Vorma (3174)
Norway, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2014
National site name: Vorma
Central coordinates: Latitude: 60.3500, Longitude: 11.2333
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 122 to 175
Area of KBA (km2): 8.3554
Protected area coverage (%): 90.56
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Vorma is the initial stretch of the largest river in Norway, the Glomma, flowing out of Mjøsa, the largest lake in Norway. The most important places for birds at this site are found between the outlet from Mjøsa and Eidsvoll, and along the Andelva river which flows from Lake Aurdal into the Vorma river. The area around the rivers is mostly cultivated. Water is used for electricity generation.
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: The best area for Cygnus cygnus is up the Vorma river from Eidsvoll Station to Minnesund at the outlet of Lake Mjøsa, an area that does not freeze in winter.
Delineation rationale: Mainly adopted from an official polygon for a Protected Area.
Habitats
Land use: urban/industrial/transport (50%) | water management (100%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: As part of the development of a new main airport in Norway at Gardemoen, there is a railroad planned along the Vorma river upstream from Eidsvoll station. This is the most important area for swans Cygnus, and could be critically impacted. Wintering swans and other waterbirds have been counted at Vorma and Glomma since 1988. The Norwegian railroad bureau (NSB) has also initiated studies on wintering waterbirds, related to new railroad projects in the area.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Ongoing |