Site description (2000 baseline)
A large wetland complex in central Estonia, comprised of raised bogs, fens, transition mires and unregulated rivers with flood-plain meadows, surrounded by extensive alluvial forests. The main land-use is forestry.
Key biodiversity
The most important breeding area for Gallinago media in Estonia, which also supports a rich assemblage of breeding species of mire, forest and wetland, notably the globally threatened Aquila clanga. Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla (2 pairs). Significant proportion (³1%) of national population breeding at site: Pernis apivorus (5-7 pairs), Chlidonias niger (150-200 pairs), Caprimulgus europaeus (min. 20 pairs), Picus canus (min. 15 pairs). Numbers of breeding Tetrao tetrix (min. 75 pairs) are also notable.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Alam-Pedja (Estonia). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/alam-pedja-iba-estonia on 22/11/2024.