Kitka lake (1344)
Finland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Kitka
Central coordinates: Latitude: 66.1500, Longitude: 28.7000
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 220 to 220
Area of KBA (km2): 125.11703
Protected area coverage (%): 94.73
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A shallow lake, over 9,000 years old, in the heart of Kuusamo. The lake is barren, with sandy and stony shorelines, clear waters and sparse vegetation. The lake holds numerous islands, most of them small, treeless and rocky while the largest are forested and commercially managed. This is one of the only large lakes in Finland where the water-level is not artificially manipulated. Hundreds of summer cottages surround the lake.
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: One of the most important breeding areas for Gavia arctica and Mergus albellus in the country.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 90 | |
| Unknown | 10 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The area is a candidate SAC.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |