The hills that form the IBA are 120 km long and up to 20 km wide, and are separated into five compartments by saddleback ridges. The forests consist mainly of Fagus, with Acer and Abies on higher ground and Quercus at lower altitudes. Mesophile meadows occur on the forest edge and within the forest at higher altitudes.
Key biodiversity
The IBA is important for forest species, especially forest-nesting raptors. Shrubby grasslands in the foothills support nesting passerine species. Other species of note include Ciconia ciconia and Bubo bubo.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Threats include intensive deforestation, the construction of logging roads and wind-damage to trees. Forestry activities cause disturbance to birds. The legal and illegal hunting of birds also poses a threat. Conservation activities include protecting raptor nesting sites, installing nest-boxes for owls and influencing forestry practices.
Protected areas
National Low International NoneThe IBA partially or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. National Nature Reserves: Baèkovská dolina, Kokošovská dubina, Krèmárka, Malý Miliè, Oblík, Šimonka. Nature Reserves: Dubová hora, Hermanovské skaly, Hlinianska jelšina, Malá Izra, Malé Brdo, Pusté pole, Rankovské skaly, Slanský hradný vrch, Ve¾ký Miliè, Zamutovská jelšina, Zamutovské skaly, Zbojnícky zámok. Protected range: Dubnícke bane. National Natural Monument: Herliansky gejzír. Natural Monuments: Milièská skala, Skaly pod Pariakovou, Trstinové jazero, Zapikan, Zárez Stravného potoka.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2019) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Slanské hills. Downloaded from
http://www.birdlife.org on 12/11/2019.
