Alam-Pedja (294)
Estonia, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2003
National site name: Alam-Pedja
Central coordinates: Latitude: 58.4667, Longitude: 26.2167
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Area of KBA (km2): 348.76109
Protected area coverage (%): 90.16
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A large wetland complex in central Estonia, comprised of raised bogs, fens, transition mires and unregulated rivers with flood-plain meadows, surrounded by extensive alluvial forests. The main land-use is forestry.
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 most important breeding area for Gallinago media in Estonia, which also supports a rich assemblage of breeding species of mire, forest and wetland, notably the globally threatened Aquila clanga. Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla (2 pairs). Significant proportion (³1%) of national population breeding at site: Pernis apivorus (5-7 pairs), Chlidonias niger (150-200 pairs), Caprimulgus europaeus (min. 20 pairs), Picus canus (min. 15 pairs). Numbers of breeding Tetrao tetrix (min. 75 pairs) are also notable.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (10%) | forestry (20%) | nature conservation and research (87%) | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 17 | |
| Grassland | 7 | |
| Forest | 51 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 24 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threat lies in the overgrowth of flood-plain meadows with scrub, following abandonment of management. Research involves monitoring of birds.