Current view: Text account
Site description (2000 baseline):
Site location and context
This site covers the upper part of a reservoir used for generating hydroelectric power, and includes some islands as well as surrounding forests, swamps and meadows.
There are important numbers of breeding
Botaurus stellaris and
Alcedo atthis. Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria:
Haliaeetus albicilla (1-2 pairs) and
Crex crex (a few calling males). Other notable breeding species include
Aythya ferina (min. 20 pairs) and
Dendrocopos medius (min. 6 pairs).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Due to hydropower generation, the water-levels of the reservoir fluctuate between day and night by as much as 0.5 m, although by less in summer. A serious impact on birds is predicted, although this has not yet been investigated.
National High
International None10,173 ha of IBA covered by Regional Park (Kauno Marios, 10,173 ha).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Kauno Marios water reservoir & eastern coastal zone (Lithuania). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/kauno-marios-water-reservoir-&-eastern-coastal-zone-iba-lithuania on 22/11/2024.
