Thermenlinie (3214)
Austria, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Thermenlinie
Central coordinates: Latitude: 47.9667, Longitude: 16.1667
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 220 to 900
Area of KBA (km2): 105.44507
Protected area coverage (%): 94.80
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Thermenlinie lies on the eastern edge of the Alps and is a region of limestone and dolomitic limestone. Land-use is predominantly vineyards interspersed with arable fields, dry calcareous grassland and many small patches of woodland. Human activities include quarrying and recreation.
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: This site is important for breeding species associated with a mixed agricultural landscape.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (80%) | forestry (10%) | urban/industrial/transport (5%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 85 | |
| Grassland | 5 | |
| Forest | 10 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats to the area come from the expansion of human settlements into grassland, recreational activities and agricultural intensification. Most of the smaller grasslands are threatened by the abandonment of their traditional use as pastures.