Outokumpu and Kaavi oligotrophic lakes (1327)
Finland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Outokummun-Kaavin seudun oligotrofiset järvet
Central coordinates: Latitude: 62.7500, Longitude: 28.8333
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 90 to 90
Area of KBA (km2): 145.99564
Protected area coverage (%): 21.70
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A very large complex of lakes on the border of North Carelia and North Savo districts. The site includes extensive areas of open water, small islands with primary forests, undisturbed bays, and cliffs. The lakes are poor in nutrients (oligotrophic), clear-watered with sparse vegetation, and are mostly bordered by forest. Human activities are common all over the lakes, since outside the site boundaries are large areas of summer-only and all-year-round habitation.
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: The site holds the most significant Gavia arctica population in Finland. It is also a nationally important breeding area for Falco subbuteo (15-25 pairs) and Larus fuscus fuscus (55-80 pairs).
Habitats
Land use: not utilised (10%) | tourism/recreation (90%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 80 | |
| Unknown | 20 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Threats include the construction of summer cottages and recreational boating. 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 | Large dams | Ongoing |