Data Zone
Country/territory: Belarus
IBA criteria met: A1, B2 (2005)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 19,990 hectares (199.90 km2)
Site description (2002 baseline)
The IBA covers the most significant part for biodviersity conservation of the Sozh floodplain from the mouth of the Besiad river up to the Vetka river. The Sozh floodplain is about 5-6 km wide. The floodplain is mainly present on both sides of the river, though sometimes only on one bank or the other.
Key biodiversity
More than 20,000 geese and 30,000 waders stop off in April-May for feeding and rest. White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons and Ruff Philomachus pugnax are especially numerous on migration. The floodplain meadows are used by large breeding populations of the globally threatened Corncrake Crex crex and Great Snipe Gallinago media. Breeding Garganey Anas querquedula, Black Tern Chlidonias niger, and Bluethroat Luscinia svetica are also high in number.
Non-bird biodiversity: No special flora and fauna studies have been performed on the site.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Sož floodplain (Belarus). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/sož-floodplain-iba-belarus on 23/12/2024.