Current view: Text account
Site description (2000 baseline):
Site location and context
A fragmented forest, historically divided into the B³udowska, Knyszyñ, Malawicka, Odelska and Supraœl forests, with numerous seepages, springs (c.450), clean streams and small rivers. The terrain is varied. River valleys, mainly drained, are occupied by fens and transitional mires covered by reedbeds
Phragmites and sedge-beds
Carex. In stagnant hollows there are transitional mires and, more rarely, raised bogs. Although many stands still have a natural character, most are rather young (40-70 years old). About 80% of the forest is coniferous, dominated by pine
Pinus and spruce
Picea. Broadleaved forest is dominated by lime
Tilia and hornbeam
Carpinus, with ash
Fraxinus and alder
Alnus in riverine habitats and birch
Betula in marshy areas. Open areas are occupied by fields, meadows, pastures and human settlements.
A total of 154 species have been recorded, including 139 breeding. Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria:
Haliaeetus albicilla (two pairs),
Crex crex,
Gallinago media.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Water pollution from agriculture poses a threat.
National Partial
International None2,930 ha of IBA covered by 18 Nature Reserves (Bahno w Borkach; Budzisk; Ja³ówka; Jesionowe Góry; Karczmisko; Krasne; Krzemianka; Krzemienne Góry; Kulikówka; Las Cieliczañski; Miêdzyrzecze; Pieszczana Góra; Stara Dêbina; Stare Biele; Starodrzew Szyndzielski; Sura¿kowo; Wielki Las; Woronicza; combined area 2,930 ha). 73,094 ha of IBA covered by Landscape Park (Puszczy Knyszyñskiej im. Prof. Witolda S³awiñskieg, 73,094 ha).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Knyszyn Forest (Poland). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/knyszyn-forest-iba-poland on 23/12/2024.
