Pcinja (3127)
Serbia, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Dolina Pčinje
Central coordinates: Latitude: 42.3610, Longitude: 22.0012
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 410 to 1345
Area of KBA (km2): 145.0292
Protected area coverage (%): 24.44
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: An extensive valley surrounded by the mountains of Kozjak, Rujen and Vlasinske in south-east Serbia, on the borders with Macedonia and Bulgaria. The diverse vegetation reflects sub-Mediterranean influences. Degraded oak Quercus forest occurs with open, dry grassland and areas of scrub. Human activities include cattle-rearing and some agriculture, as well as tourism at a low level.
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: This is an important site for a number of species associated with open, heterogeneous landscapes.
Delineation rationale: 2014-10-14 (BL Secretariat): following Puzović (2009), site area changed from 16000 ha to 14942 ha; coordinates changed from 42.367N 22.05E to 42°22'18'N 22°0'54'E.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (15%) | forestry (30%) | hunting | not utilised (30%) | tourism/recreation (5%) | urban/industrial/transport (10%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 3 | |
| Shrubland | 25 | |
| Forest | 35 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 15 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 10 | |
| Grassland | 10 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threat is the illegal hunting of birds. A management plan exists for the site.