Lake Pihlajavesi (1317)
Finland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Pihlajavesi
Central coordinates: Latitude: 61.7500, Longitude: 29.0000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 70 to 70
Area of KBA (km2): 482.01351
Protected area coverage (%): 38.46
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A complex of large areas of open water, numerous islands and long, forested, peninsula-like ridges within the Saimaa catchment area. The area is bordered to the south by Salpauselkä (an impressive glacial ridge formation), to the north-east by Puruvesi lake and to the north-west by Haukivesi lake. Nutrient input to the lake is low and consequently the vegetation on the lake is very sparse. Evidence of the slash-and-burn clearing of forests is visible in some areas, but typically forests are poor, commercially managed Pinus sylvestris monocultures. The more remote parts of the site are relatively undisturbed but human activity occurs in nearly all of the site.
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 nationally important for breeding Larus fuscus fuscus (50-80 pairs). Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Crex crex (1-3 pairs, breeding).
Habitats
Land use: forestry
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 30 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 70 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Part of the area is a candidate SAC.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Dams (size unknown) | Ongoing |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |