Niedere Tauern (3245)
Austria, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Niedere Tauern
Central coordinates: Latitude: 47.3167, Longitude: 14.3000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 800 to 2863
Area of KBA (km2): 2534.64163
Protected area coverage (%): 64.06
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A mountainous area of broad glacial valleys. Below 1,900 m most areas are covered by intensively managed forest, with more natural conifer forest limited to steep slopes. The treeline ecotone is dominated by Alnus, Rhododendron, Vaccinium and, locally, Pinus. The highest areas are occupied by alpine pastures, alpine grassland, cliffs and rocky slopes.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Additional biodiversity: An important site for species of alpine grassland, montane and subalpine forest.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (25%) | forestry (60%) | not utilised (25%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 15 | |
| Grassland | 25 | |
| Forest | 60 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Alpine pastures and forests are threatened by more intensive management practices, especially forest roads and afforestation with Picea. Tourist developments are an additional threat.