Knyszyn Forest (954)
Poland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2010
National site name: Puszcza Knyszynska
Central coordinates: Latitude: 53.2500, Longitude: 23.3333
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 30 to 160
Area of KBA (km2): 1330.11179
Protected area coverage (%): 99.97
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A fragmented forest, historically divided into the B³udowska, Knyszyñ, Malawicka, Odelska and Supraœl forests, with numerous seepages, springs (c.450), clean streams and small rivers. The terrain is varied. River valleys, mainly drained, are occupied by fens and transitional mires covered by reedbeds Phragmites and sedge-beds Carex. In stagnant hollows there are transitional mires and, more rarely, raised bogs. Although many stands still have a natural character, most are rather young (40-70 years old). About 80% of the forest is coniferous, dominated by pine Pinus and spruce Picea. Broadleaved forest is dominated by lime Tilia and hornbeam Carpinus, with ash Fraxinus and alder Alnus in riverine habitats and birch Betula in marshy areas. Open areas are occupied by fields, meadows, pastures and human settlements.
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: A total of 154 species have been recorded, including 139 breeding. Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla (two pairs), Crex crex, Gallinago media.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | forestry | hunting
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Other | 1 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 15 | |
| Forest | 72 | |
| Grassland | 12 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Water pollution from agriculture poses a threat.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Marine & freshwater aquaculture | Subsistence/artisinal aquaculture | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Dams (size unknown) | Only in the future |
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Unspecified species | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Agricultural & forestry effluents | Type Unknown/Unrecorded | Only in the past and unlikely to return |
| Natural system modifications | Other ecosystem modifications | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Only in the future | |
| Climate change & severe weather | Habitat shifting & alteration | Only in the past and unlikely to return |