Key Biodiversity Areas

Fanø (3062)
Denmark, Europe

Site overview


KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Fanø
Central coordinates: Latitude: 55.4333, Longitude: 8.4000
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 21
Area of KBA (km2): 44.60292
Protected area coverage (%): 99.08
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes

Site details


Site description: An island in the Wadden Sea surrounded by saltmarshes and mud and sandflats. Terrestrial vegetation mainly comprises various heathland and dune communities and Pinus plantations.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Additional biodiversity: This is a very important staging area for geese, ducks and waders with total numbers regularly exceeding 20,000 birds. Several species listed on Annex I of the EC Birds Directive breed at the site, including Botaurus stellaris, Circus aeruginosus, C. pygargus, Recurvirostra avosetta, Sterna paradisaea and S. albifrons.

Habitats


IUCN HabitatCoverage %Habitat detail
Marine Intertidal25
Artificial - Terrestrial15
Marine Coastal/Supratidal25
Shrubland35

Threats


Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The invasion of introduced Pinus mugo causes problems.
Threat level 1Threat level 2Threat level 3Timing
Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseasesProblematic native species/diseasesNamed speciesOngoing
Natural system modificationsDams & water management/useAbstraction of surface water (unknown use)Ongoing
Human intrusions & disturbanceRecreational activitiesOngoing
Natural system modificationsOther ecosystem modificationsOngoing