Key Biodiversity Areas

Sammutinjänkä-Vaijoenjänkä (1364)
Finland, Europe

Site overview


KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Sammutinjänkä-Vaijoenjänkä
Central coordinates: Latitude: 69.4167, Longitude: 27.5000
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 150 to 150
Area of KBA (km2): 517.34423
Protected area coverage (%): 99.04
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes

Site details


Site description: Situated north of Inari lake, a complex of very large peatlands (belonging to the palsa mires typical of Fjeld-Lapland), separated by small areas of ridge forest (Pinus sylvestris and Betula). Many rivers, streams, lakes and ponds occur in the area, including the Vaijoki river. Due to its remoteness and wetness the area has remained mainly free of human activities.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: An important area for Arctic avifauna. Breeding birds include nine out of the 32 species in Europe that are restricted to the Arctic/tundra biome (when breeding).

Habitats


Land use: not utilised
IUCN HabitatCoverage %Habitat detail
Forest35
Wetlands(Inland)65

Threats


Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Part of the area is a candidate SAC.
Threat level 1Threat level 2Threat level 3Timing
Agriculture & aquacultureLivestock farming & ranchingNomadic grazingOngoing
Human intrusions & disturbanceRecreational activitiesOngoing