Lower valley of the Gail (3247)
Austria, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Unteres Gailtal
Central coordinates: Latitude: 46.6500, Longitude: 13.6833
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 500 to 670
Area of KBA (km2): 28.10744
Protected area coverage (%): 32.07
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: In the west of the site there are small areas of fen and adjacent mixed Picea and Fagus forest. The eastern section comprises stony ground covered by open, mixed Pinus and Fagus forest, and the river, which has a number of artificial islands. The southern section comprises two more fens. Open areas are mainly used for pasture and some arable agriculture. The major human activity is forestry. Hunting also occurs.
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 area for birds of open mixed forest, especially Caprimulgus europaeus and Emberiza cia.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (30%) | forestry (70%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 10 | |
| Grassland | 15 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 5 | |
| Forest | 70 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: A road currently under construction will bisect the IBA and seriously affect the integrity of the whole site.