Key Biodiversity Areas

Wagbach lowlands (3347)
Germany, Europe

Site overview


KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2002
National site name: Wagbachniederung
Central coordinates: Latitude: 49.2667, Longitude: 8.5000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 96 to 105
Area of KBA (km2): 10.40366
Protected area coverage (%): 98.19
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes

Site details


Site description: A wetland complex in the Rhine valley, comprising flooded gravel-pits, former settling ponds, reedbeds (Phragmites) and areas of small-scale cultivation. Additional habitats include mudflats, wet meadows and patches of forest.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: Breeding species include Ixobrychus minutus, Ardea purpurea and Aythya ferina. The site also supports a variety of wintering and passage waterbirds. Passage species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Anser erythropus, Branta ruficollis, Aythya nyroca (2-5 individuals), Crex crex and Acrocephalus paludicola.

Habitats


Land use: agriculture (25%) | forestry (10%) | hunting (100%) | nature conservation and research (30%) | tourism/recreation (30%) | urban/industrial/transport (5%)
IUCN HabitatCoverage %Habitat detail
Shrubland5
Forest9
Artificial - Terrestrial32
Wetlands(Inland)45
Grassland5

Threats


Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Water management is planned. The area is a candidate Special Area for Conservation.