Lake Pihlajavesi (1317)
Finland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2025
National site name: Pihlajavesi
Central coordinates: Latitude: 61.7500, Longitude: 29.0000
System: terrestrial, freshwater
Elevation (m): 70 to 70
Area of KBA (km2): 372.38302
Protected area coverage (%): 98.59
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A complex of large areas of open water<B>,</B> numerous islands and long, forested, peninsula-like ridges within the Saimaa catchment area. The area is bordered to the south by Salpauselkä (an impressive glacial ridge formation), to the north-east by Puruvesi lake and to the north-west by Haukivesi lake. Nutrient input to the lake is low and consequently the vegetation on the lake is very sparse. Evidence of the slash-and-burn clearing of forests is visible in some areas, but typically forests are poor, commercially managed <I>Pinus sylvestris</I> monocultures. The more remote parts of the site are relatively undisturbed but human activity occurs in nearly all of the site.</P>
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: Also nationally important for breeding <I>Larus fuscus fuscus</I> (50-80 pairs). Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: <I>Crex crex</I> (1-3 pairs, breeding).</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 | 30 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 70 |
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 | Dams (size unknown) | Ongoing |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |
Additional information
Contributors: Site identified based on Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas by the BirdLife International Partnership