Karst (696)
Slovenia, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Kras
Central coordinates: Latitude: 45.6667, Longitude: 13.9167
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 150 to 1028
Area of KBA (km2): 595.74204
Protected area coverage (%): 95.67
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The north-western ridge of the Dinaric mountains. A flat to hilly limestone area, after which the term `karst' was named, with a rich diversity of karst features such as caves, sink-holes, dolinas and canyons. Rocky and sparsely vegetated until the beginning of the 20th century, the area is now partly afforested (Pinus nigra). Land-use has been abandoned over vast areas which are now undergoing natural succession to shrubland and forest. The region is now a mosaic of dry and rocky meadows and pastures, shrublands in various stages of succession, and woods. There is a strong Mediterranean component to the flora and fauna.
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: Several species of European conservation concern (SPECs), typical of woodland, meadow and pasture, breed in important numbers, and numerous other SPECs breed in less significant numbers. Significant proportion (³1%) of national population breeding at site: Carduelis chloris (min. 500 pairs). Nationally, Karst is also notable as a wintering site for many species because of its favourable climate (low snow-cover, etc.).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (10%) | forestry (40%) | not utilised (40%) | urban/industrial/transport (10%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 5 | |
| Forest | 38 | |
| Shrubland | 23 | |
| Grassland | 7 | |
| Caves & Subterranean Habitats (non-aquatic) | 5 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 23 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Intensive afforestation and agricultural abandonment of the rocky steppe-grasslands and open agricultural landscapes pose a high threat to these habitats and their associated birds. The long-term conservation of these areas will only be possible if traditional forms of land-use are maintained or reintroduced. For the landscape to support maximum biodiversity, a traditional mosaic should be maintained of the different habitats such as small woods, grasslands, pastures, vineyards and cultivated fields. A management plan exists for the site.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Other ecosystem modifications | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Utility & service lines | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Energy production & mining | Renewable energy | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Housing & urban areas | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Only in the future |