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)