Archipelago of Östergötland (860)
Sweden, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Östergötlands skärgård
Central coordinates: Latitude: 58.2953, Longitude: 17.0290
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 20
Area of KBA (km2): 321.5039
Protected area coverage (%): 64.95
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: An archipelago comprising hundreds of islands and skerries. The larger islands close to the mainland support trees and tall vegetation, whilst those further out support little or no tall vegetation. The area can only be reached by boat and is frequented by tourists during the summer, although no significant disturbance is caused to birds.
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 islands furthest from the mainland support the richest birdlife. Somateria mollissima breed in large numbers; other breeders include Anser anser, Tringa totanus, Actitis hypoleucos, gulls and auks. Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla.
Delineation rationale: Old area: 5690ha Area has been increased to include also SE038. /Robert Ekblom (2007-10-23)
Habitats
Land use: tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 5 | |
| Marine Neritic | 94 | |
| Forest | 1 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Decreases in the numbers of some waders (Tringa totanus, Arenaria interpres and Charadrius hiaticula) have been noted, but the causes are unknown. American mink Mustela vison have a very negative effect on some breeding species (for example, terns and auks).
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological resource use | Fishing & harvesting aquatic resources | Intentional use: subsistence/small scale (species being assessed is the target) [harvest] | Ongoing |
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Named species | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Agricultural & forestry effluents | Nutrient loads | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Other ecosystem modifications | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |