Kukkiajärvi lake (1313)
Finland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Kukkiajärvi
Central coordinates: Latitude: 61.3333, Longitude: 24.6667
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 87 to 87
Area of KBA (km2): 66.18115
Protected area coverage (%): 58.01
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A large, mainly nutrient-poor (oligotrophic) lake complex situated west of Päijänne lake, with 230 km of shoreline. The lake is dotted with numerous islands, some of which are large and forested, holding many rare plant species.
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.
Additional biodiversity: Also one of the best areas in continental Finland for breeding Larus fuscus fuscus (83 pairs).
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 95 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: There has been a substantial housing development along most of the lake shoreline over the last few decades, which has detrimentally affected bird populations, particularly Gavia arctica. Sewage effluent also impacts on the area. Part of the area is a candidate SAC.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pollution | Agricultural & forestry effluents | Nutrient loads | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Domestic & urban waste water | Type Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |