Kalmthoutse Heide (707)
Belgium, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Kalmthoutse Heide
Central coordinates: Latitude: 51.4000, Longitude: 4.4333
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 17 to 30
Area of KBA (km2): 21.83127
Protected area coverage (%): 98.18
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: An important and diverse area of dry and wet heathlands, fens and inland sand-dunes of the Antwerpse Kempen.
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 IBA is also a nationally important staging site for migrating waders and breeding heathland species, including Lullula arborea.
Habitats
Land use: forestry (20%) | nature conservation and research (60%) | tourism/recreation (60%) | water management (20%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 5 | |
| Shrubland | 40 | |
| Forest | 15 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 30 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: One of the main threats is accidental fire damage during dry periods. There is intensive research on heathland habitats related to management and a detailed management plan exists. The whole site is designated as a green area on the physical planning map. 2,000 ha of IBA covered by proposed Site of Community Importance (Kalmthoutse Heide, 2,018 ha).