Knapdale Lochs

Also within

Argyll and Bute County Knapdale Scenic Area

Condition (NatureScot)

Birds & fish recorded

Birds

Description

Knapdale Lochs Knapdale Lochs SSSI is comprised of a group of four small upland lochs in the Knapdale area of Argyll. These are Dubh Loch, Loch Clachaig, Loch Fuar-Bheinne and Loch nan Torran. Knapdale Lochs SSSI supports a nationally important breeding population of black-throated diver Gavia arctica. The lochs are all located within an altitudinal range of 220-420 metres above sea level and are nutrient poor (oligotrophic) with characteristic emergent and aquatic flora. These lochs provide breeding sites for the black-throated diver, a rare breeding species in Britain confined to the north and west of Scotland. The SSSI supports over 2% of the UK black-throated diver population. Knapdale Lochs are also the most southerly black-throated diver breeding territories in Britain and have a higher than average productivity. The combination of high productivity and location at the edge of the European range make this site extremely valuable to the maintenance of the British population. Black-throated diver (Gavia arctica), breeding

Species mentioned