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Important Bird Areas in Europe – Lithuania

■■■■■ LITHUANIAL. RAUDONIKIS, P. KURLAVIÈIUS AND G. MATIUKAS

Wetland and forest are the predominant habitats at IBAs in Lithuania. (PHOTO: MINDAUGAS MACIULIS)

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

Lithuania, covering 65,300 km2, is bounded in the north by Latvia,in the west by the Baltic Sea, in the east by Belarus and in the southby Russia (Kaliningrad region) and Poland. It is the largest andthe southernmost of the three Baltic republics, and is generally flatwith some hilly landscapes, the highest reaching 293 m.

Just over half (54%) of the land area is used for agriculture,whilst 30% is covered by forest, mostly Scot’s pine Pinus sylvestris(38%) and Norway spruce Picea abies (20%) stands, and 4% isinland water. About 10.8 % of the territory falls within protectedareas.

Lithuania has 35 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) covering3,177 km2, about 5% of the country’s land area (Table 1, Map 1).

Map 1. Location, area andcriteria category of ImportantBird Areas in Lithuania.

0 100

km

50

7

6345

2

14

1 9

22

1012 13

15

27

34

31

23

25

21

24

2629

30

35

18

20

19

32

16

33

811

17

28B E L A R U S

L A T V I A

B A L T I CS E A

R U S S I A

P O L A N D

Area of IBA (ha)

A (11 IBAs)

B (24 IBAs)

Highest category ofcriteria met by IBA

60 to 799

800 to 3,687

3,688 to 13,999

14,000 to 43,700

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Seven IBAs were identified in the previous pan-European inventory(Grimmett and Jones 1989). One of these, Kuronian Spit (formerlySU023) was a transboundary site shared between Lithuania andKaliningrad in Russia, but currently is smaller (site 004) and fallswithin Lithuania only (Table 1). Twenty-eight new IBAs wereidentified during 1995–1996. Most IBAs are wetland sites, including12 sites in western Lithuania, six of which fall within the coastalzone or near the sea coast. All other sites are distributed quiteequally throughout Lithuania.

ORNITHOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE

There are more than 100 species of European conservation concern(SPECs; Tucker and Heath 1994) breeding in Lithuania includingthe globally threatened Crex crex, Acrocephalus paludicola andAythya nyroca; and the near-threatened Gallinago media andHaliaeetus albicilla.

IBAs holding important breeding numbers of these species arelisted in Table 2. Tyras bog (005) is a particularly important areafor protection of the Lithuanian population of Acrocephaluspaludicola. Žuvintas (030) is also an important area for Acrocephaluspaludicola. Čepkeliai raised bog (035) supports the largest knownlocal breeding population of Gallinago media. Important numbersof Acrocephalus paludicola, Crex crex, Gallinago media andHaliaeetus albicilla breed in the Nemunas delta (006). Jűra (014),Šešuva (022) and Širvinta (028) river valleys hold the largest knownlocal breeding populations of Crex crex.

Table 1. Summary of Important Bird Areas in Lithuania. 35 IBAs covering 3,177 km2

IBA National 1989code code code International name National name Administrative region Area (ha) Criteria (see p. 11)

001 23 — Seashore at Palanga Baltijos jûra prie Palangos Klaipëda 8,000 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i

002 20 — Seashore at Nida Baltijos jûra pr¢e Nidos Klaipëda 20,000 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2

003 15 SU023 Kuronian lagoon Kuršiû ¢lanka Klaipëda 6,000 A4i, A4iii, B1i

004 16 SU023 Kuronian spit Kuršiû nerija Klaipëda 26,394 B1iv

005 30 — Tyras Tyras Klaipëda 600 A1, B2

006 21 SU022 Nemunas delta Nemuno delta Klaipëda 26,625 A1, A4iii, B2

007 38 — ¡emaitija National Park ¡emaitijos nacionalinis parkas Telšiai 20,120 B3

008 32 — Varduva Varduva Telšiai 600 B2

009 19 SU020 Minija Minija Klaipëda and Telšiai 800 B2

010 33 — Varniai Varniai Telšiai 16,495 B2

011 9 — Kamanos Kamanos Šiauliai 6,468 B2

012 25 — Pavë¤upis fish-ponds Pavë¤upio tvenkiniai Šiauliai 400 B2

013 31 — Tyruliai Tyruliai Šiauliai 3,688 B3

014 8 — Jûra river valley Jûros upës slënis Tauragë 200 A1, B2

015 36 — Viešvilë Reserve Viešvilës rezervatas Tauragë 3,216 B2

016 2 SU021 Bir¤ai forest Birzø giria Panevë¤ys 10,000 B2

017 12 — Krekenava Krekenava Panevë¤ys 8,680 B2

018 3 — Èedasai Èedasai Panevë¤ys 100 B2

019 27 — Sartai Sartai Panevë¤ys and Utena 14,000 B2

020 34 — Vasaknos fish-ponds Vasaknø tvenkiniai Utena 800 B2

021 17 — Labûnava forest Labûnavos miškas Kaunas 9,515 B2

022 28 — Šešuva river valley Šešuvos slënis Kaunas 60 A1, B2

023 11 — Kauno Marios Regional Park Kauno mariø regioninis parkas Kaunas 10,173 B2

024 7 — Išau¤as fish-ponds Išlau¤o tvenkiniai Kaunas 300 B2

025 10 — Kašonys Kašonys Kaunas 100 B2

026 35 — Verknë river valley (middle part) Verknës slënis Kaunas 600 B3

027 22 — Novaraistis Novaraistis Kaunas, Marijampolë 827 A4i, B1i, B3

028 29 — Širvinta river valley Širvintos slënis Marijampolë 300 A1, B2

029 37 — ¡altytis ¡altytis Marijampolë 392 B2, B3

030 39 SU024 ¡uvintas ¡uvintas Alytus 6,570 A1, B2, B3

031 18 — Meteliai Regional Park Meteliø regioninis parkas Alytus 15,299 B1i, B2, B3

032 1 — Aukštaitija National Park Aukštaitijos nacionalinis parkas Utena and Vilnius 40,570 B2

033 13 SU026 Kretuonas Kretuonas Vilnius 1,260 B2

034 6 — Dzûkija forest Dzûkijos miškai Alytus 43,700 B2

035 4 SU025 Èepkeliai Èepkeliai Alytus 14,800 A1, B2

Non-breeding populations of other species of globalconservation concern present in Lithuania include Anser erythropuswhich occurs during migration. The status of Branta ruficollis andAquila clanga are insufficiently known: both species are consideredas occasional visitors during migration (Kurlavicius 1995). There isone internationally important wintering place for Polysticta stelleriin Lithuania (Palanga, 001) with up to 1,000 birds present everywinter.

SPECs with significant breeding populations at IBAs in Lithuaniaare shown in Table 4. These include Botaurus stellaris (at sites 010,012, 023, 024, 030, 031), Ciconia nigra (016, 017, 021), Circus pygargus(013, 026), Aquila pomarina (017, 021), Tetrao tetrix (011, 035),Porzana porzana (007, 027, 029, 030), Porzana parva (029, 030, 031),Grus grus (015, 027, 035), Larus minutus (010, 012), Sterna albifrons(008, 024, 033), Chlidonias niger (006, 010, 018, 019, 020, 025, 029,031, 033), Caprimulgus europaeus (032, 034), Alcedo atthis (008, 009,023, 032), Coracias garrulus (032, 034) and Lullula arborea (034).

Three Lithuanian IBAs qualify based on populations of winteringwaterbirds (Table 3): Palanga (001) with Polysticta stelleri and morethan 20,000 waterbirds regularly wintering; Nida (002) with up to6–10 % of the Palearctic wintering population of Melanitta fuscaand up to 10,000 Clangula hyemalis; and Kuronian lagoon (003)with more than 1% of the north-west European population ofwintering Mergus merganser and M. albellus. Two sites qualify forpassage birds (027, 031) (Table 3).

Kuronian spit (004) is an important bottleneck site with largenumbers of migrating passerines, storks and raptors passingthrough in spring and autumn.

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The most important Lithuanian IBA, Nemunas delta (006) inwestern Lithuania, supports several species of global conservationconcern, most of the SPECs breeding in Lithuania and winteringand migrating birds.

HABITATS

Most IBAs in Lithuania support complexes of different habitat-types. This is the case within the regional and national parksalthough, overall, forest is dominant. Over 80% of IBAs (30 sites)support forest, with eight of these sites having more than 50% forestcover (Figure 1)

More than 80% of IBAs contain wetland habitat, and at 40% ofsites this covers more than 50% of the IBA area. Much of thiswetland coverage is raised bog such as at Kamanos (011) andČepkeliai (035), or transitional and/or mixed mires such as Viešvile

Table 2. Important Bird Areas in Lithuania that are important forspecies of global conservation concern (meeting criterion A1).

Species IBA codePolysticta stelleri Steller’s Eider 001Haliaeetus albicilla White-tailed Eagle 006Crex crex Corncrake 006, 014, 022, 028Gallinago media Great Snipe 006, 035Acrocephalus paludicola Aquatic Warbler 005, 006, 030

Table 3. Important Bird Areas in Lithuania that support importantnumbers of one or more congregatory species (i.e. meetingcriteria A4 and/or B1). IBAs meeting both criteria A4 and B1 forthe species are shown in bold. IBAs meeting only criterion B1 forthe species concerned, and not A4, are shown in normal type.For key to ‘Season’, see p. 7.

Species Season IBA code

Polysticta stelleri Steller’s Eider W 001Melanitta fusca Velvet Scoter W 002Mergus albellus Smew W 003Mergus merganser Goosander W 003Fulica atra Coot P 031Grus grus Crane P 027

Table 4. Species of European conservation concern withsignificant breeding populations at Important Bird Areas inLithuania (meeting any IBA criteria).

Minimum Proportion (%) of national breeding national population

population breeding at all IBAsSpecies 1 (pairs) 2 in Lithuania

Botaurus stellaris Bittern 400 17Ciconia nigra Black Stork 450 4Haliaeetus albicilla White-tailed Eagle 30 27Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier 300 7Aquila pomarina Lesser Spotted Eagle 700 4Tetrao tetrix Black Grouse 2,000 9Porzana porzana Spotted Crake 800 16Porzana parva Little Crake 150 36Crex crex Corncrake 25,000 1Grus grus Crane 600 8Gallinago media Great Snipe 50 60Larus minutus Little Gull 200 32Sterna albifrons Little Tern 400 22Chlidonias niger Black Tern 2,000 18Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar 4,000 5Alcedo atthis Kingfisher 700 7Coracias garrulus Roller 250 2Lullula arborea Woodlark 15,000 1Acrocephalus paludicola Aquatic Warbler 250 92

1. Only those species of European conservation concern (see Box 1, p. 12) that meet IBA criteria inLithuania are listed.

2. Data are taken from the BirdLife/EBCC European Bird Database 1998 (Heath and Borggreve2000).

Figure 1. Habitats at Important Bird Areas in Lithuania(see Appendix 3 for definitions of habitats).

reserve (015). Novaraistis (027) is an exploited and partly regeneratingpeatbog. Žuvintas (030) contains flooded and swamp forest, a rarehabitat-type in Lithuanian IBAs.

Several IBAs hold meadows and grasslands, which provideimportant habitat for Crex crex. Two sites are predominantlymarine, Palanga (001) and Nida (002).

IMPACTS ON IBAs – LAND-USE AND THREATS

Most IBAs have mixed ownership, although some are privatelyowned (largely land within regional and national parks and fish-ponds) and others state-owned, such as strict reserves (Žuvintas(030), Čepkeliai (035), Kamanos (011), Viešvile (015)), marine sitesand most smaller wetlands and meadows.

More than 70% of IBAs are used for recreation and tourism,but only a small part of each site is used exclusively for thesepurposes. A significant proportion of IBAs are used for forestryand agriculture. All forest in Lithuania, with the exception of strictnature reserves, is used for some forestry activities. Marine sitesand fish-ponds are used for fisheries and aquaculture. Strictlyprotected reserves and some parts of national and regional parksare used for nature conservation and research only.

Human disturbance of birds, caused mainly by recreation,forestry, and agricultural activities, and direct threats to forestsfrom forestry activities (including selective logging/cutting,commercial deforestation and intensified forest management) arecurrently the most serious factors affecting IBAs in Lithuania.

The abandonment of meadows, previously used for haymakingand grazing, is also detrimental to many birds. The decline offisheries due to the privatization of fish-ponds affects several IBAs.Currently afforestation and drainage have a low impact only, insome unprotected meadows and wetland areas. The constructionof an oil terminal at Butingë on the coast will seriously threatenthe Palanga IBA (001).

Figure 2. Land-uses at Important Bird Areas in Lithuania(see Appendix 3 for definitions of land-uses).

100 3020 605040 908070Percentage of IBAs (100% = 35 sites)

1. percentage of area of individual IBA covered by habitat

100

Scrub

Forest and woodland

Artificial landscape

Wetland

Grassland

Marine areas

³ 50% cover¹

5%–49% cover¹

0 10 20 30 5040 807060Percentage of IBAs (100% = 35 sites)

1. percentage of area of individual IBA covered by land-use

Not utilized

Urban/industrial/transport

Fisheries/aquaculture

Tourism/recreation

Hunting

Water management

Forestry

Nature conservation/research

Agriculture

³ 50% cover¹

5%–49% cover¹

< 5% or unknown¹

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PROTECTION STATUS

■■■■■ National protectionThe following principal categories of protected areas are recognizedin Lithuania (links to IBAs are shown in Table 5).

1. Nature ReserveStrictly protected areas with very little or no management.

2. National ParkAll the National Parks have their own Nature Reserves and partiallyprotected zones. Parts of these parks may be intensively managed,used for forestry or agriculture, and include urban areas.

3. Partial nature reservesThere are several types of protected areas within this categoryincluding Ornithological Reserves (these offer the best protectionfor birds), Botanical/Zoological Reserves, Landscape Reserves andIchthyological Reserves (the latter protects rivers and streams only).

4. Regional ParksThese are a complex of Nature Reserves, Partial nature reserves,managed areas, recreational zones and buffer zones.

Of the 35 IBAs, nine are totally unprotected and a further 10 IBAshave less than 90% protective cover (Figure 4).

■■■■■ International protectionInternational legislation and initiatives that are relevant to siteconservation in Lithuania are shown in Box 1. In total, 50,000 haof IBAs in Lithuania are included in Ramsar Sites, encompassingthe five largest wetland IBAs (Table 5, Figure 5).

Figure 3. Threats at Important Bird Areas in Lithunia (see Appendix 3 for definitions of threat types and impact categories).

GlobalBiodiversity Convention ✔Ramsar Convention ✔Bonn ConventionWorld Heritage Convention ✔MAB Programme (✔)

Pan-EuropeanBern Convention ✔

RegionalHelsinki Convention ✔

✔ Convention ratified/initiative supported(✔) Convention signed

Box 1. International legislationand initiatives that arerelevant to site conservation inLithuania (see Appendix 1 fora general description of theseagreements).

Table 5. Protection status of Important Bird Areas in Lithuania.A tick (✔) indicates that an IBA overlaps with a protected area (to any extent).

IBA Internationalcode name

001 Seashore at Palanga ✔

002 Seashore at Nida ✔

003 Kuronian lagoon004 Kuronian spit ✔

005 Tyras ✔

006 Nemunas delta ✔ ✔

007 ¡emaitija National Park ✔

008 Varduva ✔

009 Minija ✔

010 Varniai ✔

011 Kamanos ✔ ✔

012 Pavë¤upis fish-ponds013 Tyruliai ✔

014 Jûra river valley ✔

015 Viešvilë Reserve ✔ ✔

016 Bir¤ai forest ✔

017 Krekenava ✔

018 ÈedasaiSubtotal of IBAs 2 3 0 3 1 2 4 3

National Inter-national

Natu

re R

eser

ve

Natio

nal P

ark

Orn

ithol

ogica

l Res

erve

Land

scap

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serv

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Ichth

yolo

gical

Rese

rve

Regio

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Ram

sar S

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Botan

ical/Z

oolo

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Rese

rve

IBA Internationalcode name

019 Sartai ✔

020 Vasaknos fish-ponds

021 Labûnava forest

022 Šešuva river valley

023 Kauno Marios Regional Park ✔

024 Išau¤as fish-ponds

025 Kašonys

026 Verknë river valley (middle part)

027 Novaraistis ✔

028 Širvinta river valley ✔

029 ¡altytis ✔

030 ¡uvintas ✔ ✔

031 Meteliai Regional Park ✔

032 Aukštaitija National Park ✔

033 Kretuonas ✔

034 Dzûkija forest ✔

035 Èepkeliai ✔ ✔

Total number of IBAs 4 5 3 3 2 2 7 5

National Inter-national

Natu

re R

eser

ve

Natio

nal P

ark

Orn

ithol

ogica

l Res

erve

Land

scap

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serv

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gical

Rese

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Regio

nal P

ark

Ram

sar S

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Botan

ical/Z

oolo

gical

Rese

rve

Percentage of IBAs (100% = 35 sites)400 5 15 3010 20 25 35

Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage

Agricultural intensification/expansion

Selective logging/cutting

Unsustainable exploitation

Industrialization/urbanization

Intensified forest management

Abandonment/reduction of land managementAquaculture/fisheries

Other

Afforestation

Recreation/tourism

Drainage

Natural events

Burning of vegetation

Disturbance to birds

High impact

Medium to low impact

Unknown impact

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Figure 4. The national protection status of Important Bird Areasin Lithuania.

% of area ofindividualIBA overlapswith nationalprotected areas:High >90%Partial 10–90%Low <10%None

Total area of overlap between IBA network in Lithuania and national protected-areasystem (see Table 5 for categories) = 2,720 km2 (86% of total IBA area).

Figure 5. The international protection status of Important BirdAreas in Lithuania.

% of area ofindividualIBA overlapswith internationalprotected areas:High >90%Partial 10–90%Low <10%None

Total area of overlap between IBA network in Lithuania and international protected-area system (see Table 5 for categories) = 484 km2 (15% of total IBA area).

CONSERVATION ISSUES

• Management plans have been produced for Nemunas delta (006)and are in preparation for Varniai (010) and Meteliai RegionalParks (031).

• Permanent scientific monitoring studies are carried out in sevenIBAs, and 16 are totally or partially covered by field workerswithin the IBA monitoring network.

ANALYTICAL METHODS

• Most of the bird data were collected during 1995–1996, beingprovided by the IBA network of field workers and thecoordinator of the project.

• The land-use, threat and habitat data were assessed in 1996.

• All protected areas (with the exception of some IchthyologicalReserves) have good quality evaluations of area, habitats andland-use. Some IBAs which are unprotected have low qualityarea evaluation.

■ SITE ACCOUNTS

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Polysticta stelleri Steller’s Eider W 1995 800 1,000 B A1, A4i, B1i


Melanitta fusca Velvet Scoter W 1994 15,000 40,000 B A4i, B1i, B2

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The funds for IBA work in Lithuania were provided by the SwedishOrnithological Society, with support from the Swiss Association for theProtection of Birds. Some data have been collected within differentornithological and nature protection projects with support from the Ministriesof Environment, Agriculture and Forest Husbandry of Lithuania. Someprojects were financed by local municipalities (Prienai, Kaišiadorys, Rokiškis,Pasvalys).

The bird data on marine and brackish areas were provided by theInstitute of Ecology (G. Vaitkus, S. Švažas). The Nemunas Delta area andTyras bird data were provided by the Ornithological Society of KlaipëdaRegion (a branch of the Lithuanian Ornithological Society). The most activefield workers within the IBA network were: A. Aleknonis, D. Anuškevičius,J. Auglys, R. Barauskas, A. Butleris, E. Drobelis, M. Jankauskienë, V. Jusys,M. Kirstukas, V. Logminas, V. Lopeta, M. Mačiulis, A. Mačikűnas,D. Makavičius, V. Malinauskas, R. Mečionis, V. Naruševičius,Vl. Naruševičius, V. Pareigis, A. Pranaitis, Ž. Preikša, B. Šablevičius,S. Skuja, V. Stanevičius. The national IBA coordinator during the mainfield work was G. Matiukas.

Partial8 IBAs (23%)

High17 IBAs (49%)

None9 IBAs (26%)

Low1 IBA (3%)

High3 IBAs (9%)

Partial2 IBAs (6%)

None30 IBAs (85%)

Seashore at Palanga A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i 001Admin region KlaipëdaCoordinates 55°50’N 20°55’EAltitude 0–0 m Area 8,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionAn offshore area in the Baltic Sea between 55°50’N and 55°55’N.

Habitats Marine areas (100%; open sea)Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (60%), Nature conservation/research (40%), Tourism/recreation (20%)

■■■■■ Birds

The site is important for wintering and migrating waterbirds, especiallywintering seaduck (including important numbers of Clangula hyemalis,Gavia arctica and Alca torda), totalling more than 20,000 individualson a regular basis. The number of wintering Polysticta stelleri variesaccording to different sources (300–1,200), but 800–1,000 individualsis the most recent estimate.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International NoneThe southern part of the IBA falls within a marine strict nature reserve(Pajûris Regional Park).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Disturbance to birds (C), Industrialization/urbanization (B)

In the near future, the Butingë oil terminal will be constructed nearPalanga and oil pollution is therefore a potential threat.

Seashore at Nida A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 002Admin region KlaipëdaCoordinates 55°30’N 21°02’EAltitude 0–0 m Area 20,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionAn offshore area (extending up to 40 km in length) in the Baltic Seanear the Kuronian spit.

Habitats Marine areas (100%; open sea)Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (70%), Not utilized (20%), Tourism/recreation(10%)


In winter the area supports 6–10% of the western Palearctic populationof Melanitta fusca (at densities of up to 1,000 birds/km²) as well aslarge numbers of other seaduck, e.g. Clangula hyemalis (up to

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Mergus albellus Smew W 1994 1,100 — B A4i, B1iMergus merganser Goosander W 1993 3,000 19,000 B A4i, B1i


Acrocephalus paludicola B 1996 200 — B A1, B2Aquatic Warbler


Botaurus stellaris Bittern B 1996 15 20 A B2Haliaeetus albicilla White-tailed Eagle B 1996 4 5 A A1Crex crex Corncrake B 1996 170 200 A A1, B2Gallinago media Great Snipe B 1996 20 25 A A1Chlidonias niger Black Tern B 1998 — 200 A B2Acrocephalus paludicola B 1996 20 30 A A1, B2

Aquatic Warbler

10,000 birds). The site holds more than 20,000 waterbirds on a regularbasis.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None20,000 ha of IBA covered by National Park (Kuršiř Nerijos,26,394 ha).


Threats Industrialization/urbanization (C)

The site is covered by the national IBA monitoring network.

Kuronian lagoon A4i, A4iii, B1i 003Admin region KlaipëdaCoordinates 55°25’N 21°10’EAltitude 0–0 m Area 6,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThe coastline and adjacent brackish water area (up to 2 km offshore)of a shallow marine bay. The area is used for shipping and industrialfishing.

Habitats Marine areas (100%; open sea; sea inlet/coastal features)Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (90%), Tourism/recreation (20%)


An important area for staging and wintering waterbirds,supporting more than 20,000 birds in total, especially ducks andswans. The site is very important for wintering Mergus albellus andM. merganser.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None


Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (B)

Kuronian spit B1iv 004Admin region KlaipëdaCoordinates 55°30’N 21°07’EAltitude 0–80 m Area 26,394 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA narrow sand-spit covered with Pinus woodland, located betweenthe Kuronian lagoon and the Baltic Sea. Most of the area is used forrecreation, and some for forestry. There are few villages.

Habitats Forest and woodland (70%; native coniferous forest), Wetland (25%; sand-dunes/sand beach), Artificial landscape (5%; other urban/industrial areas)Land-use Forestry (20%), Nature conservation/research (20%), Tourism/recreation (60%)

■■■■■ BirdsStorks, birds of prey and passerines migrate through the area in largenumbers, although no exact counts have been made.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None26,394 ha of IBA covered by National Park (Kuršiř Nerija, 26,394 ha).


Threats Recreation/tourism (C)

There is a management plan for the National Park, which includescomponents on nature conservation and visitor management.

Tyras A1, B2 005Admin region KlaipëdaCoordinates 55°35’N 21°12’EAltitude 0–20 m Area 600 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionWet flood-meadows, mostly dominated by Carex, some ponds, andmarshes with mixed forests, near the shores of Kuronian lagoon.

Habitats Forest and woodland (10%; mixed forest), Grassland (80%; humid grassland),Wetland (10%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Agriculture (60%), Forestry (5%), Not utilized (30%), Tourism/recreation (10%)


This is the main breeding area for Acrocephalus paludicola in Lithuania.Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBAcriteria: Crex crex and Haliaetus albicilla (1 pair).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International None313 ha of IBA covered by Botanical/Zoological Reserve (Tyras,313 ha).


Threats Other

The area is covered by the national IBA monitoring network.Open habitats are threatened by natural succession to forests (‘Other’threat).

Nemunas delta A1, A4iii, B2 006Admin region KlaipëdaCoordinates 55°18’N 21°15’EAltitude 0–30 m Area 26,625 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionFlood-meadows, reedbeds, rivers, lakes and forests in the Nemunasdelta. Most of the IBA is protected, with the remainder being used forhaymaking, pasture and cultivation. Krokř Lanka lake (55°25’N21°24’E) is used for fishing.

Habitats Forest and woodland (15%; broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest;alluvial/very wet forest), Grassland (60%; humid grassland), Wetland (20%; fen/transition mire/spring; sand-dunes/sand beach; standing fresh water; river/stream; raisedbog; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (5%; urban parks/gardens; otherurban/industrial areas)Land-use Agriculture (30%), Forestry (10%), Nature conservation/research (50%),Tourism/recreation (20%)


The most important bird area in Lithuania. Very large numbers ofwaterbirds congregate at the site on passage (autumn and spring) andduring the moulting season, including Cygnus columbianus, Anserfabalis, A. albifrons, A. anser, Aythya fuligula and Mergus albellus. Avery rich and diverse assemblage of wetland, meadow and forest speciesbreed (often in large numbers), including four breeding species ofglobal conservation concern and numerous waterbirds and raptors.Large populations of gulls and terns also breed at the site, and includeLarus minutus, Sterna albifrons and Chlidonias niger. The large coloniesof Larus ridibundus disappeared in the 1980s.

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Porzana porzana Spotted Crake B 1996 25 — — B3

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria1 Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1996 — — — B2Alcedo atthis Kingfisher R 1996 10 — A B2

1. No population estimate (see main text).


Alcedo atthis Kingfisher R 1996 15 — — B2


Botaurus stellaris Bittern B 1996 6 10 — B2

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International None470 ha of IBA covered by Landscape Reserve (Varduva, 470 ha).


Threats Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (B), Disturbance to birds (C),Recreation/tourism (C), Selective logging/cutting (C)

The area is covered by the national IBA monitoring network.

Minija B2 009Admin region Klaipëda and TelšiaiCoordinates 55°50’N 21°40’EAltitude 20–100 m Area 800 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThe area comprises the Minija and Babrungas valleys, and includesdeciduous forests and meadows. The riverbanks are high.

Habitats Forest and woodland (65%; broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest), Grassland(15%), Wetland (25%; standing fresh water; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Forestry (60%), Nature conservation/research (20%), Not utilized (10%),Tourism/recreation (20%)


Important numbers of Alcedo atthis breed. Breeding species of globalconservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Crex crex (a fewpairs).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International None300 ha of IBA covered by Ichthyological Reserve (Minija, 1,976 ha).


Threats Recreation/tourism (C)

The Ichthyological Reserve protects only the river itself and a narrowzone along the banks, which is enough for Alcedo atthis, but does notprovide real protection to the wider river valley.

Varniai B2 010Admin region TelšiaiCoordinates 55°40’N 22°25’EAltitude 60–120 m Area 16,495 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA large, swampy wetland of reedbeds, lakes, forests, and meadows.Biržulis lake is very shallow and surrounded by reedbeds. Sterva lakeis surrounded by bogs. This IBA was previously known as ‘LakesBiržulis and Styrvas’ in the previous pan-European inventory(Grimmett and Jones 1989).

Habitats Forest and woodland (40%; broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferousforest; mixed forest), Grassland (10%; humid grassland), Wetland (50%; standing freshwater; river/stream; raised bog; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Agriculture (30%), Forestry (20%), Nature conservation/research (40%),Tourism/recreation (20%)


■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International High26,625 ha of IBA covered by Regional Park (Nemunas delta, 26,625 ha).23,950 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Nemunas delta, 23,950 ha).


Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (C), Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Disturbance to birds (B)

Haymaking has been abandoned on many meadows, although thesecurrently still provide good habitat for migratory waterbirds andbreeding waders. Krokř Lanka lake and adjoining meadows arecovered by the national IBA monitoring network. A management planis currently being prepared with the support of the Worldwide Fundfor Nature and Euronatur.

¡emaitija National Park B3 007Admin region TelšiaiCoordinates 56°05’N 21°57’EAltitude 70–200 m Area 20,120 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThe majority of the area is covered by hemi-boreal forest (mostlydominated by Picea), and there are also bogs, marshes, several lakeswith islands, meadows, and agricultural land. Land-uses are manyand varied, including agriculture, forestry, and recreation.

Habitats Forest and woodland (45%; broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferousforest; mixed forest), Grassland (20%; humid grassland), Wetland (25%; standing freshwater; raised bog), Artificial landscape (10%)Land-use Agriculture (20%), Forestry (40%), Nature conservation/research (60%),Tourism/recreation (20%)


An important breeding area for Porzana porzana. Breeding species ofglobal conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Crex crex.This is the main breeding site for Mergus merganser (10–18 pairs) inLithuania and is also important for breeding Ciconia ciconia (morethan 70 pairs) and Tetrao tetrix.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None20,120 ha of IBA covered by National Park (Žemaitija, 20,120 ha).


Threats Disturbance to birds (A), Selective logging/cutting (C)

The biggest threats are posed by land privatization and forestry.

Varduva B2 008Admin region TelšiaiCoordinates 56°22’N 22°08’EAltitude 60–120 m Area 600 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA variety of habitats in the Varduva valley, including a 274 ha reservoirwith small islets covering in total c.3 ha.

Habitats Forest and woodland (15%; native coniferous forest; mixed forest), Grassland(25%; humid grassland; mesophile grassland), Wetland (40%; standing fresh water;river/stream), Artificial landscape (20%; highly improved reseeded grassland)Land-use Agriculture (20%), Forestry (10%), Hunting (20%), Tourism/recreation (30%),Water management (20%)

■■■■■ BirdsAn important breeding area for Alcedo atthis and Sterna albifrons.Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria:Aythya nyroca (on passage).

452


Species ... continued Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Larus minutus Little Gull B 1996 10 — B B2Chlidonias niger Black Tern B 1996 25 30 B B2

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria1 Tetrao tetrix Black Grouse R 1995 40 50 A B2

1. Displaying males.


Botaurus stellaris Bittern B 1996 7 13 A B2Larus minutus Little Gull B 1996 20 — A B2


Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier B 1996 6 7 B B3


Crex crex Corncrake B 1996 30 — B A1, B2

An important breeding site for Botaurus stellaris and Larus minutus.Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBAcriteria: Crex crex (a few calling males).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None16,495 ha of IBA covered by Regional Park (Varniai, 16,495 ha).


Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (C)

Kamanos B2 011Admin region ŠiauliaiCoordinates 56°15’N 22°35’EAltitude 40–70 m Area 6,468 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA large raised bog with some small lakes, surrounded by predominantlyconiferous forests (mainly spruce Picea with some pine Pinus).

Habitats Artificial landscape (10%), Forest and woodland (40%; native coniferousforest), Wetland (60%; raised bog; fen/transition mire/spring)Land-use Nature conservation/research (100%)


The site is important for mire-breeding species including Tetrao tetrix(with more than 50 displaying males, the largest concentration inLithuania) and Pluvialis apricaria (min. 7 pairs), and supports largenumbers of Grus grus on passage (up to 200 birds in autumn migration,1995–1996).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International High4,300 ha of IBA covered by Strict Nature Reserve (Kamanos, 4,300 ha).5,195 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Kamanos, 5,195 ha).


Threats Afforestation (C), Natural events (C)

Pavë¤upis fish-ponds B2 012Admin region ŠiauliaiCoordinates 55°48’N 22°50’EAltitude 60–80 m Area 400 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA system of intensively farmed fish-ponds with scattered trees.

Habitats Forest and woodland (5%), Grassland (10%; humid grassland), Wetland (80%;standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (5%)Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (80%), Hunting (20%), Tourism/recreation (5%), Urban/industrial/transport (5%)


An important breeding area for Botaurus stellaris and Larus minutus,and notable also for Podiceps grisegena (up to 20 pairs). Breedingspecies of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria:Haliaeetus albicilla (irregular), Crex crex (a few pairs).



Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (C)

Tyruliai B3 013Admin region ŠiauliaiCoordinates 55°48’N 23°22’EAltitude 90–110 m Area 3,688 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionAn exploited peatbog and abandoned system of ponds with scrub,mixed woodland, meadows and reedbeds, and surrounded byagricultural areas. The majority of the area is not utilized by man.

Habitats Forest and woodland (40%; broadleaved deciduous forest; mixedforest; alluvial/very wet forest), Grassland (15%; humid grassland; mesophilegrassland), Wetland (45%; standing fresh water; raised bog; water-fringevegetation)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Forestry (30%), Hunting (20%), Not utilized (50%)


The most important breeding site for Circus pygargus in Lithuania.Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBAcriteria: Crex crex (a few calling males).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None3,688 ha of IBA covered by Botanical/Zoological Reserve (Tyruliai,3,688 ha).


Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (C), Agricultural intensification/expansion (C)

Jûra river valley A1, B2 014Admin region TauragëCoordinates 55°20’N 22°18’EAltitude 20–50 m Area 200 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionWet and semi-dry meadows in the Jűra valley.

Habitats Scrub (10%; scrub), Grassland (50%; humid grassland; mesophile grassland),Wetland (20%; standing fresh water; raised bog; water-fringe vegetation), Artificiallandscape (20%; highly improved reseeded grassland)Land-use Agriculture (70%), Tourism/recreation (30%)


The site is important for breeding Crex crex.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International None130 ha of IBA covered by Ichthyological Reserve (Jűra, 114 km long).


Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (C), Agricultural intensification/expansion (C)

The Ichthyological Reserve protects only the river itself and a narrowzone along the banks, and does not provide real protection to thewider river valley, especially the meadows.

453



Grus grus Crane B 1996 10 13 A B2


Ciconia nigra Black Stork B 1996 — 6 B B2


Aquila pomarina Lesser Spotted Eagle B 1996 1 10 — B2


Chlidonias niger Black Tern B 1996 30 40 B B2


Chlidonias niger Black Tern B 1996 50 — B B2

Viešvilë Reserve B2 015Admin region TauragëCoordinates 55°06’N 22°28’EAltitude 30–70 m Area 3,216 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionAn area of boreal forest (60% pine Pinus, 20% alder Alnus and 10% birchBetula stands) with large bogs (covering 40% of total area).

Habitats Forest and woodland (65%; native coniferous forest; mixed forest), Wetland(60%; standing fresh water; raised bog; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Forestry (10%), Nature conservation/research (100%)


An important breeding area for Grus grus (the highest density inLithuania). Breeding species of global conservation concern that donot meet IBA criteria: Crex crex.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International High3,216 ha of IBA covered by Strict Nature Reserve (Viešvilë, 3,216 ha).3,216 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Viešvilë‚ 3,216 ha).


Threats Disturbance to birds (B)


Bir¤ai forest B2 016Admin region Panevë¤ysCoordinates 56°13’N 24°42’EAltitude 70–120 m Area 10,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionAn area of deciduous and mixed wet woodland which is under intensiveforest management.

Habitats Forest and woodland (90%; broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest;alluvial/very wet forest), Grassland (10%)Land-use Forestry (90%), Nature conservation/research (5%), Tourism/recreation (10%)


Apart from important numbers of breeding Ciconia nigra, the area isalso rich in breeding woodpecker species, and rare species of owl maybreed as well.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Low International None144 ha of IBA covered by Botanical Reserve (Biržř Giria, 144 ha).


Threats Intensified forest management (B)

Krekenava B2 017Admin region Panevë¤ysCoordinates 55°35’N 24°10’EAltitude 70–100 m Area 8,680 ha

■■■■■ Site description

Habitats Forest and woodland (50%; broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest), Grassland(15%), Wetland (10%; river/stream), Artificial landscape (25%; arable land; urban parks/gardens)Land-use Agriculture (40%), Forestry (50%), Hunting (10%)

A tract of mixed and deciduous forest, in central Lithuania, most ofwhich is managed.


An important site for breeding birds of prey (especially Aquila pomarina),Ciconia nigra (no population estimate), and rare woodpecker species inLithuania. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBAcriteria: Haliaeetus albicilla (on passage), Crex crex (5–6 calling males).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None8,680 ha of IBA covered by Regional Park (Krekenava, 11,929 ha).


Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (A), Aquaculture/fisheries (B),Intensified forest management (A)

Forest management causes disturbance to birds.

Èedasai B2 018Admin region Panevë¤ysCoordinates 56°05’N 25°25’EAltitude 40–60 m Area 100 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA very shallow, nutrient-rich lake.

Habitats Forest and woodland (10%), Wetland (90%; standing fresh water; water-fringevegetation; fen/transition mire/spring)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Not utilized (60%), Tourism/recreation (30%)


An important breeding site for Chlidonias niger. Species of globalconservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla(non-breeding), Crex crex (breeding).



Threats Disturbance to birds (B)

The site is covered by the national IBA monitoring network. Thereare plans to extract curative mud from the lake bed.

Sartai B2 019Admin region Panevë¤ys and UtenaCoordinates 55°48’N 25°49’EAltitude 50–100 m Area 14,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionSartai lake is adjacent to the Rokiškis fish-ponds. The lake is largeand long, with reedbeds, and is surrounded by mixed forests.

Habitats Forest and woodland (40%; native coniferous forest; mixed forest), Grassland (15%;humid grassland; mesophile grassland), Wetland (35%; standing fresh water), Artificiallandscape (10%; highly improved reseeded grassland; other urban/industrial areas)Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (25%), Forestry (25%), Hunting (15%), Natureconservation/research (10%), Tourism/recreation (25%)


An important site for Chlidonias niger. Breeding species of global

454



Chlidonias niger Black Tern B 1996 100 — B B2


Ciconia nigra Black Stork B 1996 5 8 A B2Aquila pomarina Lesser Spotted Eagle B 1996 12 — — B2


Crex crex Corncrake B 1996 25 40 A A1, B2


Botaurus stellaris Bittern B 1996 10 — B B2Alcedo atthis Kingfisher B 1996 15 20 B B2

conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla(1–2 pairs), Crex crex (more than 10 pairs).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None12,565 ha of IBA covered by Regional Park (Sartai, 12,565 ha).


Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (C), Recreation/tourism (C), Selective logging/cutting (C)

Threats are varied. The fish-ponds are used intensively which poses athreat through drastic changes in habitat, e.g. ponds may be drainedat the time of year when they are most important for birds.

Vasaknos fish-ponds B2 020Admin region UtenaCoordinates 55°42’N 25°45’EAltitude 100–120 m Area 800 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA large system of intensively farmed fish-ponds.

Habitats Forest and woodland (20%; native coniferous forest), Wetland (50%; standing freshwater; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (30%; other urban/industrial areas)Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (80%), Hunting (10%), Tourism/recreation (15%), Urban/industrial/transport (5%)


An important breeding site for Chlidonias niger. Species of globalconservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aythya nyroca(status unknown), Haliaeetus albicilla (1 pair), Crex crex (breeding).



Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Recreation/tourism (C), Unsustainable exploitation (B)

Labûnava forests B2 021Admin region KaunasCoordinates 55°10’N 23°58’EAltitude 40–70 m Area 9,515 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionDeciduous forests, mostly wet, that are intensively managed.

Habitats Forest and woodland (75%; broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest),Grassland (5%), Wetland (10%; standing fresh water; raised bog), Artificial landscape(5%; arable land; urban parks/gardens; other urban/industrial areas)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Forestry (90%)


The best site in Lithuania for breeding Aquila pomarina and some otherbirds of prey. Species of global conservation concern that do not meetIBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla (on passage), Crex crex (breeding).



Threats Disturbance to birds (C), Selective logging/cutting (B)


Šešuva river valley A1, B2 022Admin region KaunasCoordinates 54°56’N 24°18’EAltitude 40–60 m Area 60 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionSemi-natural wet meadows in a river valley (100–500 m wide) withsome Salix bushes and small ponds. Floods are seasonal but irregularand the meadows have varied water regimes. Grazing and haymakingtake place at low intensity.

Habitats Forest and woodland (10%; broadleaved deciduous forest), Grassland (75%;humid grassland), Wetland (15%; standing fresh water; raised bog)Land-use Agriculture (75%), Not utilized (10%), Tourism/recreation (20%)


The area supports one of the highest breeding densities of Crex crexin Lithuania, with the meadows in the Kaišiadorys district providingparticularly suitable habitat.



Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (U), Afforestation (C), Agriculturalintensification/expansion (C)

The site is covered by the national IBA monitoring network, and thereis an annual census of Crex crex. Currently, there are no major threats.

Kauno Marios Regional Park B2 023Admin region KaunasCoordinates 54°50’N 24°15’EAltitude 40–70 m Area 10,173 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThis site covers the upper part of a reservoir used for generatinghydroelectric power, and includes some islands as well as surroundingforests, swamps and meadows.

Habitats Forest and woodland (20%; broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferous forest;mixed forest; alluvial/very wet forest), Scrub (5%; scrub), Grassland (10%; humid grassland;mesophile grassland), Wetland (65%; standing fresh water; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (40%), Forestry (20%), Tourism/recreation (40%), Watermanagement (30%)


There are important numbers of breeding Botaurus stellaris and Alcedoatthis. Breeding species of global conservation concern that do notmeet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla (1–2 pairs) and Crex crex (afew calling males). Other notable breeding species include Aythyaferina (min. 20 pairs) and Dendrocopos medius (min. 6 pairs).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None10,173 ha of IBA covered by Regional Park (Kauno Marios, 10,173 ha).


Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (A), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (B), Intensified forest management (C), Recreation/tourism (B)

Due to hydropower generation, the water-levels of the reservoirfluctuate between day and night by as much as 0.5 m, although byless in summer. A serious impact on birds is predicted, although thishas not yet been investigated.

455



Botaurus stellaris Bittern B 1998 4 6 — B21 Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1996 — 10 B B2

1. 2–4 pairs only in 1997 and 1998.


Chlidonias niger Black Tern B 1996 30 35 A B2


Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier B 1996 4 6 B B3


Porzana porzana Spotted Crake B 1996 20 20 A B3Grus grus Crane P 1996 700 1,200 — A4i, B1i


Crex crex Corncrake B 1996 34 34 A A1, B2

Išlau¤as fish-ponds B2 024Admin region KaunasCoordinates 54°45’N 23°56’EAltitude 50–80 m Area 300 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA complex of intensively farmed fish-ponds.

Habitats Forest and woodland (5%), Grassland (5%), Wetland (75%; standing freshwater; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (15%; highly improved reseededgrassland; other urban/industrial areas)Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (80%), Tourism/recreation (20%)


During the period 1995–1996 up to 10 pairs of breeding Sterna albifronswere found breeding in the area. Breeding species of global conservationconcern that do not meet IBA criteria: Crex crex (a few calling males).



Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Disturbance to birds (B), Unsustainable exploitation (B)

Intensive aquaculture poses a threat through drastic changes in habitat,e.g. ponds may be drained at the time of year when they are mostimportant for birds.

Kašonys B2 025Admin region KaunasCoordinates 54°39’N 24°12’EAltitude 50–70 m Area 100 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA complex of four lakes and ponds with surrounding meadows. Thearea is used intensively for fishing and recreation.

Habitats Scrub (5%; scrub), Grassland (10%; humid grassland), Wetland (70%; standing freshwater; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (15%; highly improved reseeded grassland)Land-use Agriculture (20%), Fisheries/aquaculture (30%), Not utilized (20%), Tourism/recreation (40%)


A rich area for breeding waterbirds, especially Chlidonias niger butalso including, for example, three grebe species (Podiceps cristatus,P. nigricollis and Tachybaptus ruficollis).



Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (A), Disturbance to birds (B)

Verknë river valley B3 026Admin region KaunasCoordinates 54°33’N 24°23’EAltitude 40–70 m Area 600 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionSemi-natural wet meadows, scrub and deciduous forests in the Verknëriver valley. Abandoned land is being overgrown by scrub.

Habitats Forest and woodland (20%; mixed forest; alluvial/very wet forest), Scrub (10%; scrub),Grassland (30%; humid grassland), Wetland (30%; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation; fen/transition mire/spring), Artificial landscape (10%; highly improved reseeded grassland)Land-use Agriculture (40%), Forestry (10%), Hunting (20%), Not utilized (30%)


An important breeding area for Circus pygargus. Breeding species ofglobal conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Crex crex(up to 10 calling males).



Threats Afforestation (C), Burning of vegetation (B), Drainage (C)

Novaraistis A4i, B1i, B3 027Admin region Kaunas, MarijampolëCoordinates 54°56’N 23°27’EAltitude 30–50 m Area 827 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA bog which was formerly exploited for peat and then abandonedwithout any restorative measures being taken. It has now undergonesome natural recovery, aided by the dam-creating activities of Eurasianbeavers Castor fiber which are very common in the area.

Habitats Forest and woodland (20%; mixed forest), Wetland (80%; raised bog)Land-use Forestry (20%), Not utilized (80%), Tourism/recreation (10%)


The area is important for breeding Porzana porzana, for migrating Grusgrus, and for moulting birds. Breeding species of global conservationconcern that do not meet IBA criteria: Crex crex (a few calling males).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None827 ha of IBA covered by Ornithological Reserve (Novaraistis, 827 ha).


Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (C)


Širvinta river valley A1, B2 028Admin region MarijampolëCoordinates 54°43’N 22°45’EAltitude 20–40 m Area 300 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA river valley (50–100 m wide) with flood-meadows, scrub, swamps,streams and ponds. The whole valley is used for haymaking and grazing.

Habitats Scrub (10%; scrub), Grassland (70%; humid grassland; mesophile grassland),Wetland (20%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Agriculture (60%), Not utilized (30%), Tourism/recreation (10%)


This is a particularly good site in Lithuania for Crex crex.

456



Porzana porzana Spotted Crake B 1995 10 — C B31 Porzana parva Little Crake B 1996 Frequent — B3Chlidonias niger Black Tern B 1996 30 35 C B2

1. 13–19 pairs during 1984–1986.

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc CriteriaBotaurus stellaris Bittern B 1995 10 15 B B2Porzana porzana Spotted Crake B 1995 20 30 B B3Porzana parva Little Crake B 1995 40 60 B B3Acrocephalus paludicola B 1995 10 15 B A1, B2

Aquatic Warbler

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None300 ha of IBA covered by Landscape Reserve.


Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (C), Disturbance to birds (C), Drainage (C)

¡altytis B2, B3 029Admin region MarijampolëCoordinates 54°26’N 23°25’EAltitude 40–60 m Area 392 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA lake surrounded by bogs and swamps.

Habitats Forest and woodland (20%; mixed forest), Wetland (80%; standing fresh water;raised bog; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Forestry (10%), Hunting (10%), Nature conservation/research (70%)


An important area for breeding crakes Porzana.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None392 ha of IBA covered by Ornithological Reserve (Žaltytis, 392 ha).


Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (C), Aquaculture/fisheries (C)

The area is covered by the national IBA monitoring network.

¡uvintas A1, B2, B3 030Admin region AlytusCoordinates 54°28’N 23°34’EAltitude 30–70 m Area 6,570 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA complex of raised bogs, marshes, forests, meadows and a large,shallow, overgrown, nutrient-rich lake.

Habitats Forest and woodland (20%; broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest; alluvial/verywet forest), Grassland (5%), Wetland (75%; standing fresh water; river/stream; raised bog)Land-use Nature conservation/research (100%)


An important wetland for a wide variety of breeding and migratingwaterbirds (including good numbers of Anser fabalis and A. albifronson passage). Acrocephalus paludicola has greatly decreased since1980, when there were 25–30 pairs. This is the best breeding site forPorzana parva and P. porzana in Lithuania. Breeding species of globalconservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Crex crex(3–5 calling males), Gallinago media. More than 10 pairs of Aythyanyroca bred in the 1970s but no recent data are available.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International Partial5,442 ha of IBA covered by Strict Nature Reserve (Žuvintas, 5,442 ha).5,442 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Žuvintas, 5,442 ha).


Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (A), Afforestation (C),Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Other (B)

The abundance of breeding ducks and waders has declined due tonutrient pollution of the wetland by human activities (‘Other’ threat).

Meteliai Regional Park B1i, B2, B3 031Admin region AlytusCoordinates 54°18’N 23°47’EAltitude 40–70 m Area 15,299 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThree large lakes with differing habitat conditions. Dusia lake ismesotrophic, while Meteliai and Obelija lakes are eutrophic and havenumerous reedbeds. Forests, meadows and marshes adjoin the lakes.Land-uses are varied, and include agriculture, fishing, forestry,recreation and human habitation.

Habitats Forest and woodland (40%; broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferous forest;mixed forest), Grassland (10%), Wetland (40%; standing fresh water; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (10%; highly improved reseeded grassland; arableland; other urban/industrial areas)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Fisheries/aquaculture (30%), Forestry (40%), Tourism/recreation (30%)


The site is important for breeding Botaurus stellaris and crakes Porzana,and for moulting and migrating congregations of other waterbirds,especially Fulica atra. Breeding species of global conservation concernthat do not meet IBA criteria: Aythya nyroca (6-8 pairs), Crex crex.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None15,299 ha of IBA covered by Regional Park (Meteliai, 15,299 ha).


Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (C), Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Disturbanceto birds (B), Intensified forest management (C)

Dusia, Metelys and Obelija lakes are covered by the national IBAmonitoring network.

Aukštaitija National Park B2 032Admin region Utena and VilniusCoordinates 55°27’N 26°00’EAltitude 80–220 m Area 40,570 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA complex of woodlands (mostly pine Pinus-dominated), lakes, riversand meadows. The majority of the area is under forest managementand is used for recreation.

Habitats Forest and woodland (70%; native coniferous forest; mixed forest), Grassland(5%; humid grassland; mesophile grassland), Wetland (25%; standing fresh water; raisedbog; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (10%; highly improved reseededgrassland; arable land; urban parks/gardens)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Forestry (50%), Hunting (10%), Nature conservation/research (30%), Tourism/recreation (30%)

■■■■■ BirdsThis is one of the most important sites in Lithuania for Coracias garrulus,and Caprimulgus europaeus; Tetrao tetrix and Alcedo atthis are alsocommon. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBAcriteria: Haliaeetus albicilla (non-breeding) and Crex crex (breeding).

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc CriteriaBotaurus stellaris Bittern B 1996 6 8 B B2Porzana porzana Spotted Crake B 1996 30 — A B3

1 Porzana parva Little Crake B 1996 Uncommon — B3Fulica atra Coot P 1996 15,000 — A B1iChlidonias niger Black Tern B 1996 25 30 A B2

1. 9–12 pairs during 1984–1986.

457


Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria1 Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar B 1996 — — — B21 Coracias garrulus Roller B 1996 — — — B21 Lullula arborea Woodlark B 1996 — — — B2



Tetrao tetrix Black Grouse B 1996 50 — — B2Grus grus Crane B 1996 10 13 A B2Gallinago media Great Snipe B 1996 10 20 B A1

ALEKNONIS, A. (1993) Novaraistis—a bird sanctuary of national importance.Acta Ornith. Lit. 7–8: 123.

REFERENCES

DROBELIS, E. AND MATIUKAS, G. (1996) [The census of Black Storks in Lithuaniain 1995.] Ciconia 4: 16–21. (In Lithuanian.)

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None40,570 ha of IBA covered by National Park (Aukštaitija, 40,570 ha).800 ha of IBA covered by Strict Nature Reserve (800 ha).


Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Intensified forest management (C), Recreation/tourism (C)

Some parts of the IBA are covered by the national IBA monitoringnetwork. Part of the IBA has been managed to stop forest succession.

Kretuonas B2 033Admin region VilniusCoordinates 55°15’N 26°05’EAltitude 80–100 m Area 1,260 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA shallow nutrient-rich lake with six islands, surrounded by wetmeadows, mires, reedbeds and woodland.

Habitats Forest and woodland (10%; native coniferous forest; mixed forest), Grassland(10%; humid grassland), Wetland (80%; standing fresh water; river/stream; raised bog;water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Agriculture (5%), Fisheries/aquaculture (60%), Nature conservation/research (20%),Not utilized (10%), Tourism/recreation (20%)


The lake (and particularly the islands) are important for breedingwaterbirds, notably Sterna albifrons and Chlidonias niger. Breedingspecies of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria:Aythya nyroca (possibly an irregular breeder), Crex crex (up to3 calling males), Gallinago media (1 known pair).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None1,260 ha of IBA covered by Ornithological Reserve (Kretuonas, 1,260 ha).


Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (A), Aquaculture/fisheries (B)

Overgrowth by shrubs has reduced the extent of some open habitatsand has thus reduced the numbers of some bird species, especiallybreeding waders. Bird observations are made every year.

Dzûkija forest B2 034Admin region AlytusCoordinates 54°10’N 24°17’EAltitude 40–120 m Area 43,700 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA large tract of Pinus-dominated dry forest, traversed by rivers andwith patches of deciduous woodland. The majority of the forest ismanaged.

Habitats Forest and woodland (95%; native coniferous forest; mixed forest), Grassland (5%),Wetland (10%; fen/transition mire/spring; standing fresh water; river/stream)Land-use Agriculture (5%), Forestry (80%), Nature conservation/research (20%),Tourism/recreation (10%)


The forest supports important numbers of breeding Coracias garrulus,Caprimulgus europaeus and Lullula arborea, although there have beenno specific counts.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None43,700 ha of IBA covered by National Park (Dzűkija, 55,880 ha).


Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Selective logging/cutting (B)

About 400 ha within the IBA/National Park is strictly protected.

Èepkeliai A1, B2 035Admin region AlytusCoordinates 54°00’N 24°30’EAltitude 80–100 m Area 14,800 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThe site encompasses the largest raised bog in Lithuania (5,858 ha)with many forest ‘islands’, small lakes and marshes, and surroundedby mostly dry Pinus forests on sand-dunes. The bog is the source oftwo of the cleanest rivers in the country, the Űla and Katra. There isa very low level of land-use.

Habitats Forest and woodland (40%; native coniferous forest; mixed forest), Wetland(60%; standing fresh water; river/stream; raised bog)Land-use Nature conservation/research


A nationally important site for breeding waders (Pluvialis apricaria andTringa glareola), woodpeckers (Picus canus, P. viridis and Picoidestridactylus) and Grus grus, and the most important site in Lithuania forGallinago media and for Tetrao tetrix (more than 50 pairs). Breedingspecies of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria:Haliaeetus albicilla, Crex crex.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International Partial10,590 ha of IBA covered by Strict Nature Reserve (Čepkeliai, 10,590 ha).10,590 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Čepkeliai, 10,590 ha).


Threats Natural events (C)

The reserve is strictly protected and there are no real threats other thanthe natural colonization of the raised bog by trees, and the event ofnatural fire. The whole site is covered by the national IBA monitoringnetwork.

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria1 Tetrao tetrix Black Grouse R 1996 — — — B21 Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar B 1996 — — — B21 Alcedo atthis Kingfisher R 1996 — — — B21 Coracias garrulus Roller B 1996 — — — B2



Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1996 — 10 B B2Chlidonias niger Black Tern B 1988 40 40 — B2

458


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LOGMINAS, V., ED. (1974) [Kretuonas ornithological reserve.] 148 pp. PeriodikaPublisher (In Lithuanian.)

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