Lake Åsnen (854)
Sweden, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Åsnen
Central coordinates: Latitude: 56.6393, Longitude: 14.7522
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 139 to 150
Area of KBA (km2): 174.69523
Protected area coverage (%): 99.99
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A large, nutrient-poor lake with many small bays, peninsulas and islands, surrounded by mainly coniferous forest (especially Picea). There is some deciduous woodland, particularly on the islands, which is important due to its great age. Wetland habitats are found all around the lake and include grazed wet meadows. Human activities include grazing, regulation of the lake water-level and boating.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Additional biodiversity: The IBA supports a rich and diverse breeding bird fauna (waterbirds, raptors, waders and forest species), and is a stop-over site during both spring and autumn migration for wildfowl and raptors. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Crex crex (breeding).
Delineation rationale: Old area: 13500ha Changed due to more accurate information on borders and size. /Robert Ekblom (2007-10-24)
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | forestry | tourism/recreation | water management
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 5 | |
| Forest | 5 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 90 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Meadows have become overgrown, although some of the older examples have now been restored. American mink Mustela vison cause problems for breeding birds and canoeists create disturbance. Twenty Bird Sanctuaries have been designated as part of an ongoing initiative, ranging from 2.1-97 ha in size (621 ha in total)˜most are situated within Nature Reserves.