Eyjabakkar (532)
Iceland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Eyjabakkar
Central coordinates: Latitude: 64.7333, Longitude: -15.5167
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 620 to 700
0KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A wetland in the highlands, by Eyjabakkajökull in Vatnajökul glacier, with extensive sedge marshes (Carex, Eriophorum). The ownership of the highlands is not resolved, but farmers hold grazing and fishing rights in the area.
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: not utilised
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The area is under serious threat of submersion; the planned construction of a hydroelectric power-station in Jökulsá á Fljótsdal has already been approved by the Althingi (national legislature), and this will require a reservoir that will completely cover the Eyjabakki IBA. The IBA is on the list of sites of conservation interest in the Nature Conservation Register.