The flood-plain of the Rivers Aland and Elbe with grassland, standing water and alluvial forest.
Key biodiversity
The site holds 20,000 or more waterbirds on passage, on a regular basis. It is also a migratory bottleneck, where up to 5,000 Grus grus regularly pass. Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aythya nyroca and Crex crex (2-6 pairs).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Designation of the area as a Ramsar Site is planned. There are management plans for the extensification of land-use and water management.
Protected areas
National High International High1,600 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Elbaue Beuster-Wahrenberg, 1,600 ha). 1,650 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Garbe-Aland-Niederung, 1,650 ha). IBA overlaps with Special Protection Area.
