Data Zone
Country/territory: Slovenia
IBA criteria met: B2, C6 (2011)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 57,860 hectares (578.60 km2)
| IBA conservation status | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of assessment (most recent) | State (condition) | Pressure (threat) | Response (action) |
| 2015 | very poor | very high | medium |
| For more information about IBA monitoring, please click here | |||
Site description (2000 baseline)
The north-western ridge of the Dinaric mountains. A flat to hilly limestone area, after which the term `karst' was named, with a rich diversity of karst features such as caves, sink-holes, dolinas and canyons. Rocky and sparsely vegetated until the beginning of the 20th century, the area is now partly afforested (Pinus nigra). Land-use has been abandoned over vast areas which are now undergoing natural succession to shrubland and forest. The region is now a mosaic of dry and rocky meadows and pastures, shrublands in various stages of succession, and woods. There is a strong Mediterranean component to the flora and fauna.
Key biodiversity
Several species of European conservation concern (SPECs), typical of woodland, meadow and pasture, breed in important numbers, and numerous other SPECs breed in less significant numbers. Significant proportion (³1%) of national population breeding at site: Carduelis chloris (min. 500 pairs). Nationally, Karst is also notable as a wintering site for many species because of its favourable climate (low snow-cover, etc.).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Karst (Slovenia). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/karst-iba-slovenia on 24/12/2024.