Vértes (1386)
Hungary, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2002
National site name: Vértes
Central coordinates: Latitude: 47.4167, Longitude: 18.3333
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 131 to 480
Area of KBA (km2): 219.03796
Protected area coverage (%): 95.18
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Vértes mountains are part of the Transdanubian mountain chain, and are dolomitic in composition with deep ravines. The southern slopes experience a sub-Mediterranean climate, whilst the northern slopes are subalpine. The Zámoly basin is situated in the foothills to the south-east of Vértes. Human activities include grazing, haymaking, hunting, tourism and mining.
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 raptors and waterbirds. Otis tarda and Burhinus oedicnemus bred in the Zámoly basin until the mid-1970s. Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aythya nyroca (10-20 pairs).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (30%) | forestry (50%) | nature conservation and research (10%) | water management (5%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 60 | |
| Shrubland | 10 | |
| Grassland | 22 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The Pro Vértes Land Trust has acquired c.1,000 ha of grassland, and management planning and the restoration of wet meadows has begun. An expansion of the existing Vértes LPA is in progress. An additional 6,700 ha in the northern Vértes mountains (not included in the LPA) is now protected and is being managed by Pro Vértes.