Karlsö Islands (858)
Sweden, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Karlsöarna
Central coordinates: Latitude: 57.2970, Longitude: 18.0105
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 67
Area of KBA (km2): 87.96891
Protected area coverage (%): 24.11
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Two islands with cliffs situated off south-west Gotland. The tops of the islands are flat and support Juniperus and a few copses. Sheep-grazing is the only land-use.
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: The IBA supports large numbers of breeding seabirds, including c.75% of the Baltic breeding population of Uria aalge. Numbers of Alca torda have increased by 50% over the last decade.
Delineation rationale: Old area: 4570ha Changed due to more accurate information on borders and size. /Robert Ekblom (2007-10-23)
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Neritic | 95 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 3 | |
| Shrubland | 3 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: No serious threats are known at the site. Auks are counted regularly. Guided tours/information are provided for visitors.