Current view: Text account
Site description (2000 baseline):
Site location and context
A large, nutrient-poor lake with many small bays, peninsulas and islands, surrounded by mainly coniferous forest (especially
Picea). There is some deciduous woodland, particularly on the islands, which is important due to its great age. Wetland habitats are found all around the lake and include grazed wet meadows. Human activities include grazing, regulation of the lake water-level and boating.
The IBA supports a rich and diverse breeding bird fauna (waterbirds, raptors, waders and forest species), and is a stop-over site during both spring and autumn migration for wildfowl and raptors. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria:
Crex crex (breeding).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Meadows have become overgrown, although some of the older examples have now been restored. American mink
Mustela vison cause problems for breeding birds and canoeists create disturbance. Twenty Bird Sanctuaries have been designated as part of an ongoing initiative, ranging from 2.1-97 ha in size (621 ha in total)˜most are situated within Nature Reserves.
National Partial
International High260 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Agnas, 260 ha). 149 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Bjurkarr, 149 ha). 368 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Gryto, 368 ha). 60 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Lango, 60 ha). 157 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Toftasa Myr, 157 ha). 1,500 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Utnasuddens Ovarld, 1,500 ha). 1,224 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Vastra Asnens Ovarld, 1,224 ha). 13,500 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (åsnen, 16,800 ha). IBA overlaps with Special Protection Area.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Lake Åsnen (Sweden). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/lake-åsnen-iba-sweden on 23/12/2024.
