Mátra (1401)
Hungary, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2002
National site name: Mátra
Central coordinates: Latitude: 47.8167, Longitude: 20.0000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 164 to 1014
Area of KBA (km2): 581.19277
Protected area coverage (%): 64.60
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A range of narrow mountain ridges situated between the Zagyva river and Tarna creek, including the Kékes summit, the highest point in Hungary. The vegetation is dominated by oak Quercus forest on acidic soils, with submontane Quercus, Carpinus, Fagus forests at higher altitudes. Large tracts of land are planted with spruce Picea, and the forested area as a whole is intensively managed, whilst orchards and grasslands are mostly abandoned. A popular area for recreation.
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 other forest species.
Habitats
Land use: forestry (90%) | nature conservation and research (50%) | tourism/recreation (30%) | urban/industrial/transport (5%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 5 | |
| Forest | 90 | |
| Shrubland | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: High levels of grazing pressure from game species such as red deer Cervus elaphus are restricting forest regeneration.