Niederösterreichische Randalpen (3228)
Austria, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Niederösterreichische Randalpen
Central coordinates: Latitude: 48.0167, Longitude: 15.5667
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 330 to 1311
Area of KBA (km2): 202.34609
Protected area coverage (%): 3.45
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: This site has two distinct zones. The lower zone has less than 50% forest cover. Agricultural areas are dominated by hay-meadows and pastures, interspersed with old orchards, hedgerows and small woodlands. About one third of the original forest has been converted to Picea plantations. The upper zone is 80% forested and dominated by Fagus with the proportion of conifers depending upon the altitude. Locally these forests have been replaced by Picea plantations.
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: An important site for forest species, particularly woodpeckers, and species of semi-open habitats.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (35%) | forestry (65%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 30 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 30 | |
| Forest | 40 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are from the abandonment of traditional orchard management and the intensification of grassland management. In addition, broadleaved forest is being replaced by conifer plantations.