Litokaira (1343)
Finland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Litokaira
Central coordinates: Latitude: 65.7500, Longitude: 26.2833
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 135 to 135
Area of KBA (km2): 304.01076
Protected area coverage (%): 97.56
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A large wilderness area lying between the Simo and Siuruanjoki rivers with extensive northern aapa mires. The mires are divided by several rivers, lakes and forested `islands', the latter typically holding very old coniferous trees and large quantities of dead wood. The importance of the site as an old-growth forest reserve is notable, especially as it is surrounded by intensively managed commercial forests.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Additional biodiversity: An important area for boreal avifauna. Breeding birds include 12 out of the 15 species in Europe that are restricted to the boreal biome (when breeding).
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 70 | |
| Forest | 30 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The area is a candidate SAC.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Abstraction of ground water (agricultural use) | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Agricultural & forestry effluents | Nutrient loads | Ongoing |