Vindel Mountains (including Lake Tärna) (874)
Sweden, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Vindelfjällen (med Tärnasjön)
Central coordinates: Latitude: 65.8930, Longitude: 15.8408
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 400 to 1767
Area of KBA (km2): 5551.3607
Protected area coverage (%): 99.08
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: An extensive mountainous area supporting a mosaic of mires, virgin Picea forest and mountain Betula forest, with valleys containing rivers and lake systems. The northern end of Lake Tärnasjön adjoins a delta formed by the River Tärna. The lake is surrounded by seasonally flooded marshland, and the whole area is used for reindeer Rangifer tarandus grazing (`Other' land-use), fishing and hiking.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: Important for breeding waterbirds, raptors and waders. Breeding birds include seven out of the 32 species in Europe that are restricted (when breeding) to the Arctic/tundra biome. Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla.
Delineation rationale: More accurate information on area and borders /Robert Ekblom (2007-10-17)
Habitats
Land use: hunting | rangeland/pastureland | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 30 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 13 | |
| Grassland | 36 | |
| Other | 3 | |
| Shrubland | 15 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 3 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: No serious threats are known at the site. The site is very rich botanically, and there is also considerable geological interest.