The Site consists of the natural delta of the River Rapa and a freshwater lake located between the mountains of Sarek National Park and a zone of coniferous forests. The unique delta represents a landscape of great scenic value composed of numerous lagoons and levees. Due to the large quantities of glacial outwash brought down by the river from the mountains, the delta is expanding into the northern end of Laidaure Lake and therefore changes character continuously. The Site features subalpine birch forest, coniferous woodland and Salix. The Alpine heaths and grasslands support a high diversity of species. The delta is the most important locality in the Sarek region for birds, in particular as a breeding ground for ducks and waders, including a number of species listed in the Swedish Red List such as the ruff Philomachus pugnax, the Lapland longspur Calcarius lapponicus and the northern pintail Anas acuta. The Site also provides refuge from storms in the high mountains and constitutes a stop-over site for migrating birds waiting for the ice and snow to melt in higher altitudes. Human activities include reindeer husbandry, hiking and fishing. The main threats affecting the ecological character of the Site relate to hunting and recreational activities. A management plan exists for the overlapping National Park and Nature Reserve and there are plans to provide national legal protection for the remaining parts of the Ramsar Site.

Last publication date: 31-03-2017