Lakes Aittojärvi and Kongasjärvi. 02/02/04; Oulu, 703 ha; 65°16'N 026°54'E. Natura 2000 SPA, WHCP. Very shallow lakes with extensive vegetation zones with growths of water horsetail and sedge meadows and swampy shores, constituted on peat, glacigenic ground moraine, and glacifluvial gravel and sand ground. Both lakes are important areas for waterfowl and waders in the periods of breeding, molting and migration. Between 13 and 17 species of the EU Birds Directive Annex I breed in the area, as well as EU Habitats Directive Annex II mammals such as the otter (lutra lutra). The mires of Aittojärvi have been drained to some extent, and the water level of Kongasjärvi has been lowered earlier and bushes have conquered the alluvial meadows. Overgrowing of both lakes and hunting of waterfowl in autumn is negatively affecting the site. Furthermore the populations of American Mink and Raccoon Dog may cause damage to the breeding of birds. Ramsar site no. 1518. Most recent RIS information: 2005.

Oulu