Pisz forest (975)
Poland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2010
National site name: Puszcza Piska
Central coordinates: Latitude: 53.6500, Longitude: 21.4833
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 175 to 200
Area of KBA (km2): 1729.28415
Protected area coverage (%): 100.00
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Pisz forest lies on the border between the Great Mazury lake region and the Mazury lowlands, and the Pisa and Krutynia rivers flow through this area. The largest lake in Poland˜Œniardwy (1,097 km2)˜is located in the north-western part of the site, and there are also a dozen other lakes. Many tree species reach the limit of their range here. There are coniferous forests of pine Pinus with some smaller areas of spruce Picea and broadleaved dry-ground forest of lime Tilia and hornbeam Carpinus. Around the lakes in wet areas there are alder Alnus forests and different kinds of mire.
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: Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aythya nyroca (rare on passage), Crex crex (frequent breeder).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (18%) | fisheries/aquaculture (13%) | forestry (67%) | hunting | nature conservation and research (45%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 15 | |
| Forest | 67 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 18 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Afforestation with non-native tree species is a threat, and recreation/tourism disturbs birds.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Marine & freshwater aquaculture | Subsistence/artisinal aquaculture | Only in the future |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Small-holder farming | Only in the future |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Only in the future |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Marine & freshwater aquaculture | Subsistence/artisinal aquaculture | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Dams (size unknown) | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Domestic & urban waste water | Type Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Other ecosystem modifications | Only in the future | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Only in the future | |
| Climate change & severe weather | Temperature extremes | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Housing & urban areas | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |