Niepolomice forest (981)
Poland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2010
National site name: Puszcza Niepolomicka
Central coordinates: Latitude: 50.0667, Longitude: 20.3333
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 175 to 200
Area of KBA (km2): 119.91879
Protected area coverage (%): 98.23
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Niepo³omice forest lies in lightly undulating country at the confluence of the Wis³a (Vistula) and Raba rivers (the Karpaty Plateau rapids). The forest is drained by the Drwinka river, which bisects the site. The southern part is densely forested, dominated by pine Pinus or mixed oak Quercus/Pinus. Dry-ground forest of hornbeam Carpinus is dominant in the northern part, but there is also riverine forest of alder Alnus, wooded meadows, and oxbow lakes at various stages of silting up. Stands are predominantly young, but in some places there is still some old-growth forest. The forest is surrounded by meadows and arable land, and adjoins a dozen or so villages.
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 180 species have been recorded, including 115 breeders or probable breeders, and 60 migrants.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (15%) | forestry (85%) | hunting
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 3 | |
| Grassland | 20 | |
| Forest | 74 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 3 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Air pollution by industry threatens forest trees and other wildlife.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Small-holder farming | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Fire & fire suppression | Increase in fire frequency/intensity | Ongoing |
| Residential & commercial development | Housing & urban areas | Ongoing | |
| Energy production & mining | Mining & quarrying | Only in the future | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Only in the future | |
| Pollution | Garbage & solid waste | Ongoing |