Kulykol-Taldykol Lake System. 07/05/2009; Kostanay oblast; 8,300 ha; 51°23' N 061°52' E. A wetland complex in northern Kazakhstan comprising two large lakes, Kulykol and Taldykol, and several smaller lakes. The complex is highly significant for waterbirds. It is habitat for 12 bird species on the IUCN Red List, including the Siberian Crane (Grus leucogeranus), and supports tens of thousands of Anseriformes during migration and moulting, as well as over 1% of the populations of 12 species of waterbird. 45 species of wetland birds are reported to nest at the site. The lake system has a range of habitats including open water, damp meadows and shoreline reedbeds. Lake depth and salinity fluctuate seasonally. The site is surrounded by agricultural land  including grain crops attractive to large numbers of geese  and is used for hunting and small-scale fishing by local residents. The site is included in the Western/Central Asian Site Network for Siberian Cranes and Other Globally Endangered Wetland Bird Species. RIS site information was developed with the assistance of the UNEP/GEF Siberian Crane Wetlands Project. Ramsar site no. 1863. Most recent RIS information: 2009.