Pallas and Ylläs fjelds (1374)
Finland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2025
National site name: Pallas-Ylläksen tunturialueet
Central coordinates: Latitude: 68.0667, Longitude: 24.0667
System: terrestrial, freshwater
Elevation (m): 650 to 650
Area of KBA (km2): 1031.95375
Protected area coverage (%): 99.48
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A 100-km-long series of fjelds running from the settlement of Hetta in the north to Ylläs in the south. Here the Lapland fjelds meet the Lapland forests and consequently this is the northern or southern limit of distribution for many species of animals and plants. Tourists visit the area year-round; in winter skiing centres lure people to the area, and in summer hundreds or even thousands of people hike daily along the mountain tracks.</P>
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: An important area for Arctic and boreal avifauna. Breeding birds include 11 out of the 15 species in Europe that are restricted to the boreal biome (when 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 | 65 | |
| Grassland | 20 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 15 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Reindeer husbandry (`Other' land-use and threat) has caused some erosion of vegetation. Part of the area is a candidate SAC.</P>
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Only in the future |
Additional information
Contributors: Site identified based on Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas by the BirdLife International Partnership