Bay of Kil (865)
Sweden, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: Kilsviken
Central coordinates: Latitude: 59.0422, Longitude: 14.0385
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 45 to 55
Area of KBA (km2): 90.86253
Protected area coverage (%): 99.99
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Kilsviken is a nutrient-rich bay off Lake Vänern and is surrounded by agricultural land. The shoreline is largely made up of reedbeds (Phragmites) and water-meadows and there is rich aquatic vegetation. Associated with Kilsviken is Kolstrandsviken Bay, which is moderately-rich in nutrients and contains mudflats, and åråsviken Bay. The northern part of åråsviken supports extensive areas of Phragmites, and grazing-meadows and damp forests occur on the many islands.
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 is important for breeding waterbirds and raptors, and as a stop-over site for migrating waders. Wintering species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla (4-8 birds).
Delineation rationale: old area: 8910ha Changed due to more accurate information on borders and size. /Robert Ekblom (2007-10-23)
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (5%) | forestry (5%) | nature conservation and research (25%) | not utilised (25%) | tourism/recreation (10%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 5 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 5 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 5 | |
| Forest | 15 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 70 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: American mink Mustela vison are a threat to breeding birds. Canoeing and other recreational activities may endanger important breeding areas. The bays' sediments still contain mercury (Hg) from a former paper factory (`Other' threat).
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pollution | Domestic & urban waste water | Run-off | Ongoing |
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Named species | Ongoing |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |