Key Biodiversity Areas

Leekstermeergebied (1230)
Netherlands, Europe

Site overview


KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2016
National site name: Leekstermeergebied
Central coordinates: Latitude: 53.1833, Longitude: 6.4333
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): -3 to -1
Area of KBA (km2): 15.43088
Protected area coverage (%): 100.00
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes

Site details


Site description: A freshwater lake located south-west of the city of Groningen, surrounded by reedbeds, peat-bogs and pastures.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.
Delineation rationale: 9 March 2017: name and area edited. Now equal to the designated Special Protection Area (Birds Directive).

Habitats


Land use: fisheries/aquaculture (26%) | nature conservation and research (97%) | tourism/recreation (31%) | water management (100%)
IUCN HabitatCoverage %Habitat detail
Artificial - Terrestrial65
Wetlands(Inland)31

Threats


Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The hunting of geese Anser during the winter, and recreational activities during summer and autumn, disturb birds. A compensation scheme is in place for those farmers affected by restrictions on agricultural practices.
Threat level 1Threat level 2Threat level 3Timing
Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseasesInvasive non-native/alien species/diseasesUnspecified speciesOngoing
Energy production & miningRenewable energyOngoing