Silvretta and Verwall (3251)
Austria, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Silvretta und Verwall
Central coordinates: Latitude: 46.9833, Longitude: 10.0833
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 900 to 3312
Area of KBA (km2): 317.09333
Protected area coverage (%): 38.54
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A mountainous region of subalpine forest, alpine pasture and rocky areas. The forested areas are mainly coniferous. Human utilization of the area is restricted to a small part of the IBA, used for cattle-grazing, forestry, winter sports and power plants.
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: This is an important site for resident and breeding species associated with subalpine forest, alpine pastures, and grasslands and rocky areas above the treeline.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (20%) | forestry (20%) | not utilised (60%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 40 | |
| Grassland | 30 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 30 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: As summer and winter tourism expand the negative impacts are likely to increase.