Koskeljärvi, Vaaljärvi and Pitkäjärvi lakes (1296)
Finland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2025
National site name: Koskeljärvi-Vaaljärvi-Pitkäjärvi
Central coordinates: Latitude: 60.9333, Longitude: 22.1167
System: terrestrial, freshwater
Elevation (m): 40 to 40
Area of KBA (km2): 16.01029
Protected area coverage (%): 97.63
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Three adjacent, shallow and nutrient-rich lakes with lush vegetation on the upper course of the Lapijoki river. Some parts of the shoreline are bordered by wide marshes. The water-levels of Koskeljärvi and Pitkäjärvi lakes are regulated, which has increased the lake's value for birds on the former, but on the latter has caused over-eutrophication. Koskeljärvi, the most important ornithologically, is the largest lake in south-western Finland without any settlements on its shores.</P>
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: An important breeding area for wetland birds, including nationally important numbers of <I>Circus aeruginosus</I> (6 pairs). Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: <I>Haliaeetus albicilla</I> (max. 6 individuals, passage).</P>
Manageability of the site: Site identified based on BirdLife International's Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, under which manageability is strongly recommended but not explicitly documented
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 10 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 90 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Part of the area is a candidate SAC.</P>
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Abstraction of surface water (unknown use) | Ongoing |
Additional information
Contributors: Site identified based on Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas by the BirdLife International Partnership