Närängänvaara-Virmajoki-Romevaara (1349)
Finland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Närängänvaara-Virmajoki-Romevaara
Central coordinates: Latitude: 65.6333, Longitude: 29.7000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 300 to 380
Area of KBA (km2): 65.93821
Protected area coverage (%): 95.82
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Several adjacent areas of boreal forest and mire in southernmost Kuusamo. This is one of the most important areas of old-growth forest in Finland, and its value is increased by its location adjacent to large, intact forest areas in Russia. Standing and fallen dead trees and 400-500 year-old living trees are not uncommon. Aapa mires are also representative, with herb-rich slope swamps and a multitude of natural springs. Barren, natural Pinus sylvestris heaths are the most typical feature of the landscape. The IBA has remained largely natural, and current human impact is minor.
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: An important breeding area for boreal avifauna.
Habitats
Land use: not utilised
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 60 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 40 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The area is a candidate SAC.