Kevo (1370)
Finland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Kevo
Central coordinates: Latitude: 69.5833, Longitude: 26.7833
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 250 to 250
Area of KBA (km2): 700.70669
Protected area coverage (%): 99.11
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A very long, impressive, unique ridge valley in northern Lapland surrounded by large areas of subarctic forests. At the heart of the area is the long and shallow Kevojoki river, which runs through the Kevo canyon, considered to be one of the most remarkable geological formations in the country. Vast areas around the ridge valley are dominated by fjeld forests of birch Betula. Each summer, large numbers of tourists visit the area, especially the canyon.
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: The site supports a diverse Arctic avifauna. Breeding birds include 12 out of the 32 species in Europe that are restricted to the Arctic/tundra biome (when breeding).
Habitats
Land use: tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 20 | |
| Forest | 80 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Part of the area is a candidate SAC.