• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Map
• Reference and further resources

Site description (2002 baseline)
The site comprises the largest fish pond complex Selets (2,500 ha), the Selets water reservoir and part of the Ruzhany Pushcha forest tract adjoining the Selets complex in the east.

Key biodiversity
The abundance of fish, fish foodstuffs, and large areas of surface vegetation define the rich diversity of birds. The fishfarm is a breeding centre for large populations of Bittern Botaurus stellaris, White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla, Pochard Aythya ferina, and Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus. More than 20,000 waterbirds are found here in the post-breeding season.The combination of a fishfarm and a forest tract is excellent habitat for White-tailed Eagle and Eagle Owl Bubo bubo. The fishfarm is also an important migration stop-over. When discharged, the fishponds retain food for thousands of migrating waders, up to 20 White-tailed Eagles, and 5-15 Ospreys Pandion haliaetus.

Non-bird biodiversity: The flora of the site is characterized by a high species diversity. Six vascular plant species are listed in the National Red Data Book, 14 are on the list of plants requiring preventive protection, and 16 are rare for the region.Mammal species include Badger Meles meles and Beaver Castor fiber. The site is also inhabited by Elk Alces alces, Deer Cervus elaphus, Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus, Raccoon Dog Nyctereutes procyonoides, and Otter Lutra lutra.

---

Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Sialiec (Belarus). Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/sialiec-iba-belarus on 23/11/2024.