Alam-Pedja. 17/06/97; Tartu, Jõgeva, & Viljandi Counties; 34,220 ha; 58°28'N 026°13'E. Nature Reserve, Natura 2000, IBA. A large, mostly flat wilderness area with a complex of mires separated by unregulated rivers and associated floodplain meadows and surrounded by extensive forests, including swamp forest or carrs of special botanical value. The area is a very important spawning site for several fish species, an important stop-over site for numerous species of migrating waterfowl, many of them threatened, and it supports a rich assemblage of mammals. The site is used for traditional berry-picking and small-scale fishing and plays an important role in groundwater hydrology and maintenance of water quality. A visitor's centre was opened in 2008 including two nature trails. (The site was extended in 2012 from originally 26,000 ha). Ramsar site no. 905. Most recent RIS information: 2012.