Krekengebied (702)
Belgium, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Krekengebied
Central coordinates: Latitude: 51.2500, Longitude: 3.6667
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 2 to 5
Area of KBA (km2): 7.81491
Protected area coverage (%): 73.01
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A complex of old freshwater and brackish sea inlets (`kreken') in a polder landscape. The area encompasses a diverse set of habitats, including remnant saltmarshes, acidic marshes and wet woodlands.
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: This is an internationally important wintering site for Cygnus columbianus. The area is is also a nationally important breeding site for Luscinia svecica (25 pairs) and reedbed species.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (95%) | nature conservation and research (5%) | tourism/recreation (5%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 5 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 90 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: One of the main threats is the loss of grassland around the creeks, as a result of fields being ploughed close to reedbeds, thus limiting the size of the water-bodies. Water quality is also deteriorating due to agricultural pollution, and the lowering of the water-table in the area is also a threat. The area is well studied by a local ornithological working group (Vogelwerkgroep Noord-Oost-Vlaanderen). Approximately 350 ha are designated as a green area on the physical planning map.