Vyhanaščanskija baloty (200)
Belarus, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1d
Year of last assessment: 2005
National site name: Vyhanaščanskija baloty
Central coordinates: Latitude: 52.6667, Longitude: 26.0000
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 150 to 161
Area of KBA (km2): 617.65389
Protected area coverage (%): 86.63
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: This is one of Belarus' largest complexes of small-leafed forest swamps, fens, bogs, river floodplains and shallow lakes.
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: The mix of inaccessible forests, river floodplains, open fens and highly-productive lakes defines large population sizes of several rare bird species. The unique nature of the site is underscored by presence of the last Polesian populations of Great Grey Owl Strix nebulosa (6-10 pairs), as well as the West-European subspecies of Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus mayor (15-25 males). Regular breeding of several pairs of White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla has been recorded.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Most of the area is covered by small-leafed forests (35%); fens and transition mires cover 30%; bogs 15%; floodplain meadows 10%; highly-productive lakes 10%.Forestry, hunting and fishing are the main land-uses.
Land use: agriculture (5%) | forestry (30%) | hunting (20%) | nature conservation and research (45%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 35 | |
| Grassland | 10 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 55 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Additional research is required to identify all threats. The most obvious negative factors impacting the area are:{in the hydrological regime due to drainage. {on drained peatlands, especially in dry years. {logging.{and overgrowth of Vygonoshchanskoie Lake.Shrub encroachment on open fens.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological resource use | Logging & wood harvesting | Intentional use: large scale (species being assessed is the target) [harvest] | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Fire & fire suppression | Increase in fire frequency/intensity | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: A.Kozulin, L.Vergeichik, M.Nikiforov and others. Treasures of Belarusian nature.- Minsk, 2002. -160 p.