Current view: Text account
Site description (2000 baseline):
Site location and context
The IBA is the only remaining large riverine forest on a free flowing stretch of the Danube in Austria. Close to the river
Salix and
Populus dominate, whilst in other areas the forest is dominated by
Fraxinus,
Quercus and
Ulmus. Artificial
Populus plantations have replaced the natural forest in many places. The forest is interspersed with oxbow lakes, fringed by reedbeds (
Phragmites). Human activities include forestry, recreation and angling.
The site is important for forest species, particularly breeding raptors and woodpeckers.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Intensification of forestry is continuing outside the National Park. Recreational use causes widespread disturbance. Plans are underway to restore oxbow lakes and to halt forestry in some parts of the National Park.
National High
International High7,065 ha of IBA covered by National Park (Donau-Auen, 7,065 ha). 9,500 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Donau-Auen östlich von Wien, 11,741 ha). 9,500 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Donau-March-Auen, 38,500 ha).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Riverine forests on the Danube east of Vienna (Austria). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/riverine-forests-on-the-danube-east-of-vienna-iba-austria on 22/12/2024.
