IBA Volovské vrchy

Volovské vrchy

Districts: Gelnica, Košice I, Košice II, Košice okolie, Prešov, Rožňava, Spišská Nová Ves
Altitude: 240 m – 1322 m
Area: 1280,14 km2

Description

It is a large forested mountain area. Beech forests prevail in the eastern parts, spruce forests prevail in the west. In the central part precious fir forests with primeval character can be found. The valleys are thin and sparsely fertile, many primeval ecosystems as peat bogs are preserved here. Mountain meadows with precious wetland, herbaceous and animal communities can be found on the ranges. The area of Galmus has significant broken limestone gorges and valleys with dish-beech forests, spruce forests and other mixed vegetation.

Area protection

IBA Volovské vrchy was designated a Special Protection Area (SPA) on April 16, 2010.

Importance

The area belongs to the most important breeding sites of Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos), Red-breasted Flycatcher (Ficedula parva) and Collared Flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis). It is important in preserving of populations of forest bird species that are typical for Carpathians, mainly boreal species of Slovak fauna.

Qualifying species

Species Breeding population Criterion
Pop.min. Pop.max.
Black Stork – Ciconia nigra 30 40 C6
Honey Buzzard – Pernis apivorus 40 50 C6
Lesser Spotted Eagle – Aquila pomarina 23 29 C6
Pygmy Owl – Glaucidium passerinum 150 170 C6
Ural Owl – Strix uralensis 100 140 C6
Common Kingfisher – Alcedo atthis 10 20 C6
Grey-headed Woodpecker – Picus canus 120 180 C6
Black Woodpecker – Dryocopus martius 130 270 C6
White-backed Woodpecker – Dendrocopos leucotos 180 280 C6
Three-toed Woodpecker – Picoides tridactylus 120 180 C6
Red-breasted Flycatcher – Ficedula parva 1700 2300 C6
Collared Flycatcher – Ficedula albicollis 3700 7300 C6
Red-backed Shrike – Lanius collurio 1200 2400 C6

Other important species

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), Hazel Grouse (Tetrastes bonasia/Bonasa bonasia), Black Grouse (Lyrurus tetrix/Tetrao tetrix), Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix), Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur), Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo), Tengmalm’s Owl (Aegolius funereus), Wryneck (Jynx torquilla), Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos medius), Barred Warbler (Sylvia nisoria), Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata)

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