Storage lakes on the lower Inn (3237)
Austria, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Stauseen am Unteren Inn
Central coordinates: Latitude: 48.3000, Longitude: 13.2000
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 317 to 345
Area of KBA (km2): 16.96829
Protected area coverage (%): 83.37
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The four storage lakes were built between 1938-1961 along the River Inn. High rates of sedimentation have allowed rapid colonization of water-fringe vegetation, especially reedbeds (Phragmites), and alluvial woodland, dominated by willow Salix. When water-levels are low, large areas of mudflats are exposed.
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 breeding waterbirds and passage waders. The site holds 20,000 or more waterbirds, on a regular basis.
Habitats
Land use: forestry (10%) | not utilised (70%) | tourism/recreation (20%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 15 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 85 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are disturbance from angling and hunting, and from recreational activities.