摘要: Justification of Outstanding Universal Value　　Koytendag is famous for its unique caves and other geological features (marble onyx), as well as its archa forest and species of rare plants and animals s

Justification of Outstanding Universal Value

　　Koytendag is famous for its unique caves and other geological features (marble onyx), as well as its archa forest and species of rare plants and animals such as the blind cave loach (Nemacheilus starostini) which inhabits underground lakes in the karstic caves. Notable elements of the flora include Juniperus seravschanica, tulip (Tulipa ingens), almond (Amygdalus spinosissima), Cleome gordjaginii, and Ungernia victoris. Some woods are composed of oriental plane, jujube and pistachio. The beautiful mountains and caves are supplemented by the presence of markhor and Barbary falcon (Falco pelegrinoides). See threat status below.

　　Criterion (viii):

　　The nominated site represents the main periods of Earth development, including the illustration of ancient life, significant geological processes in Earth surface forms development, essential geomorphological and physical-geographical particularities of relief. The site is composed of rocks of the Precambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cainozoic Eras rich with ancient fossils of Molluscs, Brachiopods, and dinosaurs - including dinosaur footprint trails, etc. At the base of the Koytendag mountains there are igneous rocks, testament to ancient volcanism, as well as tectonic faults and canyons.

　　The unique geological formations of Koytendag cave complex have no equal in Eurasia for the diversity of geological processes that formed them, as well as for the beauty of their geological phenomena.

　　Criterion (x):

　　Endemic fish are represented by Kugitang Blind Loach Nemacheilus starostini (IUCN Red List status: Vulnurable VU), and a relict mollusc species Kainar Cerith Melanoides kainarensis occurs. Globally and near threatened mammal species include Tajik Markhor Capra falconeri, (EN), Tien Shan Brown Bear Ursus arctos isabellinus, Turkestan Lynx Lynx lynx isabellinus (NT), Persian Leopard Panthera pardus saxicolor (NT), which may already be locally extinct; Afghan Urial Ovis orientalis cycloceros (VU), European Free-tailed Bat Tadarida teniotis and others.

　　The site qualifies as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and holds the complex of bird species typical for Turan deserts and the Kopetdag-Khorassan and Pamir-Alay mountain systems. Species distribution is restricted by three biomes: the Eurasian high mountains - Alpine and Tibetan (two nesting species were found in the breeding period); Irano-Turanian mountains (six nesting species were found) and Sino-Himalayan temperate forests (three breeding species were found). Special attention should be paid to globally threatened and near threatened species such as the Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus (NT) and Saker Falcon Falco cherrug (EN) and other birds of prey whose breeding populations are supported within this IBA: Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus, Short-toed Snake-eagle Circaetus gallicus, Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos, Eurasian Eagle-owl Bubo bubo, Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus, probably, Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides and Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni (NT). The avifauna consists of 158 species, including 55 residents, 67 breeding migrants, 22 wintering and migratory species and 14 occasional migrants (vagrant).