Malopolska Wisla river gap (947)
Poland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2010
National site name: Malopolski Przelom Wisly
Central coordinates: Latitude: 51.2167, Longitude: 21.8333
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 120 to 120
Area of KBA (km2): 69.75896
Protected area coverage (%): 100.00
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: An unmodified part of the Wis³a (Vistula) riverbed, 36 km long, with meanders, high banks, numerous islands and sandbars, from Józefów town to Kazimierz Dolny town. The islands vary in character, from low, bare sandy islets to larger, higher islands, covered with willow Salix scrub, forest of Salix and poplar Populus, hay meadows and pasture. The river is extensively used by boat traffic.
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: Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Crex crex (10 pairs).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (80%) | hunting | tourism/recreation (20%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 5 | |
| Forest | 3 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 80 | |
| Grassland | 5 | |
| Shrubland | 3 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: There is pollution from industrial development. Further canalization of the river is planned.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Marine & freshwater aquaculture | Subsistence/artisinal aquaculture | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Intentional use (species being assessed is the target) | Ongoing |
| Transportation & service corridors | Utility & service lines | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Shipping lanes | Only in the future | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Pollution | Garbage & solid waste | Ongoing |