The valley of the Otava a Vltava rivers (18765)
Czechia, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2002
National site name: Udoli Otavy a Vltavy
Central coordinates: Latitude: 49.4667, Longitude: 14.1667
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 350 to 570
Area of KBA (km2): 183.74829
Protected area coverage (%): 97.11
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: This IBA is situated in the northern part of the Písek region. It is a flatland at 330- 535 m above sea level with deeply cut valleys of the two rivers, Otava and Vltava, and their tributaries, such as Lomnice, Skalice or Hrejkovický potok brook. Deep canyons bordered by steep cliffs and rocky slopes are an important feature of the area. Although a part of this area was flooded after the Orlík dam was built, it has kept its characteristics and biodiversity. The valleys of the rivers are surrounded by extensive forests. Secondary forests with adapted tree-species composition prevail, with spruce and pine being the dominant species. There are also scattered remnants of primary forests with limes. Beeches and oaks remind us of forests that had been present in the area before it was colonized by man. Favourable species and age composition of the sparse forests and the presence of tree cavities allow for the presence of numerous bird species.
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.
Habitats
Land use: forestry | hunting
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 5 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 12 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 10 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 5 | |
| Forest | 66 |