Data Zone
Country/territory: Slovakia
IBA Criteria met: C6 (2004)
For more information about IBA criteria please click here
Area: 40,616 ha
Protection status:
Site description
An extensive area of hills and plateaus situated near to the Hungarian border. The IBA is part of the largest karst area in central Europe, and is characterized by karst holes, caverns, canyons, deep valleys and gorges. Fagus and Quercus forests predominate, and are interspersed with drought-tolerant and calcareous meadows at higher altitudes, and with arable land and wetlands on lower ground. Human activities include cattle- and sheep-grazing, cereal-growing, afforestation, timber production and quarrying.
Key biodiversity
An important site for breeding birds of forest, scrub and open heterogeneous landscapes. A migration route passes through the centre of the IBA along the Slaná river. Ciconia nigra, Pernis apivorus, Circaetus gallicus and other raptors, Porzana parva, Caprimulgus europaeus, Alcedo atthis, Picus canus and Lullula arborea also breed. Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aythya nyroca (2-4 pairs).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2020) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Slovenský karst. Downloaded from
http://www.birdlife.org on 02/06/2020.
