Lower Rhine (3450)
Germany, Europe

Site overview

KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2002
National site name: Unterer Niederrhein
Central coordinates: Latitude: 51.7667, Longitude: 6.4000
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 9 to 30
Area of KBA (km2): 482.94833
Protected area coverage (%): 82.94
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes

Site details

Site description: A low-lying area around the River Rhine, predominantly humid grassland. An anthropogenic landscape with hedgerows and pollarded Salix trees, and a dyked area in the north of the IBA.
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: This is an important passage and wintering area for waterbirds, particularly geese. The site regularly holds 20,000 or more waterbirds in winter. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Anser erythropus (wintering), Branta ruficollis (wintering).

Habitats

Land use: agriculture (80%) | hunting | nature conservation and research (5%) | tourism/recreation (25%) | urban/industrial/transport (20%)
IUCN HabitatCoverage %Habitat detail
Artificial - Terrestrial27
Wetlands(Inland)15
Grassland55

Threats

Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are the intensification of agriculture and urbanization of the landscape.
Threat level 1Threat level 2Threat level 3Timing
Agriculture & aquacultureLivestock farming & ranchingAgro-industry grazing, ranching or farmingOngoing
Natural system modificationsDams & water management/useLarge damsOngoing
Human intrusions & disturbanceRecreational activitiesOngoing
Residential & commercial developmentCommercial & industrial areasOngoing
Energy production & miningMining & quarryingOngoing