Riverine forests on the Danube east of Vienna (3212)
Austria, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Donauauen östlich von Wien
Central coordinates: Latitude: 48.1333, Longitude: 16.7167
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 140 to 150
Area of KBA (km2): 93.24132
Protected area coverage (%): 99.98
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The IBA is the only remaining large riverine forest on a free flowing stretch of the Danube in Austria. Close to the river Salix and Populus dominate, whilst in other areas the forest is dominated by Fraxinus, Quercus and Ulmus. Artificial Populus plantations have replaced the natural forest in many places. The forest is interspersed with oxbow lakes, fringed by reedbeds (Phragmites). Human activities include forestry, recreation and angling.
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 site is important for forest species, particularly breeding raptors and woodpeckers.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (5%) | forestry (80%) | not utilised (15%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 15 | |
| Forest | 80 | |
| Grassland | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Intensification of forestry is continuing outside the National Park. Recreational use causes widespread disturbance. Plans are underway to restore oxbow lakes and to halt forestry in some parts of the National Park.