IBA Malá Fatra
Malá Fatra
Districts: Čadca, Dolný Kubín, Martin, Námestovo,Prievidza, Ružomberok, Žilina
Altitude: 355 m – 1708 m
Area: 714,81 km2
Description
Malá Fatra is the third highest mountain range in Slovakia. It lies in the western part of the Carpathian arc. It has preserved natural ecosystems in which the essential ecological processes are maintained, a great diversity of habitats, species and communities of Western Carpathian flora and fauna as well. It is characterized by an extreme variety of geological, geomorphological and climatic conditions that result in high ecosystem diversity.
Area protection
IBA Malá Fatra was designated a Special Protection Area (SPA) on October 22, 2010.
Other protected areas in the region of IBA Malá Fatra: Malá Fatra National Park
Importance
Mala Fatra is an important territory for nesting of species of rocky habitat, foothill mosaic landscape and many forest species of birds. It is one of the top five areas of Slovakia for Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo), Rock Thrush (Monticola saxatilis), Collared Flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis) and other species.
Qualifying species
| Species | Breeding population | Criterion | |
| Pop.min. | Pop.max. | ||
| Golden Eagle – Aquila chrysaetos | 6 | 10 | C6 |
| Peregrine Falcon – Falco peregrinus | 3 | 7 | C6 |
| Black Grouse – Tetrao tetrix | 30 | 50 | C6 |
| Capercaillie – Tetrao urogallus | 30 | 40 | C6 |
| Eagle Owl – Bubo bubo | 25 | 25 | C6 |
| Tengmalm’s Owl – Aegolius funereus | 140 | 200 | C6 |
| Grey-headed Woodpecker – Picus canus | 80 | 160 | C6 |
| Black Woodpecker – Dryocopus martius | 140 | 260 | C6 |
| Syrian Woodpecker – Dendrocopos syriacus | 20 | 60 | C6 |
| Three-toed Woodpecker – Picoides tridactylus | 100 | 200 | C6 |
| Red-breasted Flycatcher – Ficedula parva | 650 | 1750 | C6 |
| Collared Flycatcher – Ficedula albicollis | 3400 | 5600 | C6 |
Other important species
Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus), Hazel Grouse (Tetrastes bonasia/Bonasa bonasia), Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix), Corncrake (Crex crex), Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum), Ural Owl (Strix uralensis), European Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus), Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos), Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus), Rock Thrush (Monticola saxatilis), Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata), Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor)