Outokumpu-Kaavi lakes (1327)
Finland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2025
National site name: Outokummun-Kaavin järvet
Central coordinates: Latitude: 62.7500, Longitude: 28.8333
System: terrestrial, freshwater
Elevation (m): 90 to 90
Area of KBA (km2): 154.99528
Protected area coverage (%): 20.45
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A very large complex of lakes on the border of North Carelia and North Savo districts. The site includes extensive areas of open water, small islands with primary forests, undisturbed bays, and cliffs. The lakes are poor in nutrients (oligotrophic), clear-watered with sparse vegetation, and are mostly bordered by forest. Human activities are common all over the lakes, since outside the site boundaries are large areas of summer-only and all-year-round habitation.</P>
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: The site holds the most significant <I>Gavia arctica</I> population in Finland. It is also a nationally important breeding area for <I>Falco subbuteo</I> (15-25 pairs) and <I>Larus fuscus fuscus</I> (55-80 pairs).</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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 80 | |
| Unknown | 20 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Threats include the construction of summer cottages and recreational boating. 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 | Large dams | Ongoing |
Additional information
Contributors: Site identified based on Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas by the BirdLife International Partnership