Lough Fern (644)
Ireland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Lough Fern
Central coordinates: Latitude: 55.0500, Longitude: -7.7167
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 21 to 21
Area of KBA (km2): 1.84698
Protected area coverage (%): 100.00
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Lough Fern is situated south of Mulroy Bay in County Donegal. There are wetlands at its south and north ends, with marsh, reedbed and wet woodland. The lake is used by anglers.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: Lough Fern was designated as a Special Protection Area on the basis of migratory waterfowl populations. It is one of the most important wintering sites in Ireland for Aythya ferina, (1,208 birds, 1996).
Habitats
Land use: hunting | not utilised (100%) | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: There is little information available in relation to threats. However, use of the site by anglers, together with wildfowling, is likely to cause disturbance to wintering birds.