Alajoki (1331)
Finland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Alajoki
Central coordinates: Latitude: 63.1000, Longitude: 22.9167
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 27 to 27
Area of KBA (km2): 4.37163
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Open agricultural fields at the junction of the Lapua and Kauhava rivers. Spring cereals, turnip, rape and potato are the most common crops.
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: Probably the second-best staging area for Anser fabalis fabalis in Finland. The ornithological importance of the area is mainly restricted to periods of spring flooding. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Anser erythropus (max. 2 birds, passage), Crex crex (max. 5 pairs, breeding).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (98%) | urban/industrial/transport (2%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 95 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The importance of the area depends on the continuity of local farming.