Gebieden gelegen te Peer en Hechtel-Eksel (713)
Belgium, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Gebieden gelegen te Peer en Hechtel-Eksel
Central coordinates: Latitude: 51.1167, Longitude: 5.4167
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 48 to 75
Area of KBA (km2): 98.61922
Protected area coverage (%): 98.27
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Extensive grassland with a few extensively cultivated areas, bisected by valleys with old hay-meadows and wet woodlands. Of particular importance are the Abeek, Dommel and Bolliserbeek valleys.
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: Alcedo atthis also breeds at this site.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (80%) | nature conservation and research (5%) | tourism/recreation (5%) | urban/industrial/transport (10%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 5 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 80 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Several small areas have been managed for Emberiza hortulana. The species formerly bred in the area and, up to 10 years ago, was the only site in Flanders where the species still occurred. However, this conservation action probably came too late as only 1-2 singing males are observed annually in the area, and it is doubtful that a viable population will be established. The physical planning map of the Flemish Region designates 17% of the IBA as a green area.