Key Biodiversity Areas

Koskeljärvi, Vaaljärvi and Pitkäjärvi lakes (1296)
Finland, Europe

Site overview

KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Koskeljärvi-Vaaljärvi-Pitkäjärvi
Central coordinates: Latitude: 60.9333, Longitude: 22.1167
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 40 to 40
Area of KBA (km2): 20.86015
Protected area coverage (%): 71.09
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.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: An important breeding area for wetland birds, including nationally important numbers of Circus aeruginosus (6 pairs). Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla (max. 6 individuals, passage).

Habitats

Land use: not utilised (100%)
IUCN HabitatCoverage %Habitat detail
Forest10
Wetlands(Inland)90

Threats

Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Part of the area is a candidate SAC.
Threat level 1Threat level 2Threat level 3Timing
PollutionAgricultural & forestry effluentsNutrient loadsOngoing
Natural system modificationsDams & water management/useAbstraction of surface water (unknown use)Ongoing