Eling Lake

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Eling Lake

  • Country: 
    China
  • Site number: 
    1436
  • Area: 
    65,907 ha
  • Designation date: 
    07-12-2004
  • Coordinates: 
    34°54'N 97°40'E
Materials presented on this website, particularly maps and territorial information, are as-is and as-available based on available data and do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Overview

Eling Lake. 07/12/04; Qinghai; 65,907 ha; 34°54'25'' N 097°40'48''E. Nature Reserve. The largest freshwater lake in the Yellow River catchment with high hydrological values, regulating run-offs, retaining sediments, maintaining water quality, and preventing flooding. At over 4,200 meters on semi-arid plateau, the lake is an important habitat for the endangered Saker Falcon Falco cherrug and the vulnerable Black-necked Crane Grus nigricollis. It supports endangered mammals such as the vulnerable White lipped Deer Przewalskium albirostris and Wild Yak Bos mutus. A number of endemic fish species can be found including Gymnocypris eckloni Herzenstein and Gymnodiptychus ptychocheilus Herzenstein. The sub-Himalayan plant community forms the main food of livestock and the source of traditional Tibetan herbal medicines. The lake plays an important role in Tibetan Buddhist history and is one of the six holiest sites for pilgrimage. Threats to the site include shrinking glaciers and retreating snow lines caused by global warming, with decreasing water supplies. Ramsar site no. 1436. Most recent RIS information:2012

Administrative region: 
Qinghai Province

  • National legal designation: 
    • National Nature Reserve
  • Last publication date: 
    01-01-2012

Downloads

Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS)