Teici Nature Reserve                            

Teici Nature Reserve (TNR) conserving the largest unchanged raised bog in Latvia and the Baltic States. TNR is a huge complex of wet ecosystems (bogs, forests and meadows) with a high diversity of flora and fauna, particularly important for birds, both breeding and migratory. It hosts 53 bird species, 5 mammal species, 59 plant species and 26 insect species from the Red List of Latvia. Moreover, 52 bird species belong to the group of endangered species in Europe (SPEC 1-3). Teici bog and surroundings is important area for migratory geese (up to 4000 Anser fabalis/4000 Anser albifrons) and Grus grus (up to 1200).

Various types of forests (93 %) cover the largest part of Krustkalni Nature Reserve  but it includes also 2 rivers, 8 lakes, small fens and meadows. Forested area is located on steep slopes of hillocks with fens, bogs and waters located between the slopes. Most important for this area is diversity of plants (774 vascular plant species, protected from them - 14) and variety of geomorphologic relief forms. 131 bird species are found in the reserve, 25 of them endangered in Europe (SPEC 1-3). There are 15 nationally protected insect species. External protection zone of KNR includes a part of Aiviekste floodplain meadows  (15 % from IBA 051) and generally consists of agriculture landscape with small mixed forest patches. This is region of semi-natural floodplain complex along river Aiviekste, covering natural meadows and pastures (50 % in total), bush lands and small forests (20 % in total) and other types of habitats. Main importance of this area is complex of natural meadows and a high density of bird species of global conservation concern - Crex crex.