Sož floodplain (204)
Belarus, Europe

Site overview

KBA status: confirmed

Year of last assessment: 2005

National site name: Sož floodplain

Central coordinates: Latitude: 52.6667, Longitude: 31.1333

System: freshwater, terrestrial

Elevation (m): 130 to 132

Area of KBA (km²): 199.70654

Protected area coverage (%): 3.99

KBA classification: Regional

Legacy site: Yes

Site details

Site description: The IBA covers the most significant part for biodviersity conservation of the Sozh floodplain from the mouth of the Besiad river up to the Vetka river. The Sozh floodplain is about 5-6 km wide. The floodplain is mainly present on both sides of the river, though sometimes only on one bank or the other.

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.

Additional biodiversity: More than 20,000 geese and 30,000 waders stop off in April-May for feeding and rest. White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons and Ruff Philomachus pugnax are especially numerous on migration. The floodplain meadows are used by large breeding populations of the globally threatened Corncrake Crex crex and Great Snipe Gallinago media. Breeding Garganey Anas querquedula, Black Tern Chlidonias niger, and Bluethroat Luscinia svetica are also high in number. Non-bird biodiversity: No special flora and fauna studies have been performed on the site.

Habitats

Summary of habitats in KBA: The floodplain is dominated by steppe-type and wet meadows. Fens with a weak peat layer are mainly found in depressed areas. Numerous oxbows, most of which are extremely overgrown with vegetation, are scattered across the floodplain. Floodplain forests are represented by one small oak-wood tract. Hay-making and cattle pasturing used to occur on the site. In 1986 the IBA was contaminated by radiation following the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant explosion. Since then the economic use of the area has been very limited.

Land use: agriculture (20%) | not utilised (80%)

IUCN Habitat	Coverage %	Habitat detail
Wetlands(Inland)	20
Forest	5
Grassland	75

Threats

Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threat to the biodiversity is the cessation of traditional economic activities, resulting in the rapid encroachment of shrubs on open meadows.

Additional information