Loch Laxavat Ard and Loch Laxavat Iorach
Also within
Condition (NatureScot)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Breeding bird assemblage | Favourable | — | 2014-11-19 |
| F2 | Oligotrophic loch | Favourable | — | 2020-04-16 |
| F3 | Scrub | Unfavourable Recovering | — | 2011-12-14 |
Habitats
Birds & fish recorded
Birds
| Species | Season |
|---|---|
| common gull | Breeding |
| great black-backed gull | Breeding |
| greylag goose | Breeding |
| lesser black-backed gull | Breeding |
Description
Loch Laxavat Ard and Loch Laxavat Iorach Loch Laxavat Ard and Loch Laxavat Iorach are fine Western Isles examples of oligotrophic lochs with wooded islands. They are situated amid the peatlands of Lewis. Semi-natural woodland and associated wildlife on the islands have survived the frequent burning and overgrazing evident in the adjacent moorland. The low nutrient content of the lochs, river and burns is reflected in their limited flora and fauna. great black-backed gull, lesser black-backed gull, common gull, tern species and greylag goose, nest and feed within the site.
Species mentioned
Show the 3 species mentioned in the description, with red-list status| English name search for this in other sites |
Latin name search with Google |
IUCN / Red List | Type | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| greylag goose | Anser anser | LC (NonBreeding) | bird-goose | anatidae |
| common gull | Larus canus | LC (NonBreeding) | bird-gull | laridae |
| lesser black-backed gull | Larus fuscus | DD (Breeding) | bird-gull | laridae |
Plant communities
A9 — Fast flowing river and stream, Marginal and inundation, Pond ditch and canal, Sluggish river and stream
Potamogeton natans community
Show 20 indicator speciesSchoenoplectus lacustris, Juncus bulbosus, Sparganium angustifolium, Sparganium erectum, Sparganium minimum, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Lobelia dortmanna, Equisetum fluviatile, Myriophyllum alterniflorum, Elodea canadensis, Lemna minor, Lemna trisulca, Nymphaea alba, Callitriche platycarpa, Callitriche stagnalis, Littorella uniflora, Potamogeton natans, Ranunculus trichophyllus, Glyceria fluitans, Chara subspinosa
A14 — Fast flowing river and stream
Myriophyllum alterniflorum community
Show 15 indicator speciesIsolepis fluitans, Juncus bulbosus, Fontinalis antipyretica, Lobelia dortmanna, Equisetum fluviatile, Myriophyllum alterniflorum, Lemna minor, Callitriche stagnalis, Littorella uniflora, Potamogeton filiformis, Potamogeton gramineus, Potamogeton natans, Ranunculus peltatus, Chara spp., Nitella hyalina
A17 — Chalk river and stream, Fast flowing river and stream
Ranunculus penicillatus ssp. pseudofluitans community
Show 11 indicator speciesBerula erecta, Nasturtium officinale, Elodea canadensis, Lemna minor, Callitriche stagnalis, Veronica beccabunga, Polygonum amphibium, Polygonum hydropiper, Potamogeton crispus, Potamogeton pectinatus, Ranunculus penicillatus ssp. pseudofluitans
A18 — Fast flowing river and stream
Ranunculus fluitans community
Show 12 indicator speciesFontinalis antipyretica, Fontinalis squamosa var. curnowii, Myriophyllum alterniflorum, Myriophyllum spicatum, Elodea canadensis, Mentha aquatica, Lemna gibba, Lemna minor, Potamogeton perfoliatus, Ranunculus fluitans, Glyceria fluitans, Phalaris arundinacea