Lemmenjoki-Hammastunturi-Pulju (1377)
Finland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Lemmenjoki-Hammastunturi-Pulju
Central coordinates: Latitude: 68.5833, Longitude: 25.5000
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 400 to 400
Area of KBA (km2): 5296.29482
Protected area coverage (%): 98.04
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A very large northern wilderness surrounding the Lemmenjoki and Ivalojoki rivers. In the east of the area the landscape is dominated by treeless fjeld, separated by large areas of boreal forest, whereas peatlands cover most of the southern and western parts. There are numerous rivers, streams, lakes and ponds. Tourism is common, especially during summer in Lemmenjoki National Park, but in winter human activity is minimal.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Additional biodiversity: An exceptionally important area for Arctic and boreal avifauna. Breeding birds include seven out of the 32 species in Europe that are restricted to the Arctic/tundra biome (when breeding) and 13 out of the 15 species in Europe that are restricted to the boreal biome (when breeding).
Habitats
Land use: tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 50 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 25 | |
| Grassland | 15 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Reindeer husbandry (`Other' land-use and threat) has caused some erosion of vegetation. Mechanized gold washing has changed the natural state of the tributaries of the Lemmenjoki river. Part of the area is a candidate SAC.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Nomadic grazing | Ongoing |
| Climate change & severe weather | Habitat shifting & alteration | Ongoing |