IBA Strážovské vrchy
Strážovské vrchy
Districts: Bánovce nad Bebravou, Bytča, Ilava, Považská Bystrica, Prievidza, Púchov, Trenčín, Žilina
Altitude: 223 m – 1213 m
Area: 595,86 km2
Description
It is a forested area that consists of two geographical units – Strážovské vrchy mountains and Súľovské vrchy mountains. There are rocky, meadow and agricultural habitats as well. Beech and beech-fir forests prevail in the whole territory. Maple-beech forests are typical for the highest portions of the mountains. In the rocky habitats, mainly in the northern parts, can be found relict calciphile pine and larch forests. Thermophilic submediterranean oak woods are located in southern parts. Foothill alluvial ash and alder forests can be found alongside the water courses.
Area protection
IBA Strážovské vrchy was designated a Special Protection Area (SPA) on September 17, 2009.
Other protected areas in the region of IBA Strážovské vrchy: Protected Landscape Area Strážovské vrchy
Importance
Strážovské vrchy mountains are very important nesting site of bird species of rocky habitats and mountain meadows. The most important population of Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) in Slovakia nests in the area.
Qualifying species
| Species | Breeding population | Criterion | |
| Pop.min. | Pop.max. | ||
| Peregrine Falcon – Falco peregrinus | 4 | 10 | C6 |
| Eagle Owl – Bubo bubo | 15 | 23 | C6 |
| Grey-headed Woodpecker – Picus canus | 70 | 150 | C6 |
| Middle Spotted Woodpecker – Dendrocopos medius | 230 | 470 | C6 |
Other important species
Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus), Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), Hazel Grouse (Tetrastes bonasia/Bonasa bonasia), Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix), Corncrake (Crex crex), Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur), Tengmalm’s Owl (Aegolius funereus), European Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus), Wryneck (Jynx torquilla), Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius), White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos), Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus), Common Stonechat (Saxicola torquata), Barred Warbler (Sylvia nisoria), Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata), Red-breasted Flycatcher (Ficedula parva), Collared Flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis), Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio), Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor)