Ósasvædi Ölfusár (496)
Iceland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Ósasvædi Ölfusár
Central coordinates: Latitude: 63.9500, Longitude: -21.2500
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 19
Area of KBA (km2): 62.84447
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: An extensive area of coastal flood-plain and shallow freshwater marshes by the ölfusá river, c.35 km south-east of Reykjavík. The area extends over ölfusforir, Kaldadarnesengjar, Flóagafl and the outlet of the ölfusá river, and includes a vegetated lava-flow. The area is dominated by sedge Carex. Land-uses include angling in rivers and some tourist traffic.
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: Many other species of waterbird also breed, and it is one of the most important inland wintering sites for ducks in Iceland.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | fisheries/aquaculture | hunting | nature conservation and research
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 10 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 60 | |
| Marine Intertidal | 30 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Hunting disturbs birds and is a problem in some places, particularly in winter when the wildfowl are concentrated at ice-free areas. Horses also cause disturbance and their grazing is a threat in parts of the area. Water-borne pollution from nearby urbanized and industrial areas is a problem, and introduced American mink Mustela vison also pose a threat. The area is on the list of sites of conservation interest in the Nature Conservation Register. Part of the area, on the west bank of the ölfusá river, has been declared a bird reserve.