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close| Location | Iceland, Rangárvallasýsla |
| Central coordinates | 20o 2.00' West 63o 36.00' North |
| IBA criteria | B3 |
| Area | 10,500 ha |
| Altitude | 2 - 40m |
| Year of IBA assessment | 2000 |
Ornithological information Numenius phaeopus occurs at the highest density recorded in Iceland, or possibly in the world (42 pairs/km2). Not much information on birds is available for the area, but the breeding avifauna includes a good variety of ducks, waders and other waterbirds.
Site description A glacial outwash plain formed by the Markarfljót river. Habitats include small marshes of sedge (Carex, Eriophorum), sandy areas with rushes Juncus, and flat areas of glacial outwash gravel that are partly vegetated. The native vegetation cover has been increasing since barriers were built to prevent the Markarfljót river from changing its course. Land-uses include grazing.
Populations of IBA trigger species
| Species | Season | Period | Population estimate | Quality of estimate | IBA Criteria | IUCN Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus | breeding | - | abundant [units unknown] | - | B3 | Least Concern |
Habitats
| IUCN habitat | Habitat detail | Extent (% of site) |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | Heathland | 30% |
| Wetlands (inland) | Fens, transition mires and springs; Rivers and streams; Standing freshwater | 20% |
| Coastline | 50% |
Land use
| Land-use | Extent (% of site) |
|---|---|
| agriculture | - |
| fisheries/aquaculture | - |
| hunting | - |
Management considerations An introduced and invasive plant (Nootka lupin Lupinus nootkatensis) has spread over extensive areas and is a big threat.
Protection status National None International None
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Recommended citation BirdLife International (2013) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Markarfljótsaurar. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 24/05/2013
To provide new information to update this factsheet or to correct any errors, please email BirdLife
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