Koiva-Mustjõe (299)
Estonia, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2003
National site name: Koiva-Mustjõe
Central coordinates: Latitude: 57.6000, Longitude: 26.4333
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Area of KBA (km2): 25.60974
Protected area coverage (%): 95.82
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A large complex of flood-plain meadows and scrub along the Mustjõgi river in south-eastern Estonia. The main land-uses are cattle-grazing and haymaking.
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: An important breeding area for Crex crex.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (70%) | forestry (20%) | nature conservation and research (97%) | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 7 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 20 | |
| Grassland | 51 | |
| Forest | 22 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Overgrowth of the meadows by scrub (due to undergrazing) poses a major threat, and regular haymaking is required to maintain suitable habitat.