Thjórsárver (487)
Iceland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2015
National site name: Þjórsárver
Central coordinates: Latitude: 64.5667, Longitude: -18.6667
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 580 to 1140
Area of KBA (km2): 906.12354
Protected area coverage (%): 49.97
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A tract of wetland in the tundra-like central highlands, south of the Hofsjökull glacier, with rivers, lakes, ponds, extensive marshes/ mires of sedge (Eriophorum, Carex), and flat, eroded gravel areas. Ownership of the highlands has not been resolved, but farmers have grazing rights.
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.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 20 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 10 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 70 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Excessive erosion (`Other' threat) is a problem. Traffic by people in the area is increasing as a result of more roads being constructed in and around the site˜the roads lead to hydroelectric power-stations and to the Kvíslavötn reservoir (which lies partly within the IBA). The national energy authority is planning a reservoir (for hydroelectric power generation) in the southern part of the reserve that would put 62 km2 of the reserve under water.