Ohepalu (292)
Estonia, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2003
National site name: Ohepalu
Central coordinates: Latitude: 59.3500, Longitude: 25.9333
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Area of KBA (km2): 57.1391
Protected area coverage (%): 98.80
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A complex of raised bogs, fens, transitional mires, forest and many small lakes in northern Estonia. The main land-use is forestry.
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: Ohepalu-Udriku mire complex is an important roosting place for migrating Grus grus in autumn.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (2%) | fisheries/aquaculture (2%) | forestry (20%) | nature conservation and research (99%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 23 | |
| Forest | 52 | |
| Grassland | 1 | |
| Shrubland | 23 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are drainage, and intensification of forestry. Udriku mire is designated as a strictly protected area within Ohepalu Nature Protection Area. Research involves monitoring of birds and mire plants.