Koitajoki area (1329)
Finland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2025
National site name: Koitajoen alue
Central coordinates: Latitude: 62.9167, Longitude: 31.4167
System: terrestrial, freshwater
Elevation (m): 120 to 120
Area of KBA (km2): 96.55926
Protected area coverage (%): 82.69
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A large complex of raised bogs and boreal forests along the Koitajoki river in easternmost Finland. Raised bogs divided by numerous rivers dominate the peatland, with smaller areas of aapa mire, bordered with patches of both natural and previously managed swamp- forests.</P>
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: An important breeding area for boreal birds. One of the most significant southernmost breeding areas for <I>Perisoreus infaustus</I> (20 pairs) in Finland.</P>
Manageability of the site: Site identified based on BirdLife International's Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, under which manageability is strongly recommended but not explicitly documented
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 30 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 70 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The Koitajoki river flows over the border into Russia; plans have been made to establish a large adjacent conservation area in Russia. Sewage effluent impacts on the area. Several kilometres of board-walks and trails traverse the Koivusuo Strict Nature Reserve, which falls within the IBA. Part of the area is a candidate SAC.</P>
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological resource use | Logging & wood harvesting | Unintentional effects: large scale (species being assessed is not the target) [harvest] | Only in the past and unlikely to return |
| Energy production & mining | Mining & quarrying | Ongoing |
Additional information
Contributors: Site identified based on Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas by the BirdLife International Partnership