Bohemian forest and Mühl valley (3232)
Austria, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Böhmerwald und Mühltal
Central coordinates: Latitude: 48.6833, Longitude: 13.9833
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 500 to 1378
Area of KBA (km2): 222.90949
Protected area coverage (%): 40.66
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Bohemian forest covers the highest peaks of the granitic Bohemian Mass and divides the river systems of the Elbe and Danube. Spruce Picea forests dominate, with some mixed and deciduous forest. The main land-use in the Mühl valley is arable agriculture although some wet meadows, dry grasslands and raised bogs remain. The area is used for winter sports.
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 IBA is important for species characteristic of both forest and mixed agriculture and grassland.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (10%) | forestry (90%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 60 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 35 | |
| Grassland | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Forestry operations threaten the forests, although a natural age structure and an increased proportion of broadleaved trees are generally promoted. Acid rain (`Other' threats) threatens the forest, particularly at higher altitudes. Winter sports are a source of disturbance. In the Mühl valley, agricultural intensification is the major threat.