Data Zone
Country/territory: United Kingdom
IBA criteria met: A4i, B1i, B3, C2, C3, C6 (2007)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 1,372 hectares (13.72 km2)
| IBA conservation status | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of assessment (most recent) | State (condition) | Pressure (threat) | Response (action) |
| 2007 | poor | medium | medium |
| For more information about IBA monitoring, please click here | |||
Site description (2007 baseline)
A series of lochs spread over a wide area in north-east Caithness, and situated roughly in the triangle formed by Wick, Duncansby Head and Thurso. The lochs are rich to moderately rich in nutrients, and support a diverse aquatic flora. A mire system has developed along the old course of the River Forss. The IBA is important for both breeding and wintering waterbirds. Anser albifrons are the flavirostris subspecies, and Anser anser are from the Icelandic breeding population.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Caithness Lochs (United Kingdom). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/caithness-lochs-iba-united-kingdom on 23/12/2024.