Borsodi-Mezőség (1407)
Hungary, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2002
National site name: Borsodi-Mezőség
Central coordinates: Latitude: 47.7500, Longitude: 20.8000
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 89 to 106
Area of KBA (km2): 390.18172
Protected area coverage (%): 92.82
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: An area of flood-plain underlain by loess soils, adjacent to the natural levees of the River Tisza between Mezõcsát and Mezõnagymihály. The main habitats are saline grasslands and arable fields, with some small areas of forest. Human activities include sheep- and cattle-grazing, arable farming and hunting.
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 steppic birds. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aythya nyroca (5-10 breeding pairs), Haliaeetus albicilla (wintering), Aquila heliaca (breeding).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (90%) | forestry (5%) | water management (5%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 5 | |
| Grassland | 60 | |
| Forest | 5 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 30 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are those of mechanized agriculture and the persecution of birds by hunters (`Other' threat, above). Wetland restoration work is in progress, and artificial nesting-sites are provided for both raptors and Coracias garrulus. Measures for the protection of Otis tarda are carried out by MME, and a management plan exists for the area.