Paliessie fish farm (208)
Belarus, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2005
National site name: Paliessie fish farm
Central coordinates: Latitude: 52.3000, Longitude: 26.3000
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 137 to 139
Area of KBA (km2): 29.6013
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: One of the largest complexes of fish-ponds, together with a reservoir, in the Pripyat (Polesia) region. The fish-ponds are stocked with carp Cyprinus carpio and are highly productive, with a high cover of water-fringe vegetation.
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: The site holds large concentrations of breeding, moulting and post-breeding waterbirds, especially fish-eating species. Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla (1 pair). Significant proportion (³1%) of national population breeding at site: Aythya ferina (150-200 pairs). Important non-breeding visitors include Ciconia nigra (50-70 birds).
Habitats
Land use: fisheries/aquaculture (95%) | hunting (5%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 95 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threat comes from the reduction in fish production due to the current economic crisis, resulting in a decreased area of water and reduced food supply for fish-eating birds. The species composition and numbers of birds are relatively well studied. Although unprotected, the fish-farm is closed to the public and there is no disturbance of nesting birds during the breeding period.