Markarfljótsaurar (537)
Iceland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Markarfljótsaurar
Central coordinates: Latitude: 63.6000, Longitude: -20.0333
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 2 to 40
Area of KBA (km2): 226.89857
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A glacial outwash plain formed by the Markarfljót river. Habitats include small marshes of sedge (Carex, Eriophorum), sandy areas with rushes Juncus, and flat areas of glacial outwash gravel that are partly vegetated. The native vegetation cover has been increasing since barriers were built to prevent the Markarfljót river from changing its course. Land-uses include grazing.
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: Numenius phaeopus occurs at the highest density recorded in Iceland, or possibly in the world (42 pairs/km2). Not much information on birds is available for the area, but the breeding avifauna includes a good variety of ducks, waders and other waterbirds.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | fisheries/aquaculture | hunting
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 30 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 20 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 50 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: An introduced and invasive plant (Nootka lupin Lupinus nootkatensis) has spread over extensive areas and is a big threat.