Current view: Text account
Site description (2000 baseline):
Site location and context
A large complex of raised bogs and boreal forests along the Koitajoki river in easternmost Finland. Raised bogs divided by numerous rivers dominate the peatland, with smaller areas of aapa mire, bordered with patches of both natural and previously managed swamp- forests.
An important breeding area for boreal birds. One of the most significant southernmost breeding areas for
Perisoreus infaustus (20 pairs) in Finland.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The Koitajoki river flows over the border into Russia; plans have been made to establish a large adjacent conservation area in Russia. Sewage effluent impacts on the area. Several kilometres of board-walks and trails traverse the Koivusuo Strict Nature Reserve, which falls within the IBA. Part of the area is a candidate SAC.
National Partial
International High2,100 ha of IBA covered by Strict Nature Reserve (Koivusuo, 2,100 ha). 1,774 ha of IBA covered by Peatland Reserve (Ruosmesuo-Hanhisuo, 1,774 ha). 9,394 ha of IBA covered by Biosphere Reserve (Northern Karelian, 350,000 ha).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Koitajoki area (Finland). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/koitajoki-area-iba-finland on 25/12/2024.
