Forests of south-eastern Kuusamo (1349)
Finland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2025
National site name: Kaakkois-Kuusamon metsät
Central coordinates: Latitude: 65.6333, Longitude: 29.7000
System: terrestrial, freshwater
Elevation (m): 300 to 380
Area of KBA (km2): 148.10685
Protected area coverage (%): 100.00
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 <I>Pinus</I> <I>sylvestris</I> heaths are the most typical feature of the landscape. The IBA has remained largely natural, and current human impact is minor.</P>
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: An important breeding area for boreal avifauna.</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 | 60 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 40 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The area is a candidate SAC.</P>
Additional information
Contributors: Site identified based on Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas by the BirdLife International Partnership