Barnhart
Caryophyllacea
Juss.
Brassicaceae
Burnett
Poaceae
Barnhart
Iridaceae Juss.
7.06.01
5
N4020434
E04945232
Tamariceae
Link.
Fabaceae Lindl.
Alliaceae
J.Agardh.
Asteraceae
Dumort.
Asteraceae
Dumort.
Rhamnaceae Juss.
7.06.01
5
N4020184
E04945028
Bbrassicaceae
Burnett
Chenopodiaceae
Vent.
Asteraceae
Dumort.
Poaceae
Barnhart.
Chenopodiaceae
Vent.
Poaceae
Barnhart
Asteraceae
Dumort.
Asteraceae
Dumort.
Scrophulariaseae
Juss.
Chenopodiaceae
Vent.
32/74
Genus
Anabasis L.
Salsola L.
Species
A.salsa
L.
Domin
Scale
mark
2
S.dendroides Pall.
6
A.pseudalhagi
(Bieb.)Fisch.
4
Tamarix L.
T.meyeri Boiss.
4
Plantago L.
P.minuta Pall.
2
Alhagi Gagneb.
Anabasis L.
A.salsa
L.
Climacoptera
Botsch.
Petrosimonia
Bunge.
C.crassa (Bieb.)
Botsch.
P.brachiata
(Pall.)Bunge
1
4
2
Hordeum L.
H.leporinum Link.
Cynodon
Rich.
C.dactylon
(L.)Pers.
2
H.umbellatum L.
1
M.linifolius Steph.
1
Holosteum L.
Meniokus
Desv.
Aeluropus
Trin.
JunoTratt.
Tamarix L.
A. littoralis
(Gouan.)Parl.
J.aucasica
(Hoffm.)Klatt
1
1
T.meyeri Boiss.
.8
A.pseudalhagi
(Bieb.)Fisch.
5
Allium L
A.rubellum Bieb.
2
Cardus L.
C. albidus Bieb.
2
A.canasica
2
Rhamnus L.
R. pallasii Fish.
2
Lepidium L.
L. resicarium l.
1
Alhagi Gagneb.
Arfemisia L.
Salsola L.
Artemisia L.
Catabrosella
(Tzvel.)Tzvel.
Salsola L.
S. nodulosa
(Moq.)Iljin.
A.phragrans
Willd.
C.humilis
(M.B.)Criseb.
8
6
4
S. ericoides Bieb.
3
A. pseudalhagi
(Bieb.)Fisch.
2
F.arvenisis L.
2
T. sp.
2
Veronika L.
V. amoena Bieb.
2
Comphorosma
L.
C. lessingii Litv.
1
Alhagi Gagneb.
Filago L.
Trogopason L.
Endemics & Species Listed in Azerbaijan and 1997 IUCN Red List of
Threatened Plants4
SR
#
1997 IUCN
Azerbaijan Red List of
Red Book Threatened
(Y/N)
Plants
(Y/N)
Genus
Species
Endemic
(Y/N)
1*.
Anabasis
L.
A. salsa
(G.A. Mey.)
Benth
Azerbaijan
Y
N
2*.
Juno Tratt.
J. caucasica
(Hoffm.)Klatt
Caucasus
Y
N
3*.
Medicogo
L.
M. caucasica
Vess.
Caucasus
Y
N
4.
Astragalus
L.
A. bacuensis
Bunge
5.
Calligonum
L.
C. bacuensis
Litv.
6.
Iris L.
I. acutiloba
G.A. Mey.
IUCN World
Designation
Indeterminate5
Azerbaijan
Y
Y
Indeterminate2
Azerbaijan
Y
Y
Endangered6
Azerbaijan
Y
Y
*Proposed species to be included in next official Azerbaijan Red List
4
Walter, K.S. and Gillett, H.J. [eds] (1998). 1997 IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants.
Compiled by the World Conservation Monitoring Centre. IUCN - The World Conservation Union, Gland,
Switzerland and Cambridge, UK. lxiv + 862pp.
5
Taxa known to be Extinct, Endangered, Vulnerable, or Rare but where there is not enough information to say
which of the four categories is appropriate.
6
Taxa in danger of extinction and whose survival is unlikely if the causal factors continue operating. Included are
taxa whose numbers have been reduced to a critical level or whose habitats have been so drastically reduced that
they are deemed to be in immediate danger of extinction.
33/74
Written Report and Recommendartions
By prof. V.Hadjiyev
Sangachal Terminal Survey
The survey encompassed an area 5 km long from the Caspian coastline to the south of the
Sangachal Terminal (the lowland of town Narimanneft through to the Terminal.
Formation
Argusiactum sibirica
Adventic weed in psomophyte-literal environment
L.Dandy is the pioneer to settle.
Description ? 1.
Transsect 1
? 4014600
? 04947245
Wet shell sand
Here, Argusia (L.) sibirica thickets encountered. Coverage 50-60%, sometimes 20-40 %,
scattered, Argusia sibirica pp. 50-60 %, Phragmates australis (Cav.) Trin. pp 5-10 %,
sometimes rare individuals.
Sample plot 1
Argusia sibirica L.Dandy
? 4014663
? 04947237
Phragmites australis (Caq.)Trin.
Description ? 2
? 401996
Formation Artemisietum tschernieviana Bess. Pp. 75-
80 %
? 04947183
Artemisietum tschernieviana
Bess.
:
? atabrosela humilis
(Bieb.)Tzevel.
:
Iris sp.
:
Allium moschatum
:
Allium sibiricum L.
:
Plantago salsa Pall.
:
Pleconax subconica
(Friv.)Sankova
:
Poa bulbosa
:
Wormwood-efemeral desert. Shale soil .
Pp. 40-45 %
Pp. 15-20 %
individuals
pp 10-15 %
individuals
Pp. 10-15 %
15-20 %
Agrostis tenuis Sibth.
:
Medicago minima
(L.)Bartalini
:
Salsola ericoides Bieb
:
Tamarix meyeri Bieb
:
Colligonum bakuense Litv
:
Chenopodium album L
:
Brassica campestris L
:
Carduus albidus Bieb.
:
34/74
Pp. 10-15 %
pp.15-20 %
Pp. 10-15 %
individuals
individuals
individuals
individuals
Pp. 10-15 %
Sample plot 2
One endemic species, Colligonum bakuense Litv. encountered in the coenosis on sand hills,
rarely on argillaceous ground.
Description ? 3
? 4015014
formation Alhagietum psedalhagi
? 04947178
encompasses a small massif, pp 60-70 %
In the formation
Alhagi pseudoalhagi (Bieb.)Fish. pp 30-40 % encountered.
Argusia sibirica L. Dandy. pp 15-20%
Suaeda dendroides (Fish. et Mey.)Moq. pp 15-20 %
Judging by seeds and stems of dried ephemeral (in this formation 10 ephemerals are supposed
to be encountered) 4 species were defined: Poa bulbosa L., Medicago minima (L.)Bartalini,
Bromus japonicus Thunb., Adonis aestivalis L. No lichens encountered
Sample plot 3
Description 4
? 4015026
? 04947179
environment
Wet sand coastal line
Juncusetumacutus scrubs.
Psamophyte
and
literal
The following species encountered in the formation: Iuncus acutus L. pp 40-50 %, Tamarix
meyeri L. pp 15-20 %, Phragmites australis (Cav.)Trin. pp 15-20 %, Astragalus sp.
individuals, Alhagi pseudoalhagi (Bieb.)Fish. individuals, Argusia sibirica L. Dandy. pp? 1015%, Allium rubellium Bieb. individuals
Sample plot 4
Description 5.
? 4015048
argillaceous,
Reed thickets – Phragmitesum australis on dry
often turf soils
? 04947181
pp 85-90 %
Encountered are Phragmites australis (Cav.)Trin pp 80-85, 1.5 - 2 ? . high, roots – 3 ? long.;
Juncus acutus L. pp 15-20 % is encountered mainly in wet coastal sand, sometimes in water.
Description 6.
? 4015264
? 04947056
Argillaceous sand soil.
Formation Tamarixetum meyeri pp 50-60 % on dry
Sierozem soil
In this formation Tamarix meyeri Boiss accounts for pp 20-30 %, Salsola dendroides Pall. pp
20-25 %, Suaeda dendroides Pall. rare individuals, Salsola crassa Botsch rare individuals,
Anabasis salsa L. individuals. One endemic species Colligonum bakuense Litv. encountered
within the formation: an ancient decorative species, pp 20-25 %,
This formation neighbours Phragmites australis (Cav.)Trin , a 2.5 ?? long northward
strip.
In this formation only Colligonum bakuense Litv. was found to provide ground for 2
different species of lichen individuals: Xanthoria parietina (L.) Th. Fr. and Physcia
adscendens (Fr.) Oliv., however, widely distributed in the area. Only one species Caloplaca
35/74
holocarpa (Hoffm.) Wade (also widely spread) was encountered on Lycium L. shrubs. In
Azerbaijan there are 54 habitats thereof.
Sample plot 5
Formation
? 4015312
? 0494092
Argusiaetum+Lyciumetum sibirica
Crubs Colligonum bakuense Litv. pp 60-65 %
on knobby and argillaceous soils
Colligonum bakuense Litv., pp 40-45 %, Tamarix meyeri Boiss. pp 10-15 %,
Astragalus bacuensis pp10-15 %, Climacoptera crassa (Bieb.) Botsch.pp10-15 %,
Petrosimonia brachiata (Pall.)Bunge.pp10-15 % , Hordeum lepornum Link. Stev. pp10-15 %,
Suaeda dendroides Pall. rare., Eremopirum orientale (L.)Jamb. rare., Veronica amoena Bieb.
rare., Spinacia tetrandra rare., Anabasis salsa rare.. The coenosis composition clearly testifies
to salty soil.
Description 7.
? 4017419
Coastline , wet coastal sands
? 04947373
Argusia sibirica pp10-15 %, Lycium ruthenucum Murr. pp10-15 %, about 10 species
of dried ephemerals. Formation is on desert habitat.
Sample plot 6.
? 4017743
? 04947630
Formation Argusietum sibirica pp 60-80 %.
On sands are Argusia sibirica (L.)Dandy. pp60 %, Kalidium caspicum (L.)Ung.Sternb. pp10-15%. Lycium ruthenucum Murr. Suaeda dendroides Pall . Allium rubellium
Bieb. Trigonella monspeliaca L., rare. Hordeum leporinum Link, a weed, is rare in the
coenosis.
Description 8.
? 4017832
? 04947715
Wet coastal sand. Psamophyte-literal coast. Edificator, weed and
pp70-80 %
adventives account for pp 70-80%
Argusia sibirica (L.)Dandy pp60-65 %, Tamarix meyeri Boiss.pp10-15 %, Alhagi
pseudalhagi (Bieb.)Fisch.pp10-15 %, Juncus acutus L.pp20-25 %, Phragmites australis
(Cav.)Trin.pp10-15 %, ? ynodon dactylon (L.)Pers.pp10-15 %, Salsola nodulosa
(Moq.)Iljin.pp10-15 %, Anabasis salsa L.rare., Trigonella monspeliaca L. rare., Petrosimonia
brachiata (Pall.) Bunge. rare., Filago arvensis L. rare individuals.
Most ephemerals completed their development. In this coenosis adventive Lepidium
vesicorium L. encountered.
Sample plot 7
Description 9.
? 4017913
and
? 04947825
Wet coastal sand. Psamophyte-literal coast. Edificator, weed
adventives account for pp 70-80%
A small coenosis with dominant ? anvolvulus persicus L. The species pioneers coastal
sands. Encountered in spots, pp30-40 %. Ephemerals not encountered (dried up).
Description 10.
Formation
Luciumetum on dry hills, sometimes with “camel” thorn
36/74
? 4018307
Scrubs Lycium ruthenicum Murr.pp30-35 %
? 04948451
Lycium rutenicumpp20-25 %, Alhagi pseudalhagi (Bieb.)Fish.pp10-15.
.
Description 11
? 4020529
? 04948973
Formation Salsoletum nodulosae + Suaeda dendroidespp80-85 %
Desert of salt sand
Salsola nodulosa (Moq.) pp10-15 %, S. ericoides Bieb.pp10-15 %, Suaeda dendroides
Pall.pp10-15 %, Halo?nemum strobilaceum (Pall.) Bieb.pp10-15 %, Bromus japonicus
Thunb. Catabrosella humilis (Bieb.)Tzvel.pp10-15 %,pp15-20 %, Jurinea elegans (Stev.)Dc.
Rare, only on rocks.
Sample plot 8
Transsect 2.
? 4020614
? 04948927
Ditto, pp 75-80 % Salt soil desert of Sierozem
Salsola nodulosa (Moq.)Ilyin.
pp40-60 %, S. ericoides Bieb.pp10-15 %,
Halocnemum strobilaceum (Pall.) Bieb.pp10-15 %, Catobrosella Humilis (Bieb.)Tzvel. pp2025 %, Poa bulbosa L. pp10-15 %., Anabasis salsa L. rare., Nepeta L. sp. rare., Puccinellia
bulbosa (Grossh.)Grossh. rare., Sideritis ? ontana L. rare., Torularia contortuplicata
(Steph.)O.E. Schulz. rare., in spring the ephemeral species mount to 15-17.
Sample plot 9
Transsect. 2
Description 12
? 4020939 Formation Artemisietum fragrans + Salsoletum nodulosae pp 80-85 %
? 04948523
Desert of Sierozem
Artemisia fragrans Willd.pp50-55 %, Salsola nodulosa (Moq.) Ilyin. pp30-35 %,
Suaeda dendroides Pall.pp-15-20 %. Ephemerals and ephemeroids pp40-60 %. These are
Bromus japonicus, Catabrosella humilis (Bieb.)Tzvel, Filago arvense L., Medicago minima
(L.)Bartalini, M. orbicularis(L.)Bartalini, Plantago minuta Pall. Also species of genera Allium
L., Trigonella L., Agropyron Gaertn., Brachypodium Beang., Erodium L Her., the
sporostrotes are represented by seaweed Nostoc commune, rare., moss also rare.
This grouping is most typical of flat environment where it is encountered in small
areas of few m2 and normally alternates with homogeneous Salsoletum nodulosae and
Artemisietum fragrans groupings, therefore, in this environment the community is complex
and compound. It is also encountered on mild and steep slopes. Visually the soil coverage
ranges 40 to 90 %.
Sample plot 10
Description 13
? 4021505
? 04947990
Formation Salsoletum nodulosae pp 40-60 %
Mountainous saltwort in desert of sierozem soil
Salsola nodulosa (Moq.)Ilyin. pp30-40 %, ephemerals 30-40 %. Of 15 ephemeral
species, contributing to coenosis, majority dried up.
Description 14.
? 4021545
Formation Salsoletum dendroides Pall.pp60-65 %
37/74
? 04947990
Dendritic saltwort on meadowlike soils.
Salsola dendroides Pall. pp 20-30 %, ephemerals pp30-35 %.
Peashrub grouping plays a very insignificant role in the vegetation landscape of the Terminal
area. In fact, this coenosis is belongs to river zoning or meadowlike grouping. In other zones
beyond river side the peashrub grouping was encountered together with halophyte weed
(Atriplex tatarica L., Suaeda dendroides Pall., Salsola ericoides Bieb. and so forth.). All the
above mentioned ephemerals and ephemeroids are encountered in the coenosis.
Sample plot 11
? 4021851859
Formation Salsoletum dendroides + Tamarix meyeri pp. 60 %.
? 04947367
Dendritic saltwort+tamariks, meadowlike soils
Salsola dendroides . (Moq.)Pall.pp60 %, Tamarix meyeri Boiss.pp20-30 %, ? ynodon
dactylon (L.)Pers. 20-25 %, Alhagi pseudalhagi G.A.Mey.pp10-15 %, Iris acutiloba, rare.
Ephemerals dried up, 10-12 species.
Description 15
Formation
? 4022701
? 04945331
Tamarixetum on meadowlike sands
pp45-50 %.
Tamarix meyeripp60 %, Salsola dendroidespp40 %, Allium rubellum, Suaeda dendroides, and
also species of genera Veronica L., Cynodon Rich., AlyssiumL., Ranunculus L., Alhagi
Gadneb, Atriplex L., Lepidium L., Bromus L. and others. This type of coenosis is widely
spread in the Terminal central area. Phyto-sociological analysis of the record made testifies to
transitional coenosis. Conditioned by Poa bulbosa turf process, which is generally typical of
Salsoletum dendroides Pall. is changed with the turf process typical of meadowlike coenoses
conditioned by Cynodon dactylon (L.)Pers.
Two lichen species were encountered in the formation on the ground: Diploschistes
gupsaceus Auct. coverage pp 25-30% and Squamaria lentigera (Web.) Poelt coverage pp 15%
, sometimes scattered. No other species encountered.
Transsect 3
Description 16
? 4022697
Formation Salsoletum nodulosae + Suaeda dendroides pp 60-65
%
? 04942385
desert
Mountainous saltwort with dendritic sea blite on sierozem
Salsola nodulosa (Moq.)Ilyin. pp60 %, Suaeda dendroides Pall.pp 40 % .
On the ground and argillaceous slopes Salsola nodulosa (Moq.) Ilyin. is accompanied by
saltwort Suaeda dendroides Pall., however, in this environment its combination with Salsola
ericoides was rarely observed. However, this composition of coenosis is common for the
Terminal environment, where it is observed in fragments. In this environment the coenosis
composition differs by existing turfing processes normally specific to flat environment and
not observed on steep argillaceous slopes.
According to the record, apart from the dominants the absolute constants are therophyte
Catabrosella humilis (M.B. Criseb.) and geophyte Allium rubellum Bieb., However,
Catabrosella humilis (M.B. Criseb.) does not condition turfing process because it is rare here,
as identified in the Scale. Apart from the above said species individuals of Kallidium
caspicum (L.)Ung.-Stornb. also contribute to coenosis, visually accounting for 60-65 %,
sometimes 30 %.
38/74
Sample plot 12
? 4022488
? 04942634
Ditto
This combination is frequent and occurs in small spots on flat ground. The turfing
degree in the coenosis is rather high and is accounted for by Poa bulbosa and Catabrosella
humilis (M.B. )Criseb. Scale point 3-2-3. 2 edificators (Artemisia fragrans Willd.,
Salsolanodulosa (Moq.)Ilyin. ) and 2 turfing conditioners Poa bulbosa L. and Catabrosella
Humilis (M.B.) Criseb., 17-19 ephemeral species, rare Climacoafera.crassa (Bieb.)Botsch,
Anabasis salsa L. all these contribute to formation composition.
Lichens are also encountered in this formation. Initially only rare individuals of
Squamaria lentigera (Web.) Poelt are encountered, later on a small area of Diploschistes
gupsaceus Auct. Coverage 50 %. Squamaria lentigera (Web.) Poelt is also encountered,
coverage 15 %, Collema crispum (Huds.) Web. pp 5% and Fulgensia fulgens (Sw.) Elenk.
Coverage pp1%. Single individual of moss.
Transsect. 4.
Description
? 4020476
? 04944485
Formation Artemisietum fragransae + Teocrium polium pp80-85 %.
Wormwood desert of sierozem
Artemisia fragrans Willd. pp60-70 %, Teucrium polium L.pp10-15 %, Ranunculus
oxyspermuspp10-15 %, Medicago rigidula (L.)All. Rare individuals of M. minima
(L.)Bartalini, individuals. Individuals of Salsola nodulosa (Moq.)Ilyin., also, 15 ephemeral
species.
This kind of coenosis in the Terminal area is normally observed on dry slopes and other more
or less rocky locations. Density of Teucrium polium L. in this coenosis does not go beyond 4
of the Domin Scale, whereas wormwood Artemisia fragrans reaches 5-6.
Lichens were encountered in this formation only on rocks and soil cover around rocks.
Aspicilia contorta (Hoffm.) Kremplh., Caloplaca ferruginea (Huds.) Th. Fr., Caloplaca
saxicola (Hoffm.) Nord., Caloplaca citrina (Hoffm.) Th. Fr., Lecanora atra (Huds.) Ach. were
observed on rocks. Collema crispum (Huds.) Web., Psora lurida (With.) DC., Toninia
coeruleonigricans (Leight.) Th. Fr., Diploschistes gupsaceus Auct. around rocks.
Description 18.
? 4020837
Rocky slope
? 04945155
Formation Salsoletum nodulosae+Noaea mucronata
Mountainous salty desert with Noaea on sierozem
Salsola nodulosa(Moq.)Ilyin, Noaea mucronata (Forssk.)Aschers.
This formation of Salsoletum is common for piedmont of the Terminal area where it occupies
vast areas ???? ? ? ???, ??? ? ? ?? ????? ? ? ???? ???. Presence of turf generator Poa bulbosa,
ranking high in the Domin Scale. The coenosis comprises 15-17 species.
Also in this formation, lichens were observed on the rocks and soil cover around rocks with
composition similar to the above-mentioned formation. This apparently can be explained by
their structural similarity. Also encountered were Caloplaca citrina (Hoffm.) Th. Fr. Lecanora
atra (Huds.) Ach., Aspicilia contorta (Hoffm.) Kremplh., Candelariella aurella (Hoffm.)
Zahlbr, Caloplaca saxicola (Hoffm.) Nord. Here, on rocks moss cover occurs on which
Cladonia foliaceae (Huds.) was encountered. Ground lichens are represented by genera
39/74
Toninia coeruleonigricans (Leight.) Th. Fr., Fulgensia fulgens (Sw.) Elenk., Collema crispum
(Huds.) Web., Squamaria lentigera (Web.) Poelt Diploschistes gupsaceus Auct.
Lichens play a definite role in the composition of complex steppe phytocoenoses. Their
occurrence and species change with regard to relief, elevation, grass composition and the
degree of colonisation of soil generating rocks. Collema crispum (Huds.). is typical for salt
steppe soils. As solonetzcity of soil grows Collema is joined by Diploschistes gupsaceus
Auct., Toninia coeruleonigricans (Leight.). Fine-turf and sheep’s fescue and mixed fodder
plants of steppe communities provide ground for Fulgensia fulgens (Sw.), Squamaria
lentigera (Web.) and others. Coenotype role of lichens in steppe depends on the degree of
their domination. On rarer grass soil, elevated or sufficiently warmed areas coenotype role of
lichens grows, whereas in heavily turfed steppe communities they practically do not exist.
Sample plot 13
? 4020348
? 04945254
Salsoletum dendroidespp60-65%
Salsola dendroides Pall., Alhagi pseudalhagi (Bieb.)Fish, Aelurupus littoralis
(Goncen.)Pare., Plantago minuta Pall., Tamarix meyeri Boiss., Hordeum leporinum Link.,
Meniokus linifolius Steph., Juno caucasica (Hoffm.)Klatt , Holosteum umbellatum L.,
Petrosimonia brachiata (Pall.)Bunge, Anabasis salsa L., Climacoptera crassa
(Bieb.0Botsch.and other ephemerals dried up.
Transsect 5
Description 19
? 4020434
Formation Thickets of Tamarixetum meyeri pp75%
? 04945232
Tamarix meyeri Boiss.?/? 60%, Salsola dendroides Pall.pp10-15%, Suaeda
dendroides (Fish. et Mey.)Moq.pp10-15%, Alhagi pseudalhagi (Bieb.)Fish. pp10-15 %.
Ephemerals about 10 species. Single individual of seaweed Nostoc commune encountered.
Sample plot 14
? 4020434
? 04945232
Ditto
Tamarix meyeri Boiss. ?? ???? 2,5 ? ,pp40-60%, Alhagi pseudalhagi (Bieb.)Fishpp20-25%,
Carduus albidus Bieb.,ppArtemisia alpina Pall.pp10-15%, Allium rubellum(Bieb.)pp5-10%,
Tulipa sp. Representatives of genera Camphorosma L., Rhamnus L., Lepidium, Artemisa and
other species are represented by single individuals.
Description 20
? 4020184
? 04945028
Formation Salsoletum nodulosa
Rocky slopes pp 50-60%
Sample plot 15
Salsola nodulosapp60%, Artemisia fragrans Willd.pp40%, S. ericoides pp10-15%, rarely
observed shrubs of Rhamnus pallasii Fisch.
The core of biological spectrum as generally observed in the communities of rock deserts:
terophytes prevail in spring, geophytes emerge later on. ????? ????: ?????? ?????
40/74
?????????? ? ????? ??? , ? ????? ? ?????? ??? ???? ??? . ? ?????? ? ??????? ? ? ????? ?????
????? ????? ? ??????? ??? ??? ???????????? ?????? ? Poa bulbosa L. ? Catabrosella
Humilis (M.B.)Criseb. First tier: Salsola nodulosa (Moq.)Ilyin., sometimes Artemisia
fragrans. Other representatives of the community form second and third tiers. Generally, tiers
are feebly marked in desert environment, although sometimes they are more or less obvious.
The root system of majority of subshrub halophytes is well deveoped. Thus, Salsola nodulosa
(Moq.)Ilyin has roots reaching 2-3 m. It is capable of growing without soil and atmospheric
humidity. For normal development it has sufficient storage of water. In the Gobustan there are
around 600-700 species of phanerogamy of which number some 200-250 were encountered
around the Terminal. Of these only few play a leading role in vegetation groupings. Only few
species of the surveyed territory have the potential to become capable edificators of such
groupings, set phytosocial organisation. Predominantly, these are shrubs, subshrubs, annuals
and perennials. Often, spring annuals become edificators. The latter later on bring about
phytocoenosis, therefore, geobotanical surveys should also be made in autumn.
Historically, deserts of the Gobustan area have been shaped by aboriginal species of this area,
called endemics. Endemic species in the Gobustan mount to 50-60. Among these there are
both Azerbaijan and Caucasus endemics. During this visit to the area some 10-15% thereof
were not observed, therefore, in order to make a complete list of endemics survey should also
be made in springtime, when they grow and blossom.
In this country there are numerous valuable, both economically and academically, species,
also in the Gobustan and the Sangachal area. Because of anthropogenic impact they are
becoming rare and eventually dissapear from coenosis.
With regard to the above stated report it should be recommended:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Increase flora and fauna protection in the area.
Set educational and awareness programs
Make a large scale map of flora and vegetation of the Sangachal Terminal area.
Pinpoint on the map endemic, rare and endangered species locations
Mark vegetation types
Set up oases, water reservoirs and lawns
Mark potential recreation spots and so forth.
41/74
Appendix B
Mammals and Herpatofauna proformas
Disclaimer
were verbatim.
42/74
Mammals & Herpetofauna Species Encountered
English name
Herpetofauna
Marsh frog
Spur-thighed
tortoise
Caspian turtle
Caspian gecko
Caucasian agama
Racerunner
Genus
species
Rana
ridibunda
Testudo
graeca
Mauremys
caspica
Cyrtopodion
caspius
Stellio
caucasius
Eremias
velox
Eremias species
Study area sub-section encountered in?*
SC
X
NC
X
CS
X
X
X
X
WP
FW
X
WH
X
X
X
X
X
Whip snake
species
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
43/74
Evidence of Time
encounter?*
(D/N)
wetlands
sighting
NH
X
Eremias
arguta
Snake-eyed lizard Ophisops
elegans
Grass snake
Natrix
species
tesellata
Dahl’s whip
Coluber
snake
najadum
Coluber
schmidti
CN
Biotope
semi
desert &
beach side
wetlands
carapice
sighting
semi
Sighting
desert & captured
beach side
rocky
sighting
places
Semi
Sighting
desert & captured
beach side
Sighting
captured
foothills
sighting
D
& D
& D&N
& D
& D
D
wetlands
sighting
D
foothills
sighting
D
beach side
sighting
D
English name
Mammals
Ear shrew
Horseshoe bat
species
Asian barbastelle
bat
Kuhl’s pipistrelle
Genus
species
Hemiechinus
auritus
Rhinilophus
genus
Barbastella
leucomelas
Pipistrellus
kuhlii
Biotope
X
X
open
resident
semidesert information
cave
sighting
D
X
cave
captured
D
captured,
audible,
sighting
sighting, nests
N
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
numerous
semi
desert,
beach side
semi
sighting
desert & burrows
beach side
riverside
captured
Brown hare
Lepus
europaeus
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Small jerboa
Allactaga
elater
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
House mouse
X
Red tailed
sanderling
Mus
musculus
Cricetulus
migratorius
Meriones
lybicus
Wolf
Canis lupus
Golden jackal
Canis aureus
Grey hamster
Evidence of Time
encounter?*
(D/N)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
44/74
X
semi
desert
semi
desert &
beach side
semi
desert &
foothills
wetlands
N
D&N
& D&N
N
sighting
N
burrows
D&N
resident
information
D
excrement & D
resident
information
English name
Ordinary fox
Caspian seal
Genus
species
Vulpes
vulpes
Phoca
caspica
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Biotope
X
X
semi
desert,
beach side
&
foothills
beach side
*Area abbreviations
Southeast coast (SC)
Northeast coast (NC)
Central north plains (CN)
Central south plains (CS)
Western plains (WP)
Far west (FW)
West hills (WH)
North hills (NH)
45/74
Evidence of
encounter?*
excrements,
sighting,
footprints,
burows
&
resident
information
dead bodies
Time
(D/N)
D&N
d
Mammal Life Cycles
Common
English
name
Genus
species
Event
Month
1
Ear shrew
Hemiechinus Breeding
autitus
Pregnancy
Hibernation
Horseshoe Rhinolophus Breeding
bat
agenus
Pregnancy
Hibernation*
Asian
Barbastella
Breeding
barbastelle leucomelas
Pregnancy
bat
Hibernation*
Kuhl’s bat Pipistrellus
Breeding
kuhlii
Pregnancy
Hibernation*
Brown
Lepus
Breeding
hare
europaeus
Pregnancy
Hibernation
Lesser
Allactaga
Breeding
jerboa
elater
Pregnancy
Hibernation
House
Mus
Breeding
mouse
musculus
Pregnancy
Hibernation
Grey
Cricetulus
Breeding
hampster
migratorius Pregnancy
Hibernation
Sanderling Meriones
Breeding
lybicus
Pregnancy
Hibernation
Wolf
Canis lupus Breeding
Pregnancy
Hibernation
Golden
Canis
Breeding
jackal
aureus
Pregnancy
Hibernation
Common
Vulpes
Breeding
fox
vulpes
Pregnancy
Hibernation
Caspian
Phoca
Breeding
seal
caspica
Pregnancy
Pregnancy
latency**
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
46/74
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Herp Life Cycles
Common
English
name
Genus
species
Event
Marsh frog
Rana
ridibunda
Spurthighed
tortoise*,**
Caspian
turtle
Testudo
graeca
Caspian
gecko
Cyrtopodio
n caspius
Caspian
agama
Stellio
caucasius
Eremias
species
Eremias
velox
Spawning
Incubation/M
etamorphosis
Hibernation
Breeding
Incubation
Hibernation
Breeding
Incubation
Hibernation
Breeding
Incubation
Hibernation
Breeding
Incubation
Hibernation
Breeding
Incubation
Eremias
species
Eremias
arguta
Snake-eyed
lizard
Ophisops
elegans
Grass snake
species
Natrix
tesellata
Dahl”s whip
snake
Coluber
najadum
Whip snake
Coluber
schmidti
Month
1
Mayremis
caspica
2
3
4
Hibernation
Breeding
Incubation
Hibernation
Breeding
Incubation
Hibernation
Breeding
Incubation
Hibernation
Breeding
Incubation
Hibernation
Breeding
Incubation
Hibernation
* Included in Azerbaijan 1989 Red List
** Included in IUCN 1997 L=Redlist of Threatened Species
47/74
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Night work
Live Trap Results
Surname and Name (participant)
Starting Time
Completion Time
Irina
Hassanov
Rahmatulina Nijat
05 22
07 30
Trap Live Trap Size Way
GPS
No. (photos shown Point Coordinates
below)
1.
36
m
N
40.16112
E
049.46978
2.
37
m
N
40.16111
E
049.46983
3.
38
m
N
40.16112
E
049.46986
4.
39
l
N
40.16094
E
049.46990
5.
40
l
N
40.16089
E
049.46994
6.
41
m
N
40.16088
E
049.46983
7.
42
m
N
40.16090
E
049.46983
8.
43
m
N
40.16099
E
049.46984
9.
44
m
N
40.16084
entrapped
group
biotope
empty
seaside semi-desert
empty
seaside semi-desert
empty
seaside semi-desert
empty
seaside semi-desert
empty
seaside semi-desert
empty
seaside semi-desert
empty
seaside semi-desert
empty
seaside semi-desert
Mus
musculus
riverside
plant)
(tamarsk+salty
(tamarsk+salty
10.
l
45
E
N
049.46807
40.16082
empty
riverside
plant)
11.
l
46
E
N
049.46803
40.16079
empty
riverside
(tamarsk+saltwort)
12.
l
47
E
N
049.46798
40.16082
empty
riverside
(tamarsk+saltwort)
13.
s
48
E
N
049.46798
40.16084
empty
riverside
(tamarsk+saltwort)
14.
m
49
E
N
049.46799
40.16082
empty
riverside
(tamarsk+saltwort)
15.
s
50
E
N
049.46789
40.16079
empty
riverside
(tamarsk+saltwort)
16.
m
51
E
N
049.46770
40.16080
empty
riverside
plant)
(tamarsk+salty
17.
l
52
E
N
049.46757
40.16079
empty
riverside
plant)
(tamarsk+salty
18.
l
53
E
N
049.46756
40.16077
empty
riverside
(tamarsk+saltwort)
E
049.46756
48/74
sex
female
(pregnant)
Trap Live Trap Size Way
GPS
No. (photos shown Point Coordinates
below)
19.
54
s
N
40.16077
entrapped
group
biotope
empty
riverside
(tamarsk+saltwort)
20.
l
55
E
N
049.46753
40.16078
empty
riverside
(tamarsk+saltwort)
21.
l
56
E
N
049.46739
40.16071
empty
riverside
(tamarsk+saltwort)
22.
s
57
E
N
049.46703
40.16070
empty
riverside
(tamarsk+saltwort)
23.
m
58
E
N
049.46704
40.16074
empty
riverside
(tamarsk+saltwort)
24.
s
59
E
N
049.46695
40.16069
Mus
musculus
riverside
(tamarsk+saltwort)
25.
l
60
E
N
049.46694
40.16077
empty
riverside
(tamarsk+saltwort)
E
049.46608
(S)mall trap =13 ? 7 ??
(M)edium = 23 ? 8,5 ??
49/74
sex
female
(L)arge tra = 20 ? 10 ??
Mist Nets Results
Bats cauight around the Sangachal terminal during 11 - 14 . 06. 2001
Catch time
Net ?
Species
Sex Weight Age Antibrachium
length
1
11 30
from
cave
Ring ?
Barbastella
leucomelas
male
9, 7 g
2 years 42, 0mm
XD99699
2 21. 45 - 22. 15
1
P. kuhlii
male
7, 5 g
2 years 35, 5mm
XDO099601
3 21. 45 - 22. 15
1
P. kuhlii
male
7, 5 g
2 years 34, 0mm
XDO099602
4 21. 45 - 22. 15
1
P. kuhlii
male
7, 9 g
2 years 35, 0mm
XDO099603
5 05. 22 - 06. 00
1
P. kuhlii
female 7, 0 g
2 years 35, 0mm
XDO099604
6 05. 22 - 06. 00
1
P. kuhlii
male
5, 7 g
1 years 34, 3mm
XDO099605
7 05. 22 - 06. 00
1
P. kuhlii
male
6, 6 g
2 years 35, 0mm
XDO099606
8 05. 22 - 06. 00
2
P. kuhlii
female 8, 5 g
2 years 33, 5mm
XDO099607
9 05. 22 - 06. 00
2
P. kuhlii
female 7, 5 g
1 years 36, 5mm
XDO099608
# 05. 22 - 06. 00
2
P. kuhlii
female 7, 7 g
2 years 34, 0mm
XDO099609
50/74
Sangachal River and Mist Net Type used to trap bats
Tagging and Subsequent Carture of Bats
MAMMALS FAUNA SURVEY AROUND THE SANGACHAL TERMINAL
(IN A RADIUS OF 5 KM)
Materials and Methods
The survey of mammal populations was conducted on separate sections around Sangachal
Terminal during 4 days (including one night) in accordance with the submitted map.
The main methods: visual (including by means of binoculars), itinerary pedestrian along the
routes (average length of last ones are 2 km), selective (various biotopes). Met animals (their
dead bodies and skeletons), burrows, dens, asylums, diverse signs of vital functions (food
remains, tracks, excrements) and typical habitats were registered.
Live traps of three types (sizes – 20 x 10 sm, 23 x 8,5 sm, 13 x 7 sm) were placed for the
night time observation near the newly digged burrows of rodents (tamarisk and alhagi bushes)
at the littoral area (Route No. 3). Two Japanese nets (the length of each one – approximately
20 m, height – 5 m) were placed at the distance of 300 m one from another on the same route
at the right bank of the river-canal Jeirankechmez. The registration of the species and
quantitative composition of bats around the Sangachal Terminal was conducted by means of
detectors “Peterson D 200”. In addition the registration of diverse small animals (bats,
51/74
rodents, predators) was conducted within 5 km routes passing through a saline land plain west
and northwest of the Sangachal Terminal (altogether 3 routes) as well.
Local natives and the Sangachal Terminal’s employees were questrioned as well.
Survey Results
The routes covered following typical biotopes around the Sangachal Terminal:
Flat clay saline land
This territory is a poorest in terms of fauna covering more than a half of all the area. The
dense clay soil and minimum herbage are the main reasons for a scarce animal world. There
were rarely fixed single burrows of jerboa, one brown hare bedstone, and during night time
were also fixed on the 10 km route: 6 Lepus europaeus, 9 Allactaga elater, 1 Cricetulus
migratorius, 2 Vulpes vulpes. Pipistrellus kuhlii fed everywhere. We could register in all 5
species on a saline land (Routes No 9, 10). We learnt also from the Terminal employees and
herders that jackals and wolves inhabited there. 7 species altogether.
Foothills and bozdags (northeastern side)
It was found excrements of fox and hare, which were also observed on within day and night
time in the stony foothills located northeast of the Terminal. In the bozdags caves that are
represented as chocking semi heaped up tunnels descending from top of the surface were
available scattered excrements of bats. In one of the surveyed caves was found a male of
Barbastella leucomelas (? ? 99699, length of forearm was 42 mm, weight – 9,7 g, released
the same evening, 11 June from Baku). In another section of cave hung Rhinolophus.
Pipistellus kuhlii inhabit usually in the edifices of wintering places.
We heard from herders about the wolves inhabit in bozdags as well. As a result, 6 species
were revealed in that biotope.
Littoral area
Section 1: southeastern side of the coast (Route No 4) is a littered saline land with slender
tamarisk bush, arborescent saltwort and alhagi through average hilly clayey line (between the
highway and the sea), converting to a sandy coquina overgrown by (Argusietum sibirica)
towards the east. Limestone bare rocks tower directly near the sea. To the west at the road
mound the soil is friable, grown by motley grass. Just on that roadside section are extended
the colony Meriones lybicus and have been found excrements of Vulpes vulpes. Under bushes
of the average line were found burrows of Allactaga elater and approximately 5 burrows of
sanderlings. Alongside the seashore within 2,5 km were found on a some distance from one
another 2 skeletons and 3 black oiled dead bodies of Phoca caspica.
As a result, it was revealed 4 species on the section of the seashore.
Section 2: (southwestern side of the Terminal territory) – the most saturated biotope. Includes
such habitats as: 1. coquina, overgrown by (Argusietum sibirica) (side with a beach); 2. sandy
coquina with saltwort, alhagi and tamarisk bushes (average part of the territory); 3. reeds on
the dense clayey soil with numerous cow traces; 4. sandy hillocks with slender saltworts; 5.
narrow bank of a river (canal) predominantly with the saltwort and tamarisk bushes on a claysandy soil.
Excrements of Vulpes vulpes were fixed through all over the second section, but their dens
and themselves were met in the second habitat where a lot of Meriones lybicus was available.
Rodents burrows were also available in the fifth habitat (canal’s bank). No signs of mammals’
52/74
life were found in reeds (although it is a typical ecotope of jackals) in the habitat 1. Dead
bodies and skeletons of seals were scattered about the seashore.
The nighttime snaring of rodents by means of 25 life traps of different sizes has shown 8% of
a hit (2 Mus musculus on the bank of a canal).
During evening flight just 5 Pipistrellus kuhlii were fallen into a net (2 of them disentangled
themselves and flied away), before dawn – 11 (4 flied away). 9 small animals in all were
ringed (5 males and 4 females). Flights of those bats and their ultrasounds were surveyed all
over the territory around the Terminal.
Conclusion
Short-term observations on the territory around the Sangachal Terminal including coverage of
main typical biotopes and polls have shown the presence of 13 mammals species pertaining to
6 classes (Table 2).
From those animals Pipistrellus kuhlii (settle in humans’ dwellings and feed all over the
territory), Lepus europaeus, Allactaga elater, Vulpes vulpes were actually occurring
everywhere. Rhinolophus ferrumequinum and Barbastella leucomelas live in caves. Canis
lupus lives in foothills and mountains. Canis aureus tries to keep itself near the reeds and
tamarisk bushes. Meriones lybicus’ colonies were located in a friable soil under roots of
different bushes and in a motley grass (including legumes and ephemeras).
All the noted bats relate to the protected species according to the Bern Convention and the
“EUROBATS” Agreement.
It is necessary to note that the saline land semi-desert where the Terminal is located is the
kind of territory populated by mammals in an extremely poor extent and does not represent
any danger to them. The only exceptions are the bats registered throughout the surveyed
territory. Taking into consideration gas kicks, possible breakdowns and oil spills that
inevitably would make a negative impact upon insects that constitute an essential part of the
food for the bats it’s required to take all necessary precautions. In order to concretize possible
consequences of the influence of terminals and pipelines on the mammals it’s necessary to
undertake additional, thorough survey of the territory in terms of season aspect. It’s especially
required to accentuate the necessity of night works – a time of the mammal main activity.
53/74
I. K. Rakhmatulina
N. A. Gasanov
Herpatofauna Survey Report
The routes passed through wormwood and saline land deserts, rocks, scattered stones and
along the sea coastline. The registration of species and the count of quantity were made
lengthways the lines of different extensions and width of 3 m. Belonging of species was
determined on the basis of “Qualifier of amphibious and reptiles of the USSR’s fauna”
(Bannikov, Darevsky, 1977).
Such species as Eremias arguta, Eremias velox, Stellio caucasica,Ophisops elegans are
common for the researched territory: within 1 km of the route were fixed 6 Eremias velox, 5
Eremias argut, 12 Stellio caucasica, 11 Ophisops elegans.
4 individuals of Cyrtopodion caspica, 1 individual of Coluber najadum, 1 slough of Coluber
schmidti, 2 shells of 1 live Testudo graeca, 2 individuals of Natrix tesellata, 1 Maryemus
caspica were met during three days of survey. Females of the most of species were revealed
in more rare manner than males owing to the concluding stage of reproductive cycle.
It is necessary to notice that a summer period observation is not quite an “unbiased time” for
the reptiles survey owing to a change of the activity cycle from daytime to nighttime by the
most of species. For a study of the dynamics of number and density of the noted species
populations the summer period observations are to be supplemented by a spring and an
autumn observations.
54/74
Appendix C
Ornithology Report
Disclaimer
were verbatim.
55/74
Report to Dames & Moore
Nizami 86,
Baku,
Azerbaijan
ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE STUDY
OF THE BP
SANGACHAL TERMINAL AREA
ORNITHOLOGY
Results of a
Breeding Bird Survey
conducted during May 2001.
Simon Aspinall, Elchin Sultanov
& Ilias Babayev
Report prepared by:
Simon Aspinall
P.O. Box 45553,
Abu Dhabi,
United Arab Emirates
56/74
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
•
A breeding bird survey was completed of the area within five kilometres radius of the
BP Sangachal terminal site during May 2001.
•
The footprint of the expanded terminal site itself will not adversely impact the
breeding population of any species of bird. Away from the confines of this area,
however, there are rare, threatened and sensitive species that require consideration.
•
Two national ‘Red Data’ species, namely black-bellied sandgrouse and long-legged
buzzard, were found to be present within the study area. Both occurred in areas well
away from the terminal site and are thus unlikely to be affected by construction or
operation of the terminal. The Western Route export pipeline already crosses their
favoured area, apparently without adverse effect. Outside the breeding season these
species may occupy other areas within the study area, but, once again, are still
unlikely to be ‘inconvenienced’.
•
The purple gallinule, a Red Data species known to have bred previously in the area,
was not found during the present study, although may still be present. Little bustard is
yet another Red Data species that may visit the area in winter, most probably to the
area of steppe west of the terminal.
•
one significant survey finding was the discovery of a new breeding species for
azerbaijan, syke’s (booted) warbler. upward of 14 territories were located in wet
tamarisk south of the access road to the terminal. even though not considered rare or
threatened internationally, there is good reason to safeguard this population.
discussion with bp hse personnel suggests that additional suitable habitat can actually
be created to help the population expand.
•
Although too late in the spring to be surveyed during the current study, many migrant
species, including some Red Data and/or globally threatened species, are known to
pass through the area. Most simply overfly without stopping, e.g. honey buzzard and
lesser kestrel, following the coastal lowlands northwards to their breeding grounds.
None of these species is likely to be disrupted by construction or operation of the
terminal.
•
Sangachal Bay supports important numbers of waterfowl during migration periods
and, particularly, in winter. These have been the subject of previous studies on behalf
of AIOC. Neither migrant, nor wintering birds are discussed at length further in the
following report, although they are included in long-term monitoring proposals.
•
A number of proposals for environmental enhancement are given in the appendices,
these relating in particular to breeding birds and to environmental education
opportunities.
•
A summary of year-round ornithological monitoring and research requirements is also
given in the appendices. A fuller outline is to be prepared separately in consultation
with BP HSE in Baku.
57/74
Introduction
A considerable amount of ornithological data has been collected previously from coastal
waters and islands (and platforms) from north of Apsheron south to Kyzyl Agach. The
international importance of much of the area for waterfowl has, as a result, been firmly
established. Involved in particular are island seabird breeding colonies in summer and ducks,
coots, grebes and other wetland species visiting or wintering in the area. There is, however,
sparse quantitative data on breeding bird populations along the coastal fringe and immediate
hinterland. A survey was thus commissioned by BP to look at the area of the pipeline landfall
and reception terminal at Sangachal during the breeding season. The following report presents
the results of that survey. Part of the work involved collaboration with Azeri ornithologists
and training in western methodologies for bird survey and census techniques.
The survey was completed over 28-31/5/01 inclusive.
Methods
The study area was arbitrarily set as all land within five kilometres radius of the expanded
terminal site. For convenience, this area was subdivided, mainly on geomorphological
grounds, into seven smaller areas (Figure 1). A brief description of each is given below.
Single morning or afternoon visits were made to each of these areas during 28-31/5/01
inclusive. Morning surveys commenced between 0800 and 0830 and concluded around
midday. Afternoon surveys were conducted between c1400 and 1730.
Within each area, a pre-planned transect route was walked at an average speed of 1-2km/hr.
Transects varied in length from c3-8 kilometres. A hand-held Garmin GPS was used to record
and map the route followed (Figure 1), thereby permitting repeat surveys to be completed in
later years. The single survey team consisted of three observers and an interpreter, who
remained together at all times. All birds heard or seen were recorded and any evidence of
breeding activity was documented. No maximum distance limit from the transect to record a
bird was set, the only proviso being that the bird/s should be within that survey area. All birds,
whether seen or only heard, were recorded. Variation in detectability of different species is
discussed later.
Incidental bird sightings made, and other reports received, were also taken into consideration
in the compilation of this report.
SE and NE Coast
The narrow coastal strip seaward of the main road was divided into two, NE and SE,
respectively north and south of the landfall jetty. These areas differed substantially in terms of
their ecology and the division is thus justified. The southern area, SE, supported shallow
lagoons and wet (marshy) slacks with riparian vegetation, particularly Phragmites australis
(reed) and Typha sp. (reedmace). Intermittent streams reached the shore in both areas (SE &
NE), these supporting variable amounts of reed growth and/or tamarisk scrub. The northern
area, NE, was largely rocky down to the shore, with the exception of a brackish lagoon near
its southern limit. Tamarisk Tamarix sp. was locally abundant in both areas.
The coastal waters of Sangachal Bay were surveyed from shore. The bay is known to be
important for waterfowl during migration periods and in winter, but not in summer when only
feeding terns Sterna sp. would be expected.
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Safety restrictions meant that the reedbeds that have developed between the north and south
bound carriageways of the main road to and from Baku were not surveyed.
Central Plain
The central plain was arbitrarily divided into two, respectively north and south of the access
road to the Sangachal terminal. The northern area, in particular, has been badly impacted by
mudflows, especially to the west, and perhaps also by heavy grazing pressure. In the southern
sector are low mud cliffs suitable for burrow-nesting birds.
Ornithologically the greatest interest lies in the low-lying wet grazing marsh (with reeds,
reedmace and rushes Juncus sp.) and in the tamarisk scrubland. This is of greater extent in the
southern area, where reedbed growth is also far more extensive. Innumerable pipelines cross
both areas north to south.
North Hill
Due to a shortage of time, the North Hill was not surveyed other than along its southern foot.
Bird populations in this area are in any case deemed unlikely to be impacted either by
construction activity or operation of the expanded terminal. The rocky slopes run up to sheer
faces in places, these being suitable for nesting by a number of bird of prey and corvids
(choughs, ravens etc) amongst other species. The entire area is apparently treeless. Mud
volcanoes are present near the summit, these being the source for mud-flows traversing the
plains at Sangachal.
West Hills
The isolated trio of hills lying immediately to the west of the terminal is lower than the North
Hill, but possesses a similar rocky topography. Only low cliff faces are present, these being
largely inadequate for nesting by birds of prey, excepting perhaps kestrel (and little owls).
Relict Juniper Juniperus sp. is found on the summit of the northernmost hill. An extensive
archaeological site was discovered on the northern-most hill, with several widely spaced
smaller sites also being located. These were notified to the archaeological survey team.
Western Plains
The Western Plains lie to the west of the West Hills and are crossed by the western route
pipeline. As with the central plain, mud-flows have affected part of this area, although not so
greatly as in the latter’s case (or at least not impacting the area so markedly). The area is
crossed by at least one stream with low mud cliffs, the narrow channel itself sustaining
tamarisk stands. The area is otherwise semi-arid steppic range-land. Grazing is reportedly a
major landuse in winter.
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Table 1. Breeding bird populations1 in the Sangachal study area, May 2001.
(All figures refer to minimum number of pairs or occupied territories).
Species
SE Coast
NE Coast
North Hill
Date (a.m./p.m.) 28/5 a.m.
29/5 a.m.
28/5 p.m.
Little Bittern
1
Purple Heron
1
Ruddy Shelduck
Long-legged Buzzard*
?
Kestrel
1
1
Chukar
2
Stone Curlew
Black-winged Stilt
2
3
Collared Pratincole
5
Little Ringed Plover
Kentish Plover
8
6
Common Tern
6-8
Little Tern
7
Black-bellied Sandgrouse*
Rock Dove
1
3
+
Cuckoo
Little Owl
1
European Bee-eater
Hoopoe
1
2
Short-toed Lark
Crested Lark
3
7
Black-headed Wagtail
2
White Wagtail
Rufous Bush Robin
Isabelline Wheatear
1
1
Finsch’s Wheatear
1
5
Moustached Warbler
Reed Warbler
9
3
-
Central Plain south
30/5 a.m.
1 (1/6)
1+
1?
1+
6
3
1
7
2
5
9
3
1
7
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Central Plain north
30/5 p.m.
1
1
2
1
2
1
2
2
2
-
West Hills
31/5 p.m.
1
?
2
6
-
Western Plains
31/5 a.m.
1
1+
1
2
1+
2
5
7
1
-
Table 1 (cont.)
SE Coast
28/5 a.m.
NE Coast
29/5 a.m.
North Hill
28/5 p.m.
Central Plain south
30/5 a.m.
Central Plain north
30/5 p.m.
Great Reed Warbler
1
2
Syke’s (Booted) Warbler
14
Menetries’ Warbler
11
Rock Nuthatch
4
Red-backed Shrike
1
1
Chough
1
Magpie
1
Hooded Crow
2
Raven
Starling
1+
3
Many
House Sparrow
1+
Many
1
Possible, probable and confirmed breeding records are all included; * signifies national Red Data species
1+
West Hills
31/5 p.m.
Western Plains
31/5 a.m.
5
-
1
1
Many
-
Swifts (Apus apus), swallows (Hirundo rustica), house martins (Delichon urbica) and sand martins (Riparia riparia) feed in large numbers over the area and
are probably also breeding within the study area.
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Table 2. Other species of bird recorded in the Sangachal study area, May 2001.
(All counts are of individuals).
Species
SE Coast
Great Crested Grebe
Great Cormorant
Glossy Ibis
Honey Buzzard*
Egyptian Vulture
Steppe Buzzard
Buteo sp.
Lesser Kestrel**
Shelduck
Wigeon
Mallard
Greater Sand Plover
Wood Sandpiper
Black-headed Gull
Slender-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Gull-billed Tern
Sandwich Tern
Whiskered Tern
Red-throated Pipit
Grey-headed Wagtail
Sedge Warbler
Rosy Starling
Goldfinch
1
2
1
8
4
-
NE Coast
Central Plain south
Central Plain north
West Hills
Western Plains
4
2
3
1
3
18
1
2
6
1
15
-
1
15
2
2
1-2
1
1
2
1
-
1
-
2
-
* - Red Data species; ** - globally threatened (note that lesser kestrel is not actually a Red Data species in Azerbaijan ,
yet it is considered globally threatened).
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RESULTS
Survey results are given in Tables 1 and 2. Table 1 provides minimum population estimates,
as number of pairs, for all possible, probable and confirmed nesting species, along transect
corridors in each of the seven survey plots (Figure 1). Table 2 provides details of visiting
migrant species recorded in the same survey areas, some of these being late departing winter
visitors or non-breeding, immature birds.
The position of nesting colonies was recorded precisely using the GPS (Table 3). This
concerned only four species, namely collared pratincole, common tern, little tern and beeeater, most other species were recorded nesting either singly or in adjacent territories within a
specific habitat, for example reed warblers in a reedbed. No bird of prey nests were located,
although certain species may be nesting within the study area, long-legged buzzard and
kestrel in particular. Many species of birds of prey use traditional eyries annually, which is, of
course, relevant to their successful conservation.
Table 3. Location of important bird colonies in the Sangachal terminal study area.
Species
Collared Pratincole
Common Tern
Little Tern
European Bee-eater
Area name
Northing
Easting
SE coast
NE coast
NE coast
Central plain (south)
40.16742
40.18939
40.18939
40.18633
49.47095
49.50476
49.50476
49.46848
Estimated
no. pairs
5
6-8
7
6
One notable observation concerned a migrant species, Syke’s booted warbler (hereafter
Syke’s warbler), found breeding in wet tamarisk scrub to the south of the access road to the
existing terminal. This is noteworthy as it constitutes the first confirmed breeding season
presence of the species in Azerbaijan and it is undoubtedly nesting here (see also Appendix
2). Nesting habitat typical for this species is present widely over the central southern survey
area. The area occupied by this species lies east and west of a line joining 40.19236N
49.48428E and 40.18326N 49.47402E (see transect route as mapped on Figure 1).
Two national Red Data species were recorded. One of these, black-bellied sandgrouse, was
recorded only on the Western Plains (single flying bird landed at c40.21425N 49.45283E and
a pair flushed at 40.22109N 49.43737E). The species seems likely to be nesting and feeding
in this area alone, although birds may visit other areas outside of the breeding season. During
hot weather sandgrouse need to make daily visits to freshwater to drink. Where these birds
visited to do so was not discovered.
The second such species, long-legged buzzard, was seen hunting widely over the Western
Plains (centred around 40.21452N 49.43727E) and is likely to be nesting either in tamarisk
bushes there or on a cliff north or west of the plains. A bird was also seen hunting over the
central plains to the north of the terminal.
The home range of birds of prey is likely to be many tens of square kilometres i.e. almost
throughout the entire study area, although the feeding territory of no single species, or
individual pair of any species, was actually mapped during this study (see later discussions).
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DISCUSSION
Amongst species of breeding bird present in the Sangachal study area, only two are listed as
national Red Data species, namely black-bellied sandgrouse and long-legged buzzard. The
former probably nests on the Western Plains (see Table 1), also wintering in the area. Longlegged buzzard hunts over the plains throughout the area, including around the immediate
area of the terminal, and probably nests either in tamarisk found in the gullies crossing the
Western Plain or on a cliff or crag on the North Hills or further to the west. No globally
threatened species were recorded, although one such species, namely little bustard, may occur
either on passage or in winter in the study area.
One further Red Data species, purple gallinule, has bred previously in the area (Sultanov pers.
obs.) and may still do so, although it was not detected during the present study. Night-time
surveys (listening for this species) may find it still present in the area.
Of particularly significant interest was the discovery of Syke’s warblers breeding in the damp
scrubland to the south of the terminal’s current access road. This species had not previously
been recorded as breeding anywhere in Azerbaijan, although was known as a scarce passage
migrant through the Caspian lowlands. The habitat where the species is present is typical of
that species elsewhere in its range and it seems probable that Syke’s warbler was simply
overlooked prior to this survey. It is plausible, furthermore, that it is in fact present in most
similar damp scrubby habitats along the Caspian coast.
It is also likely that with further surveys additional species may be recorded breeding within
the study area. Bearded tit, penduline tit, reed bunting and crakes are all likely to be present in
reedbed habitats. No night-time surveys were completed and other than providing population
estimates for little owls, these may provide firm evidence of certain species breeding on the
site (e.g. purple gallinule, crakes and stone curlew). Other species not recorded during the
current or previous studies, nightjar and Savi’s warbler (both of which sing at night), for
example, may also be found.
It should be noted that although nesting localities were identified for each species in each of
the seven survey areas within the study area, the feeding areas of individual species were not
determined absolutely. For most passerines e.g. warblers, wheatears and wagtails, the area
over which feeding can be expected to have taken place would be relatively small and
confined to the area in which they were recorded as nesting. For some other species, corvids
(magpies, ravens, crows and choughs), terns and birds of prey (raptor), for example, foraging
may take place a considerable distance from the actual nest site, over areas away from the
nesting locality. The adult Egyptian vulture observed over the West Hills, and long-legged
buzzard foraging over the Central Plains, are specific examples. Both may nest on North Hill,
or in the latter’s case, the Western Plains. Seabirds too may also make long-distance foraging
trips away from their nest-sites. Both common terns and little terns were observed foraging
close inshore along the entire length of coast (and beyond) in the study area.
Time constraints did not permit second visits to any site, or to the completion of a full census
throughout the entire study area. Strong winds, particularly during afternoon surveys, will
have affected bird activity and made them less conspicuous. Surveys would ordinarily be
suspended when winds exceed Force 3, but time did not permit on this occasion. Nonetheless,
there is no reason to assume that all members of the avian community have not been recorded,
even if their true population sizes remain obscure. Estimates given can be taken as
representing absolute minima in almost all instances.
Partly due to the training programme, the team remained together at all times. Ideally, in open
terrain, teams of a maximum of two persons would survey along transects. A single trained
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observer, familiar with the area and species likely to be encountered, would also prove to be
adequate. A second observer could then walk a parallel transect 200m or further away from
the first observer, thereby covering a greater survey area and producing improved population
estimates and/or density estimates.
Also, due to time constraints, surveys could not be completed in all areas during the period of
greatest bird activity. In future, similar surveys should completed between c0600 and 1000
and between c1600 and 2000 depending on the habitat concerned. Transects across open
terrain may be permissible during other times, when cloud cover is high for example, but it
should be born in mind that bird activity is greatest early and late in the day. Census or survey
work in scrub and reedbeds should certainly only take place early in the day, and would be
reliant on identification of birds from their calls or songs.
Only when these conditions have been adhered to can comparisons strictly be made, either
between different sites or between years at a single site. Although certain species are more
readily detected than others, this will not actually have affected the net result of the survey.
Difference in observer ability is an important consideration, however, particularly where the
quality of a survey is reliant on identification of bird songs or calls. (Outside of the breeding
season this is of lower importance). The quality of optical equipment (telescopes and
binoculars) is also very important.
Those surveys completed in May 2001 can be replicated by following the same transect routes
in future years, thereby permitting direct comparison. In the Sangachal area, however, it
should be realised that the wet scrubland in particular is successional, thus this habitat can be
expected to change through time, with concomitant changes in the numbers of pairs of
different species of bird, as well as in the bird community itself. The same can probably be
said of much of the plains, which have been badly impacted by mudflows, with the vegetation
still to recover or redevelop. Recovery to its former state may in fact not be possible. Instead,
a different floral community may well develop (see botanical survey report).
Since comparison of the results of future monitoring with this ornithological baseline of
breeding birds is likely to be confused by natural habitat change through time, it is
recommended that management activities deemed likely to enhance wetlands, both along the
coast and east of the terminal, be undertaken. Protection of existing bird colonies found in the
study area (see Table 3) should also be a priority.
Appendix 1 discusses the possibility of environmental enhancement in the area of the
Sangachal terminal, in line with other of BP’s current programme of environmental initiatives
in Azerbaijan. The opportunity to create a wetland reserve, for educational and awareness
purposes, forms part of the proposal presented.
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Impact of terminal expansion – construction and operational phases
Individual species or groups of species at risk in the Sangachal study area are summarised in
Table 4.
Terminal area
The footprint of the expanded terminal area will not adversely impact the breeding population
of any species of bird, even if a small number of individuals of a number of species will
necessarily be displaced. None of these species is otherwise considered threatened or rare and
thus no mitigating or remedial measures are required.
It is also improbable that either construction or operation of the terminal will affect bird
populations in the immediately surrounding area (i.e. within 1km radius), especially as much
of the area has been ecologically disrupted by mudflows. No especially sensitive or threatened
species of breeding bird occurs in areas where building work is scheduled.
West Hills and North Hill
The rocky hills west and north of the expanded terminal are unlikely to be impacted by
construction activity or by subsequent operation. It was noticed that quarrying (by an
unknown party) had partly damaged the archaeological site on the eastern side of the
northernmost of the West Hills, and an alternative source of stone or other materials should
certainly be sought by whoever is responsible.
The North Hill lies outside the area likely to be influenced by the day to day activities of the
terminal.
Central Plain
Much of the northern and western half of area has been affected in the past by natural
mudflows. This, together with heavy grazing pressure, has probably reduced the quality of the
habitats present in the area.
The ephemeral wetlands lying north and south of the current access road to the terminal,
which mostly dry out in summer, are of interest and support a typical lowland wetland bird
community (Table 1), although of neither exceptional quality nor great areal extent. Even so,
these areas should, and need not be adversely affected by expansion of the terminal. In
supporting the, to date, only proven breeding Syke’s warblers in Azerbaijan, the tamarisk
scrub south of the access road clearly has some significance. This area is outside the
immediate development zone itself, but within the boundaries of the area eventually likely to
fall under BP’s control. There will thus be an obligation to maintain sufficient habitat to
sustain this isolated population (something which BP might care to showcase).
A proposal to manage wetland areas on the central plain and along the Caspian coast is
expanded on later (see Appendix 1).
Western Plains
The Western Plains hold one or more pairs of the only two Red Data species considered to be
breeding in the study area. It is important that these plains are not overly disturbed by oilrelated activities, other than being subject to patrol and access along the pipeline corridor.
Only existing tracks and other rights of way should be used, and off-road driving should not
be permitted. This should become company policy in all steppic habitats, which are known to
be particularly vulnerable to damage by vehicular traffic, at any time of year.
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Table 4. Key species of bird and habitats at risk in the Sangachal study area
Area
Habitat
Terminal area
Central Plain
Mud plain
Semi-arid plain, grazing marsh
& tamarisk scrub
West Hills
North Hill
SE & NE coast
Western Plains
Species or habitat at risk
NONE
Breeding Syke’s warbler
Wetland, including reedbed, &
breeding bird community
Rocky hills
NONE
Rocky hill & mud volcanoes
NONE
Shingle beach, wetlands,
Nesting common tern, little tern, collared
Inshore waters & benthic pratincole & ? purple gallinule. Coastal
habitats
wetland, including reedbed, & breeding
bird community. Waterfowl on migration
and in winter
Rolling semi-arid steppe
Breeding black-bellied sandgrouse &
long-legged buzzard.
? Little bustard in winter
NE & SE Coast
One of the most vulnerable habitats for breeding birds in the area is the coastal wetlands.
Even though no Red Data species actually occur, care should be taken to ensure that these
wetland areas are not physically damaged and that their hydrological regime is not disrupted.
Beach-nesting tern colonies may need to be cordoned off in the breeding season to ensure
breeding success. Disturbance, including that from people simply visiting on foot, will need to
be minimised or prevented locally during the summer (May-July).
The Caspian coast, inshore waters and benthic habitats are particularly sensitive
environmentally. Pollution and physical damage to littoral and subtidal (benthic) habitats are
the main threats. Although the current study concerned itself primarily with breeding birds, it
is during migration periods and in winter, more-so during the latter period, when the coastal
waters of Sangachal (and indeed the entire Caspian Sea) assume their greatest importance for
birds. Survey reports of waterfowl numbers present in Sangachal Bay are held by AIOC/BP in
Baku.
The landfall area is one area where disruption to the current habitats is likely to be
unavoidably greatest. Other than possible translocation of reptiles, there is probably little to
be gained from mitigation during the construction phase and it is probably best simply to
restore the habitat after work has been completed. The landfall area is just south of an
elevated headland, where a visitor centre might be located (see Appendix 1).
The proposal, or possibility of BP actually managing part of the study area as a de facto ‘local
nature reserve’ will vastly outweigh the very minor effects brought about by developments.
Enhancement of the environment can be very simply achieved in the Sangachal area.
However, all taxa, not just birds, should be taken into consideration in the design and
execution of this proposal.
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Appendix 1. Recommended research, survey, monitoring and related activities
An abridged version of a full proposal and discussion document delivered directly to BP is
provided here.
1. Breeding bird surveys – Sangachal study area only
Since the area is possibly to be managed as a local nature reserve, monitoring of changes in
bird populations from those of the baseline year would not relate to any impact due to the
terminal expansion. Rather, they would relate to the effectiveness of management activities
actually designed to improve the attractiveness of the area to wildlife (and to birds in
particular). It is suggested therefore that special efforts be made to conserve those colonies
located, manage those wetlands present on the plains and along the littoral back-beach and to
minimise motorised or other disturbance away from the terminal itself.
This stated, annual breeding bird surveys would need to be completed to measure the success
and/or suitability of management carried out. ‘Common Bird Census’ methods should be
employed.
2. Numbers and seasonal distribution, feeding ecology & local movements of migrant
and wintering waterfowl – Sangachal Bay & offshore areas
There is no question that Sangachal Bay is at its most important during migration periods and
through the winter months. Waterfowl numbers are high from at least October until March
(Sultanov and Babayev pers. obs.). Most waterfowl may be visible from shore in calm
weather and monthly land-based counts should prove adequate for monitoring purposes.
Observations should, however, also commence on feeding and roosting behaviour of both
visiting and breeding species of waterfowl.
Offshore, aerial surveys should be employed. This would give rapid survey returns, providing
a ‘snapshot’ picture of the gross distribution and numbers of waterfowl. Boat-based transects
may not be practical, or any cheaper in the long run. It is suggested that helicopter flights be
conducted monthly from September to March (inclusive) during Year One and from
November to March in subsequent years. A standardised, repeat survey grid and methodology
should be drawn up.
Repeat annual surveys would form part of an ongoing monitoring programme.
3. Monitoring seabird colonies – offshore islands and platforms
This would focus on annual monitoring of breeding colonies and measuring productivity
(reproductive success) and follow well-established methods. This is the sort of work to use a
PhD student for - i.e. by funding a doctoral thesis for one or more Azeri biologists.
4. Beached Bird Survey – selected beaches Apsheron to Kyzyl Agach
It is by conducting “Beached Bird Surveys” that ‘normal’ mortality levels and seasonal
patterns of the same can be established. This exercise has biological value, but is also useful
in education and PR. Schoolchildren might be involved in such a hands-on activity.
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5. Ongoing training and collaboration
Western scientists continuing to work with Azeri scientists would form an important
component of the proposed work. Training in recording methods, analysis and data and report
presentation is essential if ongoing work is to meet the needs and expectations of BP.
6. Education and environmental awareness programme
Creation of a reserve area
This is somewhere where the habitat would be managed for wildlife, with guided trails,
interpretive boards and other facilities. The idea would be to have an “outdoor classroom” for
schoolchildren. A series of projects might be devised - tortoise or terrapin survey and study,
life history of dragonflies, frogs etc., bird identification and survey and botanical studies. The
simplest solution would be to create a wetland using treated wastewater. These would be of
value to many species groups and also a perfect way to green up and beautify the area.
Secondary treatment of wastewater using reedbed technology is an ideal way to demonstrate
an environmentally friendliness at the same time as creating an area of value to wildlife. A
reedbed would be used by migrant and wintering birds as well as by certain breeding species.
Habitat restoration may also be considered (see below).
Expansion of the tamarisk scrub wetland, which is used for nesting by Syke’s warblers, could
be achieved with ease and might be considered worthwhile. Restoration and management of
habitat, particularly along the littoral zone, should also be considered. For example, a track
has been built in one area cutting off the water supply to a reedy lagoon, the reeds
subsequently dying. This area could easily be (and should be) restored, as should be the
landfall area post- forthcoming operations. The eventual possibility of managing the
hydrology of these areas to keep them wet all year should be assessed, as their value for
wildlife would then be increased.
Visitor centre
The idea of siting a interpretive centre come wildlife watch point near the Sangachal terminal
is an attractive one. A possible suitable site has already been identified on an elevated
headland (40.18407N 049.49380E) immediately north of the landfall jetty. The idea would be
to have an educational display and materials in a place where wildlife, particularly waterfowl,
can be readily observed. Large numbers of waterfowl occur in Sangachal Bay during
migration periods and in winter. An annotated checklist of the flora and fauna of the
Sangachal area might be compiled for publication and distribution.
Sponsorship
A number of sponsorship options offering a tangible product should be considered. One
immediate possibility would be support for the publication of an updated ‘Red Data’ book for
Azerbaijan (all flora and fauna). Even though the conservation status of many species is not
well known, production of Red Data listing is a vital starting point. A second possibility, of
value to ongoing studies, would be translation of relevant scientific papers from Azeri or
Russian into English. Even just titles and abstracts of the wealth of existing literature being
translated may prove invaluable.
Sponsorship of PhD theses in applied scientific or other studies (see e.g. No. 3 above) would
also be of value.
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Appendix 2. Article on the discovery of nesting Syke’s warblers for BP magazine
BP recently commissioned studies of the flora, fauna and heritage of the area surrounding its
Sangachal operations in Azerbaijan, these necessarily being prior to the proposed expansion
of the terminal. These essential studies will form an important environmental baseline against
which to measure HSE performance. A survey of breeding birds on the site found the
unexpected, a new breeding species for Azerbaijan.
The survey team of Elchin Sultanov, Ilias Babayev and Simon Aspinall describes its own
discovery and the future prospects for the diminutive Syke’s warbler.
Some 360 species of bird have been recorded in Azerbaijan, and yet despite a wealth of
studies, there is much still to be learnt about this ornithologically-rich country. An exciting
discovery made during a survey at the Sangachal terminal this year underlines this point.
In late May, a three-man ornithological team found several pairs of Syke’s warbler (Hippolais
rama) nesting in moist tamarisk scrub immediately to the south-east of the terminal. This
constituted a new breeding species for the country, where hitherto it was known merely as a
scarce migrant visitor along the Caspian coastlands.
The species was found to be widespread in suitable habitat in the area, with upward of
fourteen territories actually being mapped. Although it seems most likely that the species was
previously overlooked, its presence at Sangachal is possibly the result of a recent range
expansion. Whatever the true situation, the habitat is typical of the species elsewhere in its
range. Moreover, since this habitat is relatively widespread along the southern and western
Caspian coastlands, it suggests that once surveys investigate new areas further pairs may well
be located.
Although outside the ‘footprint’ of the expanded terminal site, the area lies close to the access
road and will ultimately fall well within the area coming under BP’s jurisdiction once the
terminal is fully up-and-running. HSE personnel based in Baku visited the area to investigate
ways of ensuring the area is safeguarded, but instead came up with a simple way to actually
increase the amount of available suitable habitat preferred by the warblers! Sympathetic
management will involve planting up with riparian plants, such as reeds and bullrushes, and
the all important tamarisk in which the birds build their nests. Managing water supplies to the
area would, it seems, be relatively straightforward and to the net benefit of several different
faunal groups.
Sangachal will thus not only be a major industrial terminal, but also something of a local
nature reserve. A number of interesting reptiles and mammals also occur, spur-thighed
tortoises, Caspian terrapins and jirds among them, with dragonflies and marsh frogs abundant
in the many wetlands. There is also a newly-found 11th Century archaeological site being
investigated on the hills next to the terminal, this again having only come to light during the
recent fieldwork.
[Editors note: Although not that dramatic or glamorous to look at, Syke’s warblers have an
interesting migration, spending the winter in the Indian subcontinent and returning north to
their breeding grounds in late April each year. The breeding range extends from the Caspian
across western and central Asia to Sinkiang].
71/74
NOT FOR CITING
Appendix 3. Unofficial Red Data list for birds in Azerbaijan (provided by Dr. Babayev).
The, as yet, still unofficial Red Data list for birds, including both visiting and breeding species
now contains 53 species, up from 37 species on the existing official version of the list.
English Common Names
White Pelican
**Dalmatian Pelican
Spoonbill
Black Stork
Greater Flamingo
Bewick’s Swan
Mute Swan
**Red-breasted Goose
**Marbled Teal
**White-headed Duck
Osprey
Honey Buzzard
**Pallas’ Sea Eagle
**White-tailed Eagle
Short-toed Eagle
Goshawk
Levant Sparrowhawk
Shikra
Long-legged Buzzard
Steppe Eagle
**Imperial Eagle
Golden Eagle
Lammergeier
**Black Vulture
Griffon Vulture
Saker
Lanner
Peregrine
Hobby
Caspian Snowcock
Caucasian Snowcock
Black Francolin
Grey Partridge
Pheasant
**Caucasian Black Grouse
Purple Gallinule
Common Crane
Demoiselle Crane
**Great Bustard
**Little Bustard
**Sociable Plover
White-tailed Plover
**Black-winged Pratincole
Mediterranean Gull
Black-bellied Sandgrouse
Latin names (Genus species)
Pelecanus onocrotalus
P. crispus
Platalea leucorodia
Ciconia nigra
Phoenicopterus ruber
Cygnus columbianus bewicki
C. olor
Branta ruficollis
Marmaronetta angustirostris
Oxyura leucocephala
Pandion haliaetus
Pernis apivorus
Haliaeetus leucoryphus
H. albicilla
Circaetus gallicus
Accipiter gentilis
A. brevipes severtsov
A. badius
Buteo rufinus
Aquila rapax
A. heliaca
A. chrysaetos
Gypaetus barbatus
Aegypius monachus
Gyps fulvus
Falco cherrug
F. biarmicus
F. peregrinus
F. subbuteo
Tetraogallus caspicus
T. caucasicus
Francolinus francolinus
Perdix perdix
Phasianus colchicus talischensis
Lyrurus mlokosiewieczi
Porphyrio porphyrio
Grus grus
Anthropoides virgo
Otis tarda
Otis tetrax
Chettusia gregaria
Chettusia leucura
Glareola nordmanni
Larus melanocephalus
Pterocles orientalis
72/74
English Common Names
Eagle Owl
White-throated Robin
Marsh Tit
Trumpeter Finch
Great Rock Nuthatch
Great Rosefinch
Short-toed Treecreeper
Latin names (Genus species)
Bubo bubo
Irania gutturalis
Parus lugubris
Bucanetes githagineus
Sitta tephronota
Carpodacus rubicilla
Certhia brachydactyla
Note that on account of their continued abundance in the country, certain species considered
globally threatened by IUCN are not even listed as national Red Data species in Azerbaijan.
Conversely, many of those species actually listed as Red Data species are not regarded as
globally threatened. The latter, which are of greater international priority, are indicated here
with a double asterisk (**).
Appendix 4. Scientific names of species mentioned in the text
Common English
Name
Great Crested Grebe
Great Cormorant
Little Bittern
Purple Heron
Glossy Ibis
Ruddy Shelduck
Shelduck
Wigeon
Mallard
Honey Buzzard
Egyptian Vulture
Steppe Buzzard
Latin name (Genus
species)
Podiceps cristatus
Phalacrocorax carbo
Ixobrychus minutus
Ardea purpurea
Plegadis falcinellus
Tadorna ferruginea
Tadorna tadorna
Anas penelope
Anas platyrhynchos
Pernis apivorus
Neophron percnopterus
Buteo (b.) vulpinus
Common English
Name
Cuckoo
Little Owl
Nightjar
European Bee-eater
Hoopoe
Short-toed Lark
Crested Lark
Red-throated Pipit
Black-hdd. Wagtail
Grey-hdd. Wagtail
White Wagtail
Rufous Bush Robin
Long-legged Buzzard
Lesser Kestrel
Kestrel
Chukar
Buteo rufinus
Falco naumanni
Falco tinnunculus
Alectoris chukar
Isabelline Wheatear
Finsch’s Wheatear
Savi’s Warbler
Reed Warbler
Purple Gallinule
Porphyrio porphyrio
Sedge Warbler
Stone Curlew
Moustached Warbler
Black-winged Stilt
Himantopus himantopus
Great Reed Warbler
Collared Pratincole
Little Ringed Plover
Greater Sand Plover
Kentish Plover
Syke’s Warbler
Menetries’ Warbler
Bearded Tit
Rock Nuthatch
Wood Sandpiper
Black-headed Gull
Slender-billed Gull
Glareola pratincola
Charadrius dubius
Charadrius leschenaultii
Charadrius
alexandrinus
Tringa glareola
Larus ridibundus
Larus genei
Herring Gull
Larus cachinnans
Magpie
73/74
Penduline Tit
Red-backed Shrike
Chough
Latin name (Genus
species)
Cuculus canorus
Athene noctua
Caprimulgus europeus
Merops apiaster
Upupa epops
Calandrella c. cinerea
Galerida cristata
Anthus cervinus
Motacilla (f.) feldegg
Motacilla f. thunbergi
Motacilla alba
Cercotrichas
galactotes
Oenanthe isabellina
Oenanthe finschii
Locustella luscinioides
Acrocephalus
scirpaceus
Acrocephalus
schoenobaenus
Acrocephalus
melanopogon
Acrocephalus
arundinaceus
Hippolais rama
Sylvia mystacea
Panurus biarmicus
Sitta neumayer
Remiz pendulinus
Lanius collurio
Pyrrhocorax
pyrrhocorax
Pica pica
Common English
Name
Gull-billed Tern
Sandwich Tern
Whiskered Tern
Common Tern
Little Tern
Black-bellied
Sandgrouse
Rock Dove
Latin name (Genus
species)
Gelochelidon nilotica
Sterna sandvicensis
Chlidonias hybrida
Sterna hirundo
Sterna altifrons
Pterocles orientalis
Common English
Name
Hooded Crow
Raven
Starling
Rosy Starling
House Sparrow
Goldfinch
Latin name (Genus
species)
Corvus c. cornix
Corvus corax
Sturnus vulgaris
Sturnus roseus
Passer domesticus
Carduelis carduelis
Columba livia
Reed Bunting
Emberiza schoeniclus
74/74

Document 6428499

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