The Nature Reserve covers all of the islands of Nordaustlandet, Kvitøya and Kong Karls Land, as well as the north-east coast of Spitsbergen. Habitats are mainly ice-covered tundra and marsh vegetation; the sea cliffs are the most important habitat for birds.
Key biodiversity
Uria lomvia breeds in notable numbers on sea cliffs at Alkefjellet (45,000-50,000 birds) and at Wahlbergøya (8,000 birds).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Public access to the islands of Kong Karls Land is prohibited year-round, due to the presence of polar bear Ursus maritimus.
Protected areas
National High International Partial1,903,000 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Nordaust-Svalbard, 1,903,000 ha). 1,555,000 ha of IBA covered by Biosphere Reserve (North-east Svalbard, 1,555,000 ha).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2023) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Northeast Svalbard Nature Reserve. Downloaded from
http://www.birdlife.org on 31/03/2023.
