River Mura (694)
Slovenia, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Mura
Central coordinates: Latitude: 46.5833, Longitude: 16.1667
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 159 to 234
Area of KBA (km2): 157.49966
Protected area coverage (%): 78.22
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The 80-km stretch of the River Mura which flows through Slovenia. Seasonal flooding creates a characteristic landscape with numerous natural features, from gravel riverbanks to dense marshlands to old meanders along the lower stretch of the river, as well as huge alluvial forests. èrni log (1,200 ha) is the largest Alnus forest in central Europe, and is dense and uninhabited. Because of the danger of flooding, dykes have been built along the riverbanks. The Mura river meadows, wet grasslands, flood-plain and forests remain relatively intact, but cultivated fields and grasslands are intensively managed.
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: The site supports important breeding numbers of numerous species of European conservation concern that are typical of flooded forest, meadows, and riverbanks. The population densities of many species are high due to the relatively natural state of the alluvial forest habitats. Significant proportion (³1%) of national population breeding at site: Jynx torquilla (30-50 pairs). The site also holds nationally important numbers of breeding Ciconia ciconia and riverine forest passerines.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (25%) | forestry (70%) | urban/industrial/transport (5%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 70 | |
| Shrubland | 9 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 12 | |
| Grassland | 9 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: In 1985 the regional Nature Conservation Service prepared a proposal for some Landscape Parks in the area, but at the same time hydroelectric power-stations were planned, and the latter continue to be the main threat to the site. Remaining wet grasslands are threatened with drainage. Gravel extraction should be limited and some habitat restoration projects could be done. A planned highway between Slovenia and Hungary will probably cross the area. In 1992 DOPPS and Euronatur initiated the Drava-Mura nature conservation project (see also `River Drava', IBA 012). Conservation issues were publicized, and at an international conference this IBA was proposed as a Biosphere Reserve.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Dams (size unknown) | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Logging & wood harvesting | Unintentional effects: large scale (species being assessed is not the target) [harvest] | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Agro-industry farming | Ongoing |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |